SDGs 1: No poverty | SDGs 3: Good health and well-being | SDGs 4: Quality education | SDGs 8: Decent work and economic growth | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the goals

Yogyakarta, 27^th of January 2024 – In order to practice knowledge and serve society, several students of the Arabic Literature Study Program, Department of Language and Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, had completed an internship program at Dompet Dhuafa. This internship program was an opportunity for students to go directly into the field and contribute to various community empowerment programs initiated by Dompet Dhuafa.

Dompet Dhuafa’s agenda which involved interns included collecting and processing poverty data, distributing aid to people in need, education about health, economic empowerment, and educational outreach. Internship students were also provided with experience in collecting donations and finding donors to support Dompet Dhuafa programs.

The internship program at Dompet Dhuafa was a concrete example of the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, namely education, research and community service. With this program, it was hoped that UGM Arabic Literature students can become agents of social change who were competent, have integrity and care for others.

On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences recieved a high school visit from SMK Mutiara Terpadu, Sukabumi from 09:00 – 11:00 AM in the Auditorium Soegondo, 7th Floor. In the opening speech delivered by the representative of SMK Mutiara Terpadu, it was mentioned that this visit focused on the similiar principle between both instituions in preserving culture.

Interestingly, the strong principle of upholding local wisdom by SMK Mutiara Terpadu was vividly reflected in the enthusiasm of the students who asked about various aspects related to culture, from the definition of culture to the origin of the name “Gadjah Mada” in the university’s name.

As usual, the visit ended with a photo session with all participants. The warm atmosphere could be easily felt and seen from the closeness among the participants who eagerly interacted with each other.

In a dedicated effort to empower students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and strive towards achieving SDG 4 – Quality Education, Pusat Bahasa organized a free IISMA Preparation during the winter break of 2024. The primary objective of this initiative was to provide support to the students aspiring to participate in IISMA Program 2024, which is part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology’s broader initiative, the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Programs. Held each morning from January 22nd to February 2nd, 2024, the bootcamp served as a platform to equip students with essential skills and strategies crucial for participation in IISMA Program 2024.

The mentoring team, comprising Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt., Alvanita, M.Ed., and Diyah Ayu Puspitasari, S.S., M.A., played a pivotal role in guiding students through the intricacies of essay writing and interview strategies. Their collective expertise aimed to enhance the students’ chances of becoming recipients of the IISMA Program awards. By delving into these key aspects, the bootcamp not only offered valuable academic insights but also contributed to the personal and professional development of the participating students.

Beyond skill development, IISMA Preparation 2024 also provided tangible benefits for active participants. Students who attended a minimum of 70% of the sessions were entitled to receive a chance for the Academic English Proficiency Test (AcEPT) at Pusat Bahasa FIB UGM for free. This added incentive further reinforced the university’s commitment to fostering holistic growth and creating opportunities for students to excel both academically and beyond.

By: Pusat Bahasa FIB UGM

At the end of 2023, a collaborative work, “Harmony in Diversity: A Journey from Jogja to Singapore, and Back,” emerged as a result of an academic collaboration between English Department, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). This book explains the journey of diversity and interculturalism they experienced during a cultural exchange program, emphasizing the importance of celebrating diversity and eliminating boundaries.

The book is divided into several chapters, each written by two English Department’s lecturers; Alvanita, S.S., M.Ed., and Rahmawan Jatmiko, S.S., M.A., along with ten English Department students; Maulita Shinta, Misma Ro Daud, Jesse Puspita, Leni Cahya, Mellyana Nungki, Anisa Sofiana, Aulia Muchtarom, Gabriella Novianti, Anis Daika, and Nur Aini. They pour their ideas and thoughts on the concept of multiculturalism in Singapore and Indonesia, which makes the book become a pure reflection of multiculturalism that provides insights about cross-cultural interactions. Furthermore, students’ involvement also reflects their perspectives that have developed during the cultural exchange program.

Overall, “Harmony in Diversity: A Journey from Jogja to Singapore and Back” contributes to the on going discussion on multiculturalism and cross-cultural understanding. Through the lens of English Literature, the authors invite readers to explore a journey beyond geographical boundaries and contemplate the importance of cross-cultural communication and understanding. This collaboration is expected to serve as inspiration for future cultural exchange programs and academic collaborations, serving as a tool to promote a world where diversity is celebrated, and harmony is appreciated.

From January 1st, 2023 to January 1st, 2024, Brigita Sekar, a student from the English Department, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, had the valuable opportunity to be an intern at a multinational company, SAP. This internship was organized through the SAP Student Training and Rotation (STAR) program, which is specifically designed to provide practical work experience for undergraduate students.

As a company running in software and technology, SAP offered Brigita the chance to engage in various divisions within the company during the internship. It did not only provide practical insights into various operational aspects of the company but also helped Brigita develop her soft skills. By participating in various projects and teams, she could enhance her interpersonal skills, such as leadership and communication skills, which are valuable in a professional working environment.

Moreover, she had the opportunity to visit Singapore for free as part of an office visit or to explore SAP’s office in Singapore for two weeks. This opportunity aimed to provide valuable experience in skill and capability development. Besides gaining insights from the working environment at the SAP office, this event also provided opportunities to learn more about the industry and work culture in the country. During these two weeks, Brigita had the chance to directly engage in office activities, interact with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and gain in-depth insights into business practices in Singapore. This experience also allowed her to build a broader professional network by interacting with professionals from various parts of the SAP office, potentially paving the way for future collaborations.

Through Brigita’s experience, we can learn that internships for students are not just additional activities but an integral part that cannot be separated from the higher education process. These experiences do not only provide direct understanding of working environment and related industries but also serve as a foundation that strengthens and prepares students to face the increasingly complex challenges in the professional working environment.

Photo 1: Interview Visit for Press Release SAP and Arya Noble dengan CIO (Chief of Information Officer) Arya Noble, Yonathan Moniaga, Rizka Laksmi (Communications Lead for SAP Indonesia), and Lili Hartono (Industry Account Executive, SAP Indonesia)