Yogyakarta, September 22, 2026 – The Undergraduate Program in Korean Language and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has officially entered into a partnership with Silla Korean Tablehouse. This collaboration aims to provide special offers and facilities to support the welfare of the academic community, particularly students and faculty members within the department.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a ceremonial handshake between the Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM, Achmad Rio Dessiar, Ph.D., and representatives from the management of Silla Korean Tablehouse. This partnership is expected to create a positive synergy between an educational institution and Yogyakarta’s culinary and tourism sector.

Under this agreement, Silla Korean Tablehouse offers a special 20% discount on all à la carte menu items. This benefit is valid for one year during happy hours (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM WIB) from Monday to Thursday.

This exclusive offer is available to active students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program (batches 2023–2026) as well as active faculty members. To claim the discount, members of the academic community must present valid identification at the cashier upon transaction. Students are required to show their active Student ID profile via the SIMASTER application, while faculty members must present their active Faculty ID through the official university application.

Furthermore, this collaboration offers long-term benefits for the study program’s academic community. Students and faculty members who make their first transaction by showing their active ID will automatically be registered as Silla Korean Tablehouse Customer Members at no additional cost or registration fee.

Through this partnership, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM hopes to continue building mutually beneficial relationships with external partners while delivering tangible benefits to enrich the off-campus experience and convenience for its students and faculty.

Author: Salwa Aulia

The series of events for the 2nd American Studies International Conference at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) continues. Organized by the American Studies Study Program on September 10–11, 2024, the conference carries the overarching theme “Global America: Exploring Flows, Borders, and Transnational Exchanges” to examine America through cross-border dynamics and global exchanges.

As previously discussed, this multidisciplinary conference does not merely explore the English language or American popular culture. Instead, it encompasses politics, technology, literature, and environmental issues. This scope is demonstrated through various subthemes—such as American Literature, American Transnational Culture, Film and Media Studies, and Digital Lives—including a primary focus on the political ecology and physical infrastructure of the global digital landscape presented by Anna M. Gade (University of Wisconsin-Madison).

American Influence in Urban Governance and Spatial Politics

Continuing the focus on the connection between global paradigms and local conditions, the conference also highlighted the concept of Transnational “American” Paradigms. This discussion invites participants to shift their perspective on America: moving from seeing it as a mere producer of cultural goods to a source of development paradigms that operate behind the scenes of daily life, including urban planning, public space regulation, and economic activities.

This idea is illustrated in a study titled “Street Vending and Urban Spatial Politics in Solo City, Indonesia: American Paradigms, Urban Landscapes, and the Politics of Informality.” The research demonstrates how the issue of street vendors and urban spatial dynamics in Solo can be read through the lens of American Studies. In this context, the city is positioned as a space where regulations, spatial design, and local economic interests interact.

Through this entire series of discussions, the conference underscores that America can be understood as part of transnational systems moving across national borders. It proves the role of American Studies as an academic space to analyze the relationship between America and various social changes around the world.

[Author: FIB Public Relations, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

Students of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) attended a course on Entrepreneurship and Personal Development featuring a guest lecture on “Arabic-Based Entrepreneurship Opportunities” delivered by Kuwat Prasetya, S.S. on September 14, 2026. During the session, Kuwat highlighted the importance of mapping out and planning one’s dreams, then turning them into systems and habits as a form of commitment and consistency in achieving them. He also emphasized that small habits practiced repeatedly can create a significant impact. In explaining this concept, he referred to the key principles presented in Atomic Habits.

After raising students’ awareness of the importance of building systems and habits to achieve their future aspirations, Kuwat shifted the discussion toward the importance of Arabic language proficiency and the career opportunities that can be developed through this skill. According to him, Arabic proficiency is becoming increasingly valuable in the workplace, particularly when complemented by English language skills.

“Don’t come only when you need a job. Come with value,” he said.

Kuwat explained that the value of Arabic Literature graduates is not determined solely by their academic achievements or degree certificates, but also by the competencies they possess, particularly their Arabic language skills. He noted that Arabic proficiency should not be limited to fusha Arabic, but should also include amiyah, the variety of Arabic commonly used in everyday communication.

He encouraged students to start learning amiyah, particularly Saudi amiyah, for those interested in pursuing careers in the Hajj and Umrah sector. Proficiency in amiyah can help individuals communicate more closely with Arab communities while gaining a better understanding of their cultural and everyday contexts.

Beyond the Hajj and Umrah sector, Kuwat also outlined various career opportunities available to Arabic Literature graduates, including diplomacy, business and trade, hospitality, translation, digital media, and education, including Arabic Language Education.

“Build an identity, not just a target,” Kuwat said.

Through this course, Arabic Literature students are expected not only to identify their aspirations and future career opportunities, but also to understand the competencies they need to develop from an early stage. The experience and insights gained from the speaker are expected to serve as valuable preparation for students to take concrete steps, develop productive habits, and pursue their goals through small actions carried out consistently, rather than leaving those goals as mere ideas in their minds.

Author : Hashifa Zara Ahfiyani

YOGYAKARTA – Students of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) received guidance on personal branding, LinkedIn profile development, and professional CV writing as part of the Entrepreneurship and Self-Development course on September 7, 2026. The session was delivered by Nifa Andriani, an alumna of the Arabic Literature Study Program, who served as one of the speakers in the class.

During the session, Nifa explained that building a professional profile begins with recognizing one’s experiences and skills. LinkedIn can be used by students to showcase their achievements, skills, organizational involvement, and work experience while also building connections with people who share similar professional interests or career goals. The platform also allows users to continuously update their professional profiles as they gain new experiences.

The discussion went beyond general explanations, as Nifa also reviewed several students’ LinkedIn profiles directly. The review covered various sections, including profile photos, headlines, About, and Experience. Several participants’ profiles were discussed to assess whether the information presented reflected their current interests and career goals. Nifa also highlighted the importance of using relevant keywords to make profiles more visible to recruiters.

In addition to LinkedIn, students learned how to create an effective CV. During the discussion, participants compared several CV formats, including more colorful designs and simpler, well-structured layouts. Nifa explained that a clean and easy-to-read CV can help recruiters identify important information more efficiently, particularly when applications are screened through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) during the recruitment process.

The session also covered how students can present their experiences as part of their professional profiles. Organizational activities, volunteer work, certifications, projects, and freelance experience can be included when they are relevant to the skills and qualifications a student wants to highlight. Students also gained an overview of the recruitment process, including employment background checks and factors that companies may consider when evaluating candidates.

The discussion was part of the Arabic Literature Study Program’s efforts to prepare students for the professional world. By learning how to identify their strengths, present their experiences effectively, and build a professional profile, students are encouraged to start planning their career paths while still at university and make better use of the experiences they gain throughout their studies.

Author : Indana Zulfa Maulida

On 8 September 2026, SMAN 1 Teras Boyolali visited the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM as part of a Campus Tour for 11th-grade students. Around 150 students attended the visit, which took place from 09.00 to 10.00 WIB at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium.

The event began with welcoming remarks from the Principal of SMAN 1 Teras Boyolali. He encouraged his students to actively ask questions while they had the chance to visit FIB UGM. “Come on, ask plenty of questions later while we are at UGM; when else will we get this opportunity,” he said.

Swety, representing the Public Relations team, presented the study programs available at FIB, which comprise 22 programs in total, including 11 undergraduate programs that high school students can choose in the future.

The event then proceeded to an interactive Q&A session. Three female students from SMAN 1 Teras Boyolali eagerly took the opportunity to engage directly with the speaker. They raised several insightful questions, ranging from scholarship availability and opportunities at UGM, various admission tracks, to the acceptance rate and competition percentage for admission to FIB UGM. Furthermore, they also explored information regarding career prospects and job opportunities for FIB UGM graduates in the future.

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]