YOGYAKARTA – As they enter their third semester, students of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) took part in an orientation session to prepare for the upcoming semester while planning their academic and personal development. The session covered curriculum updates, academic planning, time management, and opportunities for students to develop their skills both inside and outside the classroom. The session began with a presentation by Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, S.S., M.Hum., who explained the transition between the 2021 and 2026 curricula. Students learned about course mapping and the points they need to consider when planning their studies, including courses from previous semesters that they may still need to complete.

The discussion then moved beyond academic matters through a sharing session with Pandhita Hapsari, an Arabic Literature student from the 2023 intake. She encouraged the 2025 students to be willing to try new things and take opportunities they may not have considered before. Drawing from her own experiences, Pandhita highlighted the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and being open to failure as part of the learning process. She also encouraged students to take part in organizations, competitions, and other activities that can help them develop their soft skills. These experiences, she explained, can become valuable preparation for entering the professional world. At the same time, students were reminded to manage their time well and maintain a balance between academic responsibilities and other activities.

The session continued with discussions between students and their respective Academic Advisors (DPA): Dr. Mahmudah, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Nur Kholid, S.Pd.I., M.Pd.I., and Dr. Muhammad Zakki Masykur, S.S., M.Pd.I. The discussion provided students with an opportunity to consult directly about their academic plans and prepare for the upcoming semester. It also allowed students to discuss their study progress and receive guidance based on their individual academic needs. Through the session, students gained not only a clearer understanding of their academic plans but also new perspectives on how to make the most of their university experience. Entering their third semester, the 2025 students are encouraged to take greater initiative, explore new opportunities, and develop experiences and skills that can support their academic journey and future careers.

Author : Indana Zulfa Maulida

YOGYAKARTA, August 11, 2026 – The Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held an orientation session for its 2026 new students as part of an introduction to the academic environment and university life. The event provided new students with an opportunity to learn more about the study program, understand the academic system, and gain an overview of the various opportunities for personal and academic development available during their studies in Arabic Literature at UGM. The session began with a presentation by Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Arabic Literature Study Program. During the session, new students were introduced to the academic environment and system of the study program, including an overview of the learning process, the completion of the Study Plan Card (KRS), and other important information they need to know at the beginning of their university journey. The session provided new students with an initial understanding of the academic process while helping them adjust to university life.

The orientation continued with an experience-sharing session featuring Garin Arivian, S.S., an alumnus of the Arabic Literature Study Program at UGM from the 2020 cohort who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sweden. Garin shared his experiences as a university student, including his involvement as a Student Achievement Award recipient (Mahasiswa Berprestasi/Mapres) and as the head of Kampung Budaya, a student-led cultural community. His experiences showed new students that university life can be an opportunity to develop themselves through a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. During the session, Garin also encouraged new students to be willing to explore the opportunities that come their way during their studies. He emphasized that students do not have to wait until they feel completely ready before taking an opportunity. Participating in student organizations, competitions, campus activities, and experiences beyond the classroom can be valuable processes for discovering one’s abilities and interests. His experience of pursuing further studies abroad also demonstrated how the experiences and achievements built during university can become valuable preparation for taking the next step in one’s academic journey.

The series of activities continued with a meeting with the Academic Advisors (Dosen Pembimbing Akademik/DPA): Dr. Arief Ma’nawi, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Hamdan, S.S., M.A., Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A., and Dr. Tohir Mustofa, S.S., M.A. During this session, new students met directly with the lecturers who will support and guide their academic journey throughout their studies in Arabic Literature at UGM. Beyond serving as an opportunity for introductions, the meeting allowed students to communicate more closely with their Academic Advisors and gain a better understanding of how academic guidance and support will be provided throughout their university years.

Through this orientation program, new students gained an initial understanding of the Arabic Literature Study Program at UGM from various perspectives. From learning about the academic system and hearing experiences from alumni to meeting their Academic Advisors, the series of activities is expected to help new students adapt to university life while encouraging them to remain open to the many opportunities to learn, grow, and develop throughout their studies.

Author : Indana Zulfa Maulida

Michelle Anastasia Budiman, a Class of 2022 student from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is currently participating in a student exchange program in Japan. As part of her cultural immersion experience, she learned how to make okonomiyaki, one of Japan’s most iconic savory pancakes. This activity became part of her learning experience beyond the classroom, offering a firsthand introduction to everyday Japanese life through its culinary traditions.

During the cooking process, Michelle not only learned the techniques of preparing okonomiyaki but also experienced selecting and purchasing ingredients at a local Japanese supermarket before cooking the dish independently. This hands-on experience provided her with a deeper understanding of local ingredients, Japanese shopping habits, and the culinary practices that form an integral part of everyday life in Japan.

This experience demonstrates that a student exchange program offers opportunities to learn far beyond the academic setting. By actively engaging in the daily lives of local communities, students can develop a deeper understanding of the Japanese language and culture while strengthening their intercultural awareness and adaptability in an international environment.

Author: Japanese Literature Study Program

YOGYAKARTA – To prepare competitive graduates ready to enter the professional world, the Undergraduate Program in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully organized the Career Path & Career Readiness Series 2026. Spanning two comprehensive sessions in late July, this series of events was specifically designed to broaden perspectives on career opportunities while equipping students with practical skills to navigate the job recruitment process.

The preparatory program commenced with an online session titled Archaeo Connect: Alumni Career Talks on Saturday (25/7). This inspiring session featured three distinguished alumni of the UGM Archaeology Undergraduate Program: Cindi Shandoval, S.Ark., Candrika Ilham, S.Ark., and Dimas Luthfi, S.Ark. Guided by UGM Archaeology student Insqa Visia Spiritualita Holistica as the moderator, the three guest speakers shared captivating insights into their diverse career journeys.

Various professional pathways for archaeology graduates were thoroughly explored during this session, ranging from cultural heritage-based entrepreneurship and heritage consultancy to corporate museum management. Through their success stories, the alumni advised students to continuously enrich their experiences, expand their professional networks, and hone their competencies as early as possible during their university years.

The series then continued on Monday (27/7) with an offline Career Readiness Session. Hosted by Sheba Nur Majjid as the Master of Ceremonies and moderated by Khariza Erfani, this tactical session featured Tita Anwar, M.Psi. as the guest speaker.

In this second session, students did not merely listen to theoretical presentations; they acquired technical knowledge on drafting competitive curriculum vitae (CVs), strategies for building personal branding, and effective tips for conquering various stages of job interviews. To provide a comprehensive and realistic overview, students were also actively engaged in recruitment simulations and various case studies.

Through the Career Path & Career Readiness Series 2026 initiative, the UGM Undergraduate Program in Archaeology hopes that students will have a more directed career roadmap upon graduation. The synergy between cross-professional alumni and career development practitioners is expected to serve as a learning space that not only broadens horizons but also boosts the confidence of UGM Archaeology students in taking decisive steps toward their future careers.

Author: Muhammad Irsyad

Yogyakarta – The Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University hosted the Quebec (Canada)–Indonesia Creative Industries and Cultural Diplomacy Conference, organized in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. This event brought together policymakers, academics, industry representatives, creative practitioners, and students from Canada and Southeast Asia to discuss and exchange ideas on strengthening cooperation in the fields of the creative industries and cultural diplomacy.

The conference was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, Vice Rector for Education and Teaching at UGM. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of universities as spaces for international collaboration capable of fostering cultural exchange, driving innovation, and strengthening global networks.

Meanwhile, the closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Alexandre Veilleux, who stressed the importance of sustaining the partnership between Canada and Indonesia through academic collaboration, creative industry partnerships, and long-term network-building in the Indo-Pacific region.

The conference featured two panel discussion sessions that explored various perspectives on the development of the creative industries and cultural diplomacy.

In Panel 1, titled “The Strategic Value of Creative Industries and Cultural Diplomacy: A Government Lens”, the panelists were:

1. Guillermo Moyano, Director of Economic Affairs, Quebec Government Office in Singapore;
2. Dr. Leonard Hutabarat, Foreign Policy Strategy Agency of the Republic of Indonesia and former Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Toronto;
3. Yurnelis Piliang, S.IP., M.P.A., Head of the Tourism Attractions Division, Yogyakarta Special Region Tourism Office.

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Agung Wicaksono from Gadjah Mada University.

Meanwhile, Panel 2 addressed the theme “Creative Industry Innovation: Canada–Indonesia Business Insights”, featuring:

1. Danny Tan, Managing Producer, Moment Factory Singapore Office;
2. Ivan Chen, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN);
3. Lev Kroll, CEO of Nuanu Creative City.

This session was moderated by Yaxin Zhou from Université de Montréal.

In addition to serving as a forum for strategic dialogue, the conference also marked the opening of the CERIUM Indo-Pacific Chair Summer School, a program that brings together graduate students from Canada and Southeast Asia to learn directly from academics, practitioners, and stakeholders in the fields of international relations and the creative industries. This program is organized through a collaboration between Université de Montréal, Université Laval, and Gadjah Mada University.

Through this conference, it is hoped that closer cooperation will be forged between Canada and Indonesia in the development of the creative industries, innovation, and cultural diplomacy. All organizers expressed their appreciation to the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, CERIUM—particularly Dr. Alexandre Veilleux—the speakers, participants, and all partners who contributed to the success of this event.

Moving forward, it is hoped that the networks and collaborations established through this conference will continue to evolve into various joint initiatives that benefit both countries, while strengthening Canada–Indonesia relations in the Indo-Pacific region through creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Author: Dewi Widyastuti