On Monday, May 13, 2024, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM received a comparative study visit from SMAK Penabur Jakarta in order to increase the insight of foreign language subject teachers at SMAK PENABUR Jakarta to implement foreign language learning programs. The Japanese Language and Culture and French Literature study programs received the first comparative study visit held by SMAK PENABUR Jakarta to the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

On this occasion, Dr. Tatang Hariri, M.A., as the Head of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program welcomed the guests by explaining the early history and future prospects of the Japanese Language and Culture study program for students. Not only that, the explanation of the curriculum and scholarships available from the collaboration held by the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program of FIB UGM with universities in Japan, also became one of the interesting opportunities for students to increase exposure to the experience of skills and abilities around Japanese language and culture. In addition, the French Literature study program also presented a similar explanation that focused on the process of learning French gradually from the initial semester to the final semester, so that students and new students did not have to worry about the lack of speaking and practicing French in everyday life. The curriculum and learning process of both study programs are arranged in stages so that new learners can slowly master the foreign language they are studying.

In addition to improving insights and methods of implementing foreign language learning programs, this comparative study visit studied:

1. Japanese and French curriculum development.
2. The process of teaching and learning activities
3. Activity programs in the Student Activity Unit (UKM) related to Foreign Language
4. Prospects for graduates of the Faculty of Culture, UGM
5. Approach to student interest in studying at the Faculty of Culture

The event then ended with a group photo session and the giving of mementos from SMAK Penabur Jakarta and Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. Hopefully, this comparative study visit is not only a learning tool for foreign language teachers of SMAK Penabur, but also an interesting information material for students of SMAK Penabur Jakarta who want to carry out further education in the field of foreign languages at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM.

SGDs 4: Quality Education | SGDs 17: Partnerships For The Goals

On Friday, January 26, 2024, the Head of the Intercultural Department of FIB Gadjah Mada University, Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum. visited UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya as a resource person at the Debriefing of the Student Credit Transfer Program to Egypt. This activity was attended by the Vice-Rector for General Administration, Planning, and Finance of UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, Prof. Dr. Wiwik Setiyani, M.Ag., lecturer representatives, and students of the Arabic Literature Study Program from various institutions in Indonesia.

In her speech, Prof. Dr. Wiwik Setiyani said “The Credit Transfer Program has been initiated by Prof. Sangidu since the 2000s and is still ongoing today. This year, UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya dispatched 13 students to continue their master’s and doctoral studies in Egypt. Hopefully, this activity will continue and the kinship between UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya and Gadjah Mada University will be maintained”.

The event continued with the presentation of material by Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum. who had served as Attache of Education and Culture in Cairo, Egypt for the period 2009-2013. He explained that Indonesia has a long-standing relationship with the Middle East, especially Egypt. Therefore, universities in Egypt are open to Indonesian students who want to continue their studies there. This opportunity needs to be well utilized because it is very important to improve Arabic language skills, both oral and written.