Selamat Datang di UMY! Arachnids Weave Through an Enriching Summer Study and Internship

 This summer, a passionate delegation from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) crossed seas and cultures to participate in an academic and cultural immersion at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY). From June 14 to July 12, 2024, 24 MSU-IIT’s College of Arts and Social Sciences students are experiencing a merge of education and cultural exchange, earning 6 credits towards their degrees while engaging in meaningful internships.

The group comprises 21 pioneering students from the Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies (BALCS) program and 3 Bachelor of Science Psychology students and is breaking new ground in academic collaboration. This venture is guided by the keen oversight of Assoc. Prof. Sittie Noffaisah Pasandalan, Assistant Dean, and Asst. Prof. Fatimah Joy Almarez, the BALCS adviser, ensures that students maximize both their academic and cultural experiences.

Upon their arrival at the university, the MSU-IIT students were warmly welcomed by UMY's distinguished faculty. The welcoming committee included Prof. Dr. Achmad Nurmandi, Vice Rector of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr. Phil Ridho Al-Hamdi, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Social and Political Science, Dr. Tunjung Sulaksono, Head of the Department of Government Science, and Dr.  Rijal Ramdani, Director of the International Program of Government Affairs and Administration (IGov).

Assoc. Prof. Sittie Noffaisah Pasandalan, in her inaugural statement, highlighted the historic nature of this exchange, praising UMY as MSU-IIT's oldest and strongest foreign partner. This collaboration underscores the belief in the power of partnerships to achieve shared educational goals.

“These milestones for MSU-IIT would not have been possible if not for our oldest and one of our strongest foreign partner universities, the Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. We are forever grateful that UMY is very willing to help us achieve our goals.”

This cross-cultural initiative is more than just an academic sojourn. On June 16, the students embarked on a memorable visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site in Prambanan, gaining firsthand experience of Indonesia's rich historical and cultural tapestry. Such excursions are integral to the program, enriching students' global perspectives and enhancing their understanding of international cultural heritage.

Crrently residing in the UMY student dormitory, the MSU-IIT students are fully immersed in the life and culture of Yogyakarta. They are actively participating in lectures and internships alongside their Indonesian peers from the International Program of Government Affairs and Administration. This setting fosters a robust exchange of ideas, encouraging students to build networks and form friendships that transcend borders.

Asst. Prof. Fatimah Joy Almarez reflects, 'We've made history just by being here. This is the first time MSU-IIT sent out a group of students for an International Exposure and Summer School Program. That in itself means a lot to me, and I'm sure to all the students who are here with me. But beyond such privilege, I'm most grateful for this opportunity for student IITians to gain different--wider--perspectives on the world they are meant to serve and make better. Here, through their internship/exposure in various offices of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, they will be immersed in a different kind of work ethic. Through the summer school program, they will not only gain knowledge from the courses they will enroll in, but also establish international friendships/linkages. They will also gain training in becoming global servant-leaders. After all, awareness of similarities, as well as nuances, are necessary for building bridges that will connect different cultures towards a shared progressive, peaceful future.'

The collaboration between MSU-IIT and UMY exemplifies the power of international education in building bridges between nations. As these young scholars from Mindanao embrace this opportunity, they are not only advancing their academic careers but also becoming ambassadors of cultural exchange and understanding.

Looking ahead, a handful of UMY students are set to reciprocate the experience by joining MSU-IIT for the upcoming semester from August to December, further strengthening the ties between the two institutions.

As the Arachnids' Indonesian adventure continues, these students will undoubtedly accumulate experiences and memories that will shape their academic and personal lives for years to come. This summer, under the nurturing guidance of both MSU-IIT and UMY, they are not just learning about the world—they are living it.