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MSU-IIT visits Universitas Garut for Cultural and Academic Exchange

by Jemylene Lico, CASS-English | Jul 30 2024

MSU-IIT has once again strengthened its international linkages with a visit to Universitas Garut (UNIGA) in Indonesia, making a mark as the first International University to visit UNIGA this year. A delegation of 24 students from the College of Arts and Social Sciences at MSU-IIT, accompanied by two esteemed faculty members, participated in a summer school program at UNIGA from June 22 to June 25, 2024. 

The group included 21 Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies students, 3 Bachelor of Science in Psychology students, Assistant Dean Associate Professor Sittie Noffaisah Pasandalan, and Assistant Professor Fatimah Joy Almarez. The delegation was warmly received by their hosts, including staff and students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY).

The trip took approximately 13 hours by bus from Yogyakarta to Garut. Despite the long journey, the participants expressed that it was worth the effort. The UMY team, including Dr. Rijal Ramdani, Annisaa Luthfi Amalia, Fauziah Nauri Qisty, and students Kevin Arya Pranaja and Kerkulah P. Nyeleker from the IGov department, ensured a smooth travel experience for the MSU-IIT delegation.

Upon their arrival in Garut, the MSU-IIT and UMY delegates were greeted with a heartfelt welcoming dinner from UNIGA. During the opening ceremony, UNIGA Rector Dr. Ir. H. Abdusy Syakur Amin, M.Eng., IPU expressed that the visit from MSU-IIT students marks the first international summer school in Garut, the Swiss Van Java. “The program is really extraordinary, this activity provides an interesting experience for all students from MSU-IIT, UNIGA, and UMY because this program can add new insights to foreign students,” Rector Syakur added.

Associate Professor Pasandalan expressed her gratitude and excitement, saying "It is such an honor to be here. I believe that we are the first university from the Philippines to reach UNIGA, and I sincerely hope that this is the start of a partnership that will be both beneficial to our universities.” She expressed hope that despite the long distance, collaborative activities can be started even via online such as the exchange of lecturers for short online classes.

Following the opening ceremony, the MSU-IIT and UMY representatives were accommodated at Harmoni Hotel. The second day included a visit to the historic Situ Cangkuang Temple, a significant Hindu temple founded in 1966. Here, MSU-IIT students had the opportunity to interact with peers from the Institute Pertanian Bogor (IPB), exchanging cultural insights and social media contacts.

Another highlight was the lunch and agro-tourism tour at Eptilu Farm, where the delegation was greeted by Rizal Fahreza, the owner and founder of the farm and a renowned agricultural researcher. His inspiring story resonated with the students, one of whom presented him with a peso coin, noting the shared name with the Philippines' national hero, José Rizal.

The third day featured a series of lectures by selected UNIGA professors,as well as by Dr. Ramdani, Associate Professor Pasandalan, and Assistant Professor Almarez as part of the summer school program.

Late in the afternoon, the students engaged in traditional Indonesian games, further immersing themselves in the local culture. The final day saw the delegation welcomed by various departments of UNIGA for a campus tour, marking the end of a memorable and enriching experience for Filipino visitors.

This visit not only strengthened academic ties but also fostered meaningful cultural exchanges between the institutions.

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