Two passionate students from the School of Language, Civilization, and Philosophy Studies (SLCP) at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Nornadhirah binti Mohd Noor and Roslitah binti Madusah, have embarked on an exciting journey as they begin their A241 semester at Universitas Indonesia (UI). Welcomed warmly by representatives of the Universitas Indonesia Buddy Club at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, these students are set to explore new academic and cultural horizons over the next few months.
Nornadhirah and Roslitah, who specialise in applied history, spend one semester at UI from August to December 2024. Their arrival in Depok was marked by exceptional support from the UI staff and the dedicated Buddy Club members. From the moment they landed, the students were guided through every step of settling into their new environment, including assistance with navigating the Depok area, learning how to use public transport, and managing necessary documentation.
Choosing to live off-campus, Nornadhirah and Roslitah have rented a kosan, or rental room, at Rukita Lotus, a popular accommodation option recommended by a previous mobility student. This choice offers them a comfortable place to stay and immerses them in the local community, providing a more authentic experience of life in Depok.
The students have already participated in an orientation program for international students, where they were introduced to the city of Depok and the Universitas Indonesia campus. This orientation was instrumental in helping them understand their new academic and social environment and connecting with other international students from countries such as Finland, Denmark, Japan, and the Philippines.
One of the highlights of their early days in Indonesia was the opportunity to celebrate the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. This celebration allowed Nornadhirah and Roslitah to experience a significant cultural event and further immerse themselves in the local culture.
As these Applied History students continue their semester at Universitas Indonesia, they engage with new perspectives, both academically and culturally. The experience of living and studying in a diverse environment like UI is crucial in broadening their understanding of history and civilisation from a global viewpoint. This enhances their academic knowledge and prepares them to contribute meaningfully in a multicultural world.
Their journey at Universitas Indonesia is just beginning, but Nornadhirah and Roslitah are already setting a powerful example for their peers back at UUM. They show how stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing new experiences can lead to profound personal and academic growth.
We encourage all UUM students to follow in their footsteps and consider participating in an exchange program. Whether you are studying history, culture, language, or any other discipline, the opportunity to study abroad offers unparalleled benefits. It allows you to develop a deeper understanding of your field, learn from different cultural perspectives, and build lasting connections with students from around the world.
This exchange program at Universitas Indonesia is more than just an academic experience; it’s a journey that will shape you into a more informed, adaptable, and globally-minded individual. So, take the leap—explore the world, enrich your education, and join Nornadhirah and Roslitah in making the most of the global experience.
This news was prepared by the Global Experience Unit of the Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC), UUM. For information on global experience, visit the CIAC website at http://ciac.uum.edu.my