缅北禁地-IIT and UMY forge path for Dual Degree Program in Filipino and Arabic Languages

by Sittie Pasandalan, CASS | Oct 23 2024

In a groundbreaking meeting held on October 15, 2024, representatives from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), 缅北禁地-IIT, and Fakultas Pendidikan Bahasa (FPB) of the Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) convened to design an innovative dual degree program focused on Filipino and Arabic languages. The collaboration aims to enhance the linguistic and cultural exchange of Filipinos and Indonesians and broaden the prospects of students for employment and career development.

Program heads, Dr. Danilynl Abingosa, Chairperson of the lead department for this partnership, the Departamento ng Filipino at Literatura of 缅北禁地-IIT, and Dr. Moh. Naim Madjid from UMY, led the discussions alongside their teams, identifying a comprehensive curriculum that students will undertake to earn the dual degree. Key courses include Methods in Language Research, Basic Structure of Filipino Language, Teaching-Learning Filipino across countries, Adab Arabi (Mata kuliah Pilihan), Istima wal Kalam, Tathbiq al-Tarjamah, and KeMuhammadiyahan among others.

In addition to the curriculum, the meeting emphasized the importance of practical experience thus students joining the dual degree program shall spend at least two semesters abroad when they take courses at each university. Additionally, students can also opt to conduct their respective undergraduate thesis at either of the institutions with the guidance of the lecturers.

The teams also proposed implementing international community service projects that would allow students to engage with local communities in both countries. These projects aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures while providing valuable service to the communities involved.

The universities also discussed plans for lecturer exchanges, ensuring that students benefit from diverse perspectives and teaching methodologies. This initiative will not only enrich the academic experience but also promote collaborative research opportunities between faculty members.

"This dual degree program represents a significant step towards strengthening ties between our nations and peoples," Dr. Abingosa remarked. "By equipping students with proficiency in both languages, we’re preparing them to be cultural ambassadors and global citizens."

Dr. Naim echoed this sentiment, stating, "The collaboration will empower students with unique skills, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation in various fields such as diplomacy, education, and business that surely widens their career opportunities after graduation.”

The universities plan to finalize the program details by late 2024, with hopes of launching the dual degree initiative in the upcoming academic year. This partnership is poised to set a new standard in international education, highlighting the value of cross-cultural competencies in today’s globalized world.

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