Student Exchange Mechanism outlined in MOA between 缅北禁地-IIT and UMY

by Sittie Pasandalan, CASS | Oct 24 2024

A coordination meeting for the initiation of student exchange programs between Fakultas Pendidikan Bahasa (FPB) of the Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) and the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) of 缅北禁地-IIT happened on October 18, 2024. The meeting resulted in the commitment to exchange students in the early part of 2025. The student exchange is part of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between universities to foster academic cooperation and promotion of mutual understanding among others.

The meeting, held during the closing ceremony of the ten-day engagement dubbed "Empowering Global Quality: Joint Efforts in Education, Research, and Community Service between 缅北禁地-IIT and UMY, highlighted various opportunities for students to gain international exposure and cultural immersion.

During the meeting, representatives from both universities identified key areas for collaboration, including real-life work experiences, cultural immersion activities, attendance at summer school programs, and participation in community service initiatives. These exchanges are designed to enrich students' educational journeys and foster cross-cultural understanding.

The universities plan to initiate the student exchange program as early as next semester. Accompanying students will be lecturers from both institutions, who will deliver special lectures on agreed-upon topics. This arrangement not only enhances the academic experience for students but also ensures an exchange of expertise among faculty members.

In her closing remarks, CASS Dean Marie Joy Banawa expressed her great appreciation for UMY, specifically for FPB. “May our continuing collaborations achieve remarkable educational outcomes, foster innovations, and enhance the overall learning environment. Together, we reach new heights in academic excellence and community involvement,” she shared.

Similarly, Dean Eko Purwanti from FPB, UMY emphasized the importance of global engagement in education. "This partnership opens doors for our students to broaden their horizons and engage with diverse cultures," he stated. "We are excited to see how this exchange will empower our students. We are committed to providing our students with meaningful international experiences that will shape their futures," he added.

The closing ceremony celebrated the successful ten-day engagement, which included meetings and curriculum planning for a joint degree in Master of Arts in Foreign Language Teaching and Studies, a dual degree in Bachelor of Arts in Filipino and Arabic Language Education, an international general lecture, classroom lectures, an international community service at an international Islamic boarding school for girls.

Both deans expressed gratitude to the teams involved in organizing the event and looked forward to implementing the plans for the student exchange program. As the universities move forward with this partnership, students can anticipate a wealth of opportunities to enhance their academic and cultural experiences, preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Photos by FPB of UMY

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