PURWOKERTO, Indonesia — Continuing its mission to strengthen international networks, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP) has launched a strategic Student Mobility Program in collaboration with INTI International University, Malaysia.
Facilitated by the Bureau of Cooperation and International Affairs (BKUI), the initiative aims to serve as a platform for students to gain global academic experience while opening doors for cross-border research collaborations.
Assoc. Prof. Saefurrohman, Ph.D., UMP’s Vice Rector I, emphasized in his opening remarks that the mobility program is designed to offer more than just a cultural exchange; it provides concrete opportunities for academic advancement.
“Aside from having your credits converted, there is potential to discuss final year projects that can be executed at the partner university,” Saefurrohman told the students.
He highlighted specific opportunities for students in the sciences, noting that the program offers direct engagement in pharmaceutical observation and research.
“Pharmacy students, for example, will have the opportunity to observe drug research and development in Malaysia, potentially through collaborations with two or three local pharmacies,” he added.
Real-World Academic Atmosphere
Condro Nur Alim, Ph.D., Head of the BKUI at UMP, described the program as a “tangible learning space” that allows students to immerse themselves in an international academic environment.
“Students can witness firsthand how academic systems, cultures, and collaborative opportunities operate at a partner campus,” Alim said. “This is a crucial experience that cannot be obtained within a standard classroom.”
Student Enthusiasm
The cohort consists of nine students who have expressed high hopes for the program. Zaidaan, a Pharmacy student from the class of 2024, shared his positive outlook on the initiative.
“In my opinion, the Student Mobility Program to INTI University is a highly valuable experience. It increases our exposure on the international stage and broadens our academic horizons,” Zaidaan said.
He expressed his commitment to bringing the knowledge gained abroad back to his home campus.
“God willing, we will be able to give back the experience we gain to UMP to help it become even better,” he concluded.(shan)