Yogyakarta (05/02) - Two students from UIN Sunan Kalijaga's Sharia Economics Study Program, Amanda Oktaviolani and Aria Dwi Dharmala were part of a student exchange program at Wuxi Institute of Technology, China. The trip took place from September 14, 2023 to January 28, 2024, giving them the opportunity to engage in a different academic environment.

During the exchange program, students were involved in a variety of academic and non-academic activities. They focus on the Financial Management major in the School of Finance and Economic, taking courses such as Foundations of Economics, Project Management, Financial Technology, Entrepreneurship, Chinese Listening and Speaking, and Chinese Culture. The learning process is conducted in English as the medium of instruction, while they also have the opportunity to acquire additional knowledge in Mandarin.

Apart from academic activities, exchange students are also involved in Chinese Culture activities organized on campus. The activities cover various aspects of Chinese culture, such as Chinese Calligraphy, Chinese Painting, Chinese Knot, Chinese Tai Ji and Chinese Dragon Dance, all of which give them a deep insight into the richness of Chinese culture.

The two were also able to experience different weather and seasons than what they are used to in Indonesia. Indonesia has 2 seasons: rainy and dry, while China has 4 seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. They experienced winter by seeing snow in China, which was a valuable and different experience than usual. Through the encounter with winter in China, students can understand more about different cultures and environments.

"Through this opportunity, I was able to experience different learning systems, diverse lifestyles, and different environments. This experience has opened my eyes to the importance of students being able to experience and understand the dynamics of the international world. I hope that more students can have this opportunity, as I believe this experience will have a great positive impact on their personal and professional development in the future. Hopefully this exchange student program will continue and provide wider benefits," said Amanda. In addition, Aria considers that studying in China provides a very valuable experience for him. "Studying in the land of bamboo curtains is very fun, and in the land of kungfu, learning is fun. Learning there is the same as in my homeland, what is different is my experience that teaches me how to learn," Aria said.

The student exchange program ended and was officially closed on January 28, 2024 with the presence of Professor Zhou Guijin, who is the President of the School of International Education at Wuxi Institute of Technology China. A closing ceremony was held, and certificates of appreciation were awarded to participants in recognition of their participation and contributions.

With this student exchange program, it is expected to increase insight and knowledge for students. This kind of student exchange program not only provides academic experience, but also enriches students' personal and cultural experiences. By participating in this program, students can broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of foreign cultures, and build valuable international networks. The success of the student exchange program between UIN Sunan Kalijaga and Wuxi Institute of Technology reflects the importance of cross-cultural cooperation in higher education.

Author : Amanda Oktaviolani & Aria Dwi Dharmala

Editor: Muhammad Al Berto