The Indonesian Language Institute for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) organized a cultural field trip for its international students on Wednesday (April 23).
The activity was part of an immersive learning initiative that integrates language, culture, and history into a meaningful educational experience.
With the aim of showcasing the rich local heritage of Medan, participants visited several iconic and historical sites, including Maimun Palace, Petisah Market, Al-Mashun Grand Mosque, Bank Indonesia Library, and the historic Het Warenhuis building.
“Through this field trip, we want students not only to speak Bahasa Indonesia, but also to understand the cultural context behind the words they learn,” said the Head of BIPA UMSU.
Throughout the activity, students enthusiastically interacted with local residents, recorded new vocabulary, and engaged in cultural experiences firsthand.
At Petisah Market, for instance, they practiced bargaining while learning Indonesian shopping-related terms. Meanwhile, visits to Maimun Palace and Al-Mashun Grand Mosque offered insights into the history and cultural values of the Deli Malay heritage.
Muzan, a student from Sudan, shared that the experience significantly deepened his understanding of Bahasa Indonesia.
“I feel more connected to Indonesia after experiencing its culture and history firsthand. It has really helped me understand the language better,” he said.
This initiative not only supports language acquisition, but also fosters cross-cultural understanding, turning the city of Medan into a dynamic and meaningful learning environment for international students.
