The Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara released 60 Faculty of Islamic Religion students to participate in the International Real Work College (KKN) program in Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia.
The release of students from the international KKN program was carried out by the Rector represented, Deputy Chancellor I, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin, SH, M Hum, at Mukhtar Basri Campus, Medan, Saturday (7/8). The release of the KKN participants was marked by giving hats to student representatives, respectively, Suci Ramadhani (Thailand), Gadis Aura Azahra (Malaysia), and Sarah Mutia Pane (Cambodia).
Present, the Dean of FAI, Dr. Muhammad Qorib, MA, and the deputy deans, Head of the Institute for International Cooperation and Affairs, Rafieqa Nalar Rizky, S.Sos, MA, and lecturers. “Congratulations on participating in the International Community Service Program. Hopefully, you can gain knowledge and valuable experience for the future,” said Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin when giving a speech.
According to him, international KKN activities can be a moment to seek field experience because many activities are carried out for a month in the country where the KKN is located. In addition, students can also try to apply the knowledge they have gained while studying on campus.
He explained that UMSU, one of the PTMA, has a regular KKN program that is generally carried out for all students. “Not only that, but UMSU students can also participate in PTMA KKN, special FKIP KKN Dik, which are also carried out nationally and internationally,” he said.
This is the fifth international KKN carried out by FAI, starting in 2016. However, it was stopped for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Vice-Rector tells the participants to understand the culture to adapt and blend in with the community in the country where the KKN is located. This cultural understanding is essential to avoid misunderstandings when interacting and socializing with residents. “My students are expected to remain disciplined and take care of themselves, pay attention to food and maintain health,” he said.
In addition, the vice-rector asked students to maintain their good personal name, the excellent name of UMSU, and the good name of Indonesia, because, in addition to participating in KKN, they also became representatives in the destination country.
Previously, the Dean of FAI, Dr. Muhammad Qorib, MA explained that the International KKN participants had once received a briefing from the faculty. This briefing is so that students can carry out the KKN program that has been prepared, as well as an understanding of the community in the country where the international KKN is located.
“Hopefully, the briefing that students get can be a capital to adapt to the residents at the KKN location,” he said.
He explained that students from Cambodia also attended this year’s FAI international KKN program. “There are three students from Cambodia who also take part in the International Community Service Program. These students will carry out their service in their home countries, especially the Champ village,” he said.
Meanwhile, for the placement of international KKN locations, the 60 students who participated were divided into three countries. A total of 11 students went to Cambodia, 20 to Malaysia, and 29 to Thailand.
On that occasion, Dr. Qorib conveyed his gratitude to the university leadership for supporting and facilitating International Community Service activities. Citing the Rector’s message, students in KKN are not only provided with academic material but also filled with community service and research activities.
The chairman of LKUI, Rafieqa Nalar Rizky, S.Sos, MA, added that international KKN is an extraordinary achievement for FAI. This international KKN can be a new spirit to motivate other students and is essential to increasing student and institutional networks.
