UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP represented by Vice Rector 3 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si released two FKIP UMSU students who passed the Sea Teacher programme to Central Luzon State University, Philippines. The release was held on Monday (11/11) in the UMSU meeting room on Muchtar Basri Street No.3 Medan.
The two students are Dwi Oktavianti and Fadhilatul Husna who are currently in the third semester of the Primary School Teacher Education (PGSD) Study Programme at FKIP UMSU. They are undergoing an exchange for approximately one month and will apply their teaching skills in partner schools in the Philippines, as well as getting to know more about the education curriculum in that country.
Vice Rector III of UMSU, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si. in his speech said that the Sea Teacher programme is UMSU’s flagship programme which has been widely known. Then, he encouraged participating students to remain positive in facing challenges while in the Philippines.
‘Congratulations to our students who made it through the comfort zone and joined this programme. Do not consider challenges as obstacles, but as relevant experiences and knowledge for the future,’ said Vice Rector III.
Dr Rudianto considers that this positive activity is appropriate for third semester students to participate in as a provision to be more mature in facing the future and become a provision after graduating from college.
Then, the Dean of FKIP UMSU, Dra. Hj Syamsuyurnita, M.Pd in his speech, expressed his appreciation to the students who passed this programme and the UMSU Rector and Vice Rector III for the support and facilitation provided.
‘Our children are ambassadors of the nation who will carry the name of UMSU, North Sumatra and even Indonesia. So take good care of yourself. Prepare mentally, physically, and follow the rules and adapt to Philippine culture. Show extraordinary enthusiasm, and make this experience a provision for proud competence, ‘said the Dean of FKIP.
Previously, the PIC of the SEA Techer programme who is also Deputy Dean I Dr. Hj. Dewi Kesuma Nst., M.Hum said that the two students had been given intensive debriefing by the Head of the PGSD FKIP UMSU Study Program in preparation for facing challenges in other countries.
‘Alhamdulillah, this year FETT students from PGSD participated in the Sea Teacher programme. Debriefing has been carried out by the study programme so that students are better prepared academically and mentally as teacher ambassadors in the scope of Southeast Asia,’ explained the Deputy Dean of FKIP UMSU, Dewi.
She also added that this collaboration is fully supported by Central Luzon State University, who will also send four of their students to UMSU as part of this exchange.
Meanwhile, for Dwi Oktavianti and Fadhilatul Husna, this activity is a first experience and a proud achievement. Dwi expressed her gratitude and pride.
‘We did not expect to get this opportunity. Hopefully this teaching experience and cultural exchange will be beneficial for us, our families, and the university,’ she said.
Fadhilatul also mentioned the importance of cultural preparation, especially in dealing with possible culture shock, ‘We are very grateful to UMSU and our parents for the support that has been given. Hopefully everything will go smoothly.’
The Sea Teacher programme is expected to further strengthen the position of FKIP UMSU, especially the PGSD study programme, in realising students who excel in the field of education and are globally competent.
