Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) officially sent off two students from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) to participate in the Sea Teacher Program at Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science & Technology (ISUFST), Philippines. The send-off ceremony was led by Vice Rector III, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si, at the VIP Room, Jalan Kapten Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan, on Thursday (January 8).
The two students, Adinda Sari and Nur Annisa Putri from the Primary School Teacher Education (PGSD) program, are scheduled to depart on January 10, 2026, and will take part in the Sea Teacher Program for one month in the Philippines.
In his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto advised the students to maintain good conduct during their overseas program and to use the opportunity for personal and professional development.
“Make the most of this opportunity to grow—by improving your skills, social adaptability, communication, teamwork, and collaboration. Teaching is a real-world experience, so maximize your learning throughout the Sea Teacher Program,” he said.
Each year, UMSU both hosts international students and sends its own students abroad through this program. Vice Rector III expressed hope that the Sea Teacher Program would continue as one of UMSU’s flagship international programs.
“We will continue to provide full support so that this program can become one of UMSU’s leading programs, implemented sustainably on an annual basis,” he added.
Earlier, Vice Dean I of FKIP, Dr. Dewi Kesuma Nasution, S.S., M.Hum, reported that FKIP consistently participates in the Sea Teacher Program.
“This year, FKIP once again takes part by sending two students to Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science & Technology in the Philippines. Previously, in 2025, three students from ISSO came to UMSU to join the same program,” she explained.
She also added that cooperation between UMSU and ISSO will continue through various initiatives, including language visits under a student exchange scheme.
“To strengthen ongoing cooperation between UMSU and ISSO, we will implement a language visit program as part of this exchange. All preparations have been completed, from administrative matters to other requirements,” she added.
One of the Sea Teacher Program participants, Adinda Sari, expressed her pride and gratitude for being selected to join the international program.
“I am very proud and grateful to be part of the Sea Teacher Program. This opportunity is extremely valuable for me to learn, gain teaching experience, and understand different cultures and education systems abroad,” she said.
The event was also attended by Vice Dean III of FKIP UMSU Dr. Mandra Saragih, S.Pd., M.Hum; Head of the UMSU Bureau of Student Affairs and Alumni Abdurrahman Zuhdi, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom; and Chair of the UMSU Office of International Cooperation (OIC) Rafieqah Nalar Rizky, S.Sos., M.A.
