A delegation from Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISUFST), Philippines, visited Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) to collaborate on the SEA Teacher and research programs. The visit took place in the UMSU Meeting Room on Jalan Muchtar Basri No.3 Medan, Wednesday (July 16).
As part of the SEA Teacher program, UMSU is hosting 3 students from ISUFST Philippines who will carry out teaching activities at a partner school, Al-Amjad Islamic School Medan. In addition, a discussion was held on future collaborative research between UMSU and ISUFST.
The Dean of ISUFST’s Faculty of Education, Dr. Rene Estomo, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome from UMSU.
“Indonesia is a beautiful country with kind people. Thank you very much for the extraordinary hospitality. This is our second batch. We are very happy to choose UMSU and collaborate,” he said.
He added, “I enjoy the cultural differences; we can work and learn together. Besides the SEA Teacher program, we also have exchange programs with Japan and Taiwan. Thank you for your time and efforts.”
Meanwhile, UMSU Vice Rector III, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si warmly welcomed the delegation from the Philippines. “Welcome, friends from the Philippines, to the SEA Teacher Program. Since 2018, we have welcomed students from Thailand and the Philippines,” he said.
He also introduced UMSU as a university moving toward internationalization and very open to students from various religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
“Here, there’s no issue with students’ religious or cultural backgrounds, because UMSU is inclusive and tolerant,” he explained.
On this occasion, the Vice Rector III also stated that UMSU is nationally and internationally recognized and is equipped with excellent learning facilities. “We are very focused on internationalization, and we are delighted with all kinds of international activities. We also offer scholarships to students from various countries,” he added.
Previously, UMSU FKIP Vice Dean I, Dr. Hj. Dewi Kesuma Nasution, M.Hum, who also serves as the SEA Teacher PIC, said that in this program, students from ISUFST will participate in observation and teaching practice at Al-Amjad Islamic School for one month. “The students will practice at Al-Amjad, with three days of observation and teaching practice. We can collaborate and learn about the teaching and learning methods here,” said Dewi.
The FKIP Vice Dean hopes that the collaboration between UMSU and ISUFST will continue to grow, not only in student exchange programs but also in research and other academic activities.
“We hope the collaboration will go beyond exchange programs and extend to research and more. The students can gain knowledge and share experiences through this activity,” she explained.
In addition, the Chairman of Al-Amjad Islamic School Foundation, H. Fadillah, M.M, who is also a UMSU alumnus, expressed his pride in contributing again to this international program.
“UMSU is not just a partner; I have many memories here as an alumnus. I was one of the first students in the Faculty of Economics and Business. I’m happy that UMSU continues to trust Al-Amjad in giving international students the opportunity to learn here,” he said enthusiastically.
Then, ISUFST student representative Kathleen Hope Polison Marte shared her experience in Indonesia.
“Indonesia is like the Philippines, and I don’t feel homesick because the people here are like Filipinos. I think it’s just the food that’s spicy. I also tried some delicious drinks in Indonesia, and I liked them. I enjoyed staying at the hotel, although the mornings were quite cold. Thank you, UMSU, for the amazing welcome in Indonesia,” she said.
Also in attendance were UMSU FKIP Dean Dra. Hj. Syamsuyurnita, M.Pd, SEA Teacher Coordinator Dr. Yayuk Hayulina Manurung, M.Hum, OIC Chairperson Rafieqah Nalar Rizky, S.Sos., M.A, and other officials.
The SEA Teacher activity is a tangible example of UMSU’s commitment to supporting the internationalization of education while strengthening the friendship between Indonesia and the Philippines through cultural and academic exchange.
