Faculty of Medicine UGM inaugurated 16 foreign doctors from Malaysia. Dean of the Faculty Prof. Dr. Ali Ghufron Mukti, M.Sc., said that the doctors were those attending the international programme. International programme was established in 2002. So far, only five universities (UGM, University of Indonesia, Padjadjaran University, Hassanudin University and Airlangga University) have opened international programmes for their Faculty of Medicine.
According to Ghufron, apart from the Malaysian students, the programme has also been attended by students from other countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, and Germany. Currently, local students are given more opportunities for this programme. "Previously, this was intended for foreign students, but now Indonesian students are given adequate opportunities as well," he told reporters after the inauguration ceremony at the Auditorium of the Faculty, Thursday (29/10).
Ghufron further said that the international programme for foreigners was part of UGM's efforts to reach the World Class Research University. In terms of learning, the international class is similar to the regular class, but here the medium of instruction is English. The average fee is US$12 thousand per semester whilst the local students only need to pay half of it. "This programme has attracted some 300-400 students each year," he said.
The best student in this period was Noor Sheereen binti Adzaludin, 26, with GPA of 3.56 and duration of study 5 years 3 months. The lady who was born in Johor, 8 August 1983, plans to apply for a post at a hospital upon her return to Malaysia. "With a doctor's certificate, I can be accepted there instantly," said the Malaysian.
She said that whilst in Yogyakarta, she lived with another Malaysian at Jalan Kaliurang. She said that she had no problem in her social life. The friendly atmosphere in Yogyakarta helped her to get on. She was, however, not used to spicy food sold at foodstalls. "It's been good. I feel that I'm part of the family here. She commented that the educational systems in Indonesia and Malaysia are not much different, however, there is a lot more of practical work here with patients," said Noor who is interested in becoming a specialist. Â
Â