The number of foreign students who are studying at UGM from year to year always increases. Currently, there are at least 1300 foreign students from all over the world enrolled in UGM and 250 of them are freshmen class of 2011. The increasing number of foreign students has gone along UGM efforts in its commitment to become a World Class Research University.
It is also demonstrated by the success of UGM to achieve 80th ranking in Asia and 321st in the world according to Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Ranking 2011/2012. "This evidence suggests the increasing position and reputation of UGM in the eyes of foreign students worldwide," said Head of the UGM International Affairs Office, Dr.Eng. R. Rachmat A. Sriwijaya, S.T, M.T, on Tuesday (4/10), in Stana Parahita.
Rachmat said the foreign students studying at UGM are mostly taking courses in the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Business and Faculty of Law. Some of them enrolled to take a degree program, either S1, S-2, S3 or non-degree programs, such as exchange program within a period of several months. "In addition, there are students who only participate in the international community service learning programs within 2-3 months," he added.
He gave an overview of UGM cooperation programs with external parties that reach up to 50 countries and 40 universities with 350 agreements having been agreed. Regarding the welcoming of 250 foreign students class of 2011, UGM will hold orientation of foreign students which is called UOFS (University Orientation for Foreign Students) in 2011. UOFS Project Coordinator, Maya Septriana, S.S, M.A, explained the purpose of the event was to provide a source of information for foreign students to any matter that would support the academic activities at UGM as well as their stay in Yogyakarta. "In addition, this event becomes a place for adaptation for foreign students to the new surroundings,” said Maya.
The concept of the current UOFS is very unique. UOFS 2011 sought to show the realization of synergy between UGM, Yogyakarta and foreign students. This was implemented by introducing and providing an understanding for foreign students about the campus environment and UGM values through presentations of UGM activity on international scale. The event will also feature art from a variety of Student Activities Unit, UGM, testimony of foreign students’ class of 2010 and the previous classes, and other entertainments. "Particularly, the testimony of foreign students will be represented by Nicholas Metherall from Australia," said Maya.
Maya added that in the activity will be shown the products of UGM entrepreneurs, such as pottery from manure waste, ice cream made from rice bran, home spa, and souvenirs, such as jacket with the symbol of UGM. UOFS also socializes the businesses in Yogyakarta as well as their markets while encouraging each foreign student to become an agent of Yogyakarta culture in the world. This can be achieved by introducing and instilling the value of Indonesian culture to the entire foreign students.
According to plan, the orientation program which takes place on October 6, 2011 at Ghra Sabha Pramana will be opened by the Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D., and will be attended by the Mayor of Yogyakarta, Herry Zudianto, S.E, Akt., MM, and Head of the Provincial Tourism Office of Yogyakarta, H. Tazbir, S.H, M. Hum.