A total of 376 international students from around the world currently studying at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) are taking part in PIONEER (Program for International Orientation and New-student Empowerment to Enhance Readiness). The program was officially opened on Friday (Aug. 15) at Grha Sabha Pramana.
UGM Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, said that the university welcomes both degree and non-degree students from 54 countries. Of these, 216 students are participating in exchange programs, 49 in Indonesian language courses, 8 in intensive programs, and 103 in degree programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
“Through PIONEER, we hope to bring together students from different countries and faculties to collaborate, build networks, and foster lasting friendships,” she said.
According to Professor Udasmoro, internationalization is one of UGM’s strengths, with student mobility serving as a key activity to strengthen ties with partner institutions. She noted that many international students who initially joined short programs at UGM later returned to pursue master’s or doctoral studies.
“For many years, UGM has hosted international students and built a wide alumni network across the globe,” she added.
During the Public Lecture session, Achmad Munjid, a lecturer at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM) and researcher at UGM’s Center for Religious and Cross-Cultural Studies (CRCS UGM), introduced students to a brief history of UGM, Indonesia’s cultural diversity, and the university’s commitment to advancing social transformation, intellectual freedom, and change grounded in Pancasila.
Kenza, a student from France who will study International Law at UGM, expressed her excitement to learn at the university. She hopes to expand her knowledge while enriching her understanding of Indonesian and Asian cultures.
“I also want to work in the Asian region, and I believe Indonesia is a promising place to realize that aspiration,” she said in an interview.
Meanwhile, Alex, a student from Australia who will study Biology at UGM, said he was impressed by the university’s welcoming and comfortable campus environment, with its many open spaces. He found UGM’s academic atmosphere highly supportive and expected it would offer him new experiences.
“I hope to deepen my knowledge, especially in environmental studies, while gaining experience of learning in a tropical country, which I can later bring back to support my studies in Melbourne,” he said.
Through this program, international students are expected not only to pursue academic studies at UGM but also to become part of a global network that remains connected in the long term, potentially strengthening inter-institutional collaboration when they return to their home countries.
As part of PIONEER, students will also join supporting activities such as Cultural Immersion & Excursion on Aug. 30 and Indonesian language learning with local communities on Sept. 20.
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto Adi