Commemorating Hardiknas, IPB University Holds International Student Forum, Students from Zimbabwe: Indonesian People Are Very Polite
In commemoration of National Education Day, the Directorate of International Programs (DPI) of IPB University held an International Student Forum that presented international students from various countries. This forum became a casual dialog space to hear their views on education in their home countries as well as their learning experiences at IPB.
“So, this International Student Forum is conducted by DPI several times a year. We utilize certain momentum, such as welcoming foreign students or big days like this National Education Day,” said Puji Mudiana, MA as the Director of International Education of IPB University during the opening ceremony at IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (5/2).
In the forum, international students presented the education system in their respective countries and shared their experiences during their studies at IPB University. This, according to Puji, aims to build a sense of belonging of foreign students to the campus.
“Actually, the hidden mission is to build their sense of belonging at IPB University. They feel their voices are heard and we show interest in their lives,” she said.
One of the international student representatives from Zimbabwe, Grace Tsonzo, shared her experiences while studying and living in Indonesia. In the forum, she said that one of the initial challenges she faced was culture shock.
“In Indonesia, people are very polite and use formal language in everyday life. That was something new for me,” Grace said during the discussion session.
Grace also added that the learning atmosphere in class felt very different compared to her country. “In the classroom, students are encouraged to be more interactive. This helped me to be more open in discussions,” she said.
Meanwhile, Vice Rector of IPB University in the field of Education and Student Affairs, Prof Deni Noviana also welcomed the implementation of the International Student Forum initiated by DPI. He considered this forum to be a strategic forum to build active involvement of international students and strengthen their life on campus.
“Forums like this really provide space for international students to convey their views, experiences, and challenges. It also reflects that IPB University hears and appreciates the diversity of perspectives in education,” he said.
Currently, the proportion of international students at IPB University is around 23 percent, and IPB University targets this figure to be close to 40 percent. “To achieve that target, there are several strategies that we have prepared,” he said.
The strategy starts from the provision of various scholarship schemes, infrastructure development in the form of decent vertical dormitories, promotion of study programs to various countries, and assistance through buddies programs that bridge the interaction of foreign students. (dr) (IAAS/NVA)
