Yogyakarta, April 21st 2025 – A warm atmosphere and enthusiasm marked the arrival of five international students from Guilin University, China, at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Monday, April 21st 2025. Their arrival signifies the commencement of a promising internship program, a strong collaborative initiative of the Graduate School and the Faculty of Geography UGM.
This special designed internship program will provide in-depth learning and research experiences for the students over the next three months. The three students will enrich their knowledge as non-degree students delving into crucial issues within the Doctoral Program in Environmental Science. Meanwhile, the other two students will focus on research and advanced studies in the Master’s Program in Geography. This diversity in academic backgrounds is expected to create a positive synergy throughout the program.
A welcoming and informative reception was held by Dr. Priyaji Agung Pambudi, a dedicated lecturer from the Graduate School. He provided a comprehensive overview of the Graduate School’s profile and offered various study programs and shared his enthusiasm for UGM multicultural and opportunity-rich academic environment. Following the introduction session, the students were invited to experience the vibrant campus life firsthand through a campus tour covering various important facilities in the Graduate School and Faculty of Geography areas. They had the opportunity to see classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and interact with several UGM staff and students, creating a positive first impression.
During this valuable internship period, the students will receive intensive guidance from Prof. Eko Haryono, Chief of the Environment Science Doctoral Program in, who possesses extensive expertise in his field. The program is the result of close collaborative efforts between Prof. Eko Haryono and Chong-Jin Pang, Ph.D., a prominent academic from Guilin University. The primary goal of this initiative is to actively promote the exchange of knowledge, research methodologies, and diverse academic perspectives among academics from both institutions. More than just a student exchange program, this internship is expected to foster deeper cross-cultural understanding and strengthen long-term academic ties between UGM and Guilin University. This strategic step also reaffirms the active role of the UGM Graduate School in realizing its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) and ensuring access to Quality Education (SDG 4) on a global scale. The presence of these Guilin University students is expected to enrich the UGM academic environment and to pave the way for future research and publication collaborations.
Author: Muhammad Ulyn Nuha
Editor: Berlian Belasuni