FKIP News — The closing ceremony of the CoE Language Diplomacy internship program, held on August 13, 2024, at Open University, Vietnam, marked the culmination of a valuable experience for five students of the Indonesian Language Education (PBI) program from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM).
The event was attended by the Consul General of Ho Chi Minh City, Agustaviano Sofjan, alongside officials from Open University, including Dr. Le Nguyen Quoc Khang (university representative), Lam Thi Anh Quyen (Head of the Faculty of Sociology, Social Work, and Southeast Asian Studies), as well as lecturers and students from the Southeast Asian Studies Department. Also present were representatives from the CoE Language Diplomacy of PBI FKIP UMM, Fida Pangesti, and the CoE intern students.
This internship program offered five PBI students the opportunity to engage in a two-month internship, where they actively taught the Indonesian language (BIPA) at Open University. Beyond its academic significance, the program marked a key step in strengthening ties between FKIP UMM and Open University while fostering cross-cultural understanding between Indonesia and Vietnam.
Consul General Agustaviano Sofjan expressed his appreciation for this internship program. In his remarks, he stated, "The CoE Language Diplomacy internship program is a tangible example of successful and mutually beneficial international collaboration. We greatly value the contributions of FKIP UMM students and the success of this program in strengthening the relationship between Indonesia and Vietnam. We hope this will be the beginning of more collaborative initiatives in the future," he remarked.
Fida Pangesti, representing the CoE Language Diplomacy of PBI FKIP UMM, extended heartfelt gratitude to Open University and all parties involved in the program. "We are deeply grateful for the valuable opportunity given to our students. This program is not just about internships but also about building strong relationships between two universities, even two nations. We are committed to enhancing the quality and sustainability of the program to provide greater benefits in the future," she said.
After the official ceremony, the Consul General invited the students and Fida Pangesti for coffee. During the casual conversation, he listened to the students' experiences. Bella Mustika, one of the participating students, shared her experiences enthusiastically. "During the two months of interning at Open University, I gained many lessons and invaluable experiences—not only in teaching but also in understanding Vietnamese culture and education systems. This program has truly broadened my horizons and provided experiences I couldn't have found elsewhere. After graduation, I hope to deepen my BIPA expertise and aspire to teach BIPA abroad again," Bella shared.
Hearing the students' stories, the Consul General offered encouraging words. "This is a precious experience, and I urge all of you to keep pursuing your dreams and working hard at every opportunity. Continue learning new things and exploring multidisciplinary approaches. Don't let obstacles hold you back," he advised.
This internship program is part of a broader language diplomacy initiative aimed at enhancing academic and cultural collaboration between Indonesia and other countries. With support from the Consul General of Ho Chi Minh City and Open University officials, it is hoped that the program will continue to grow and provide more opportunities for students to learn and contribute in an international context. (*fd)
