Illustration of students in a student exchange program. (Source: Unsplash/Akson)

Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN) is one of the campuses in Tangerang that often encourages and conducts student exchange programs. Until now, UMN has collaborated with foreign universities to seek cooperation, such as student exchange programs, research, international seminars, and many more!

High-quality campuses like UMN are strongly committed to international collaboration and cultural exchange to foster a globally connected academic community. This article will delve into some of UMN’s proof of student exchange programs and why universities must prioritize and actively conduct student exchange programs.

Also read: Non-Academic Activities Beneficial for College Students.

UMN Student Exchange Program: Fostering Cultural Exchange and Relationship with International Universities

As mentioned briefly, UMN actively collaborates and conducts discussions with multiple universities from various countries to encourage student exchanges and the like. UMN has a couple of successful student exchange programs that we are proud to share.

18 UMN Students Ready to Go to Some of the Best Universities Abroad in the IISMA 2022 Program

One of our very proud moments was that in 2022, 18 UMN students successfully joined the IISMA 2022 program. They studied at well-known universities in various countries, such as Italy, Australia, England, South Korea, Germany, Ireland, Hungary, Taiwan, and Malaysia. 

IISMA is a government scholarship program under the Independent Learning Independent Campus (Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka/MBKM) program, which funds students to study, experience the country’s culture, improve skills, and seek new experiences abroad for one semester (4-6 months) at partner universities. The IISMA program covers registration and tuition fees, an arrival allowance, pocket money, emergency funds, travel expenses, health insurance, quarantine, and PCR costs.

UMN, through the Global Office division, faculties, study programs, and the academic community, supports this government program and actively encourages students to join.

Read more about it here!

UMN Welcomes International Students from Brunei Darussalam

On the 27th of January, 2023, UMN welcomed exchange students from Brunei Darussalam: Batrisyia, Michelle, and Aqilah from the University of Brunei Darussalam.

These three students came to UMN to attend lectures on the management study program with a focus on entrepreneurship at UMN’s Skystar Business Incubator. The student exchange program between UMN and UBD was organized by UMN through the Global Office, the Faculty of Business with the Management Study Program, and Skystar Business Incubator with the UBD Global Relations Division.

Read more about it here!

6 Benefits of Student Exchange Programs for Universities and Students

(Source: Unsplash/Mimi Thian)

1. Fostering Cultural Competence and Tolerance & Global Awareness

In an era of global interconnectivity, cultural competence is no longer optional. Student exchange programs like those conducted by UMN offer students a direct cultural and educational experience. 

Students gain a first-hand understanding of those cultures as they live, study, and build new relationships in a new environment, maybe in a language they’re unfamiliar with. A student exchange program can help enhance students’ abilities to work and communicate effectively across cultural boundaries.  

2. Enhancing Academic Vigor through Diverse Perspectives

Different countries may have different academic systems and standards. As students are exposed to this new experience, they will be able to have a richer educational experience.

When studying in a foreign country, they can experience new perspectives in classroom discussions, teaching styles, curricula changes, and more. This will broaden students’ intellectual horizons and promote a more profound and broad understanding of their field of study.

For example, a student majoring in Journalism in Indonesia who studies journalism in China will learn new things as the mass media industry differs between the two countries.

Also read: UMN Signs a MoU with ASWARA.

3. Building International Networks and Opportunities

A student exchange program is instrumental in building international networks. In addition to receiving new knowledge, this aspect of the student exchange program is probably what encourages students to join.

Students participating in these programs often establish professional connections and friendships that can last a lifetime. These networks can open doors to international collaborations, research opportunities, and career prospects. In the globalized job market, such connections are invaluable assets.

4. Developing Maturity, Independence, and Adaptability

Some students report becoming much more mature and independent when staying in a dorm as their university is in a different city than their homes (still in the same country).

Imagine living and studying in a new country– students may face challenges living far away from their parents and friends who would typically help them with their problems.

Hence, students will develop essential life skills like independence, adaptability, and problem-solving by joining a student exchange program. These skills are crucial for personal growth and are highly sought after in the professional world. 

5. Learning New Language Skills and Advancing Communication

For students visiting a country with an unfamiliar language, student exchange programs will offer an incredible opportunity to develop language skills. We all know that one way to master a language is to be directly involved and immersed in the language.

Beyond linguistic skills, students also hone their non-verbal and cross-cultural communication abilities, which are critical in today’s multicultural work environments.

6. Encouraging a Comparative Understanding of Global Issues

Participating in exchange programs enables students to understand global issues from multiple viewpoints. This comparative understanding is crucial in fields like international relations, environmental science, and global health. 

By experiencing how different countries and cultures approach these issues, students gain a more nuanced, comprehensive perspective, essential for addressing global challenges, and become more tolerant and respectful of various cultures.

Also read: 8 Part-Time Job Ideas for Students.

Conclusion

(Source: Unsplash/Windows)

The benefits of a student exchange program are endless and essential. For students, joining a student exchange program extends beyond academics into personal and professional development. 

As educational institutions like Universitas Multimedia Nusantara have shown, the educational sector’s responsibility is to prepare students for exams, qualifications, and life in a globalized world. Exchange programs are a crucial tool in this preparation.

Are you interested in studying at a university that actively collaborates internationally and supports students to go international? Visit the UMN official site now!

By Levina Chrestella Theodora

English translation by Levina Chrestella Theodora

Kuliah di Jakarta untuk jurusan program studi Informatika| Sistem Informasi | Teknik Komputer | Teknik Elektro | Teknik Fisika | Akuntansi | Manajemen| Komunikasi Strategis | Jurnalistik | Desain Komunikasi Visual | Film dan Animasi | Arsitektur | D3 Perhotelan , di Universitas Multimedia Nusantara. www.umn.ac.id