Tangerang Selatan, June 21, 2024 – Universitas Terbuka (UT), the pioneer of Open and Distance Higher Education (ODL) in Indonesia, continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing world-class Education. To realize this vision, UT consistently undertakes breakthroughs and innovations, including collaborations with prominent national and international institutions.
In line with this, UT has established a partnership with Shanghai Open University (SOU), a leading provider of open education in China. This collaboration enhances the quality of educational services at both institutions. As part of this collaboration, SOU offers an international student mobility program called the Shanghai Open University (SOU) Immersion Hub. This two-week program includes Chinese language and culture lessons, exploration of Shanghai, and learning about the local fashion and design industry. It offers UT students an invaluable opportunity to broaden their global perspective, build international networks, enhance foreign language skills, and develop cross-cultural competencies.
This program marks a significant milestone for UT as it is the first time the university is sending its students to participate in a non-MBKM and non-academic international mobility program. The program has generated high enthusiasm among UT students. Following a set of rigorous selection process, five students were chosen to participate in the SOU Immersion Hub 2024:
1. Vanessa Eren, Communication Studies, Faculty of Law, Social and Political Sciences (FHISIP) from UT Palembang
2. Nurul Putri Ananda, Management, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) from UT Bandung
3. Kevinanda Eka Saputra, Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) from UT Jakarta
4. Putri Anggraeni, English Literature (Translation), Faculty of Law, Social and Political Sciences (FHISIP) from UT Bandung
5. Dea Ayuni Nadzira, Law, Faculty of Law, Social and Political Sciences (FHISIP) from UT Bogor
To prepare these students for the program, UT organized a pre-departure briefing on June 21, 2024, at Wisma 3 UT, Pondok Cabe, Tangerang Selatan. The event was attended by several key figures, including UT’s Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Mohamad Yunus, S.S., M.A.; Vice-Rector for Information Systems and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Paken Pandiangan, S.Si., M.Si.; and Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Business, Rahmat Budiman, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D. Also in attendance were the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Social and Political Sciences, Dr. Meita Istianda, S.IP., M.Si., and other faculty and administrative staff.
The briefing began with an opening by MC Muhammad Bijaksabara Hikmawan, followed by a report from the Head of the Partnership and International Affairs Subdirectorate, Fauzy Rahman Kosasih, S.S., M.Pd., who highlighted the high enthusiasm among students for this program. The vice-rectors provided guidance, expressing their pride and emphasizing the importance of making the most of this golden opportunity. Dr. Meita Istianda also advised students to seize this chance and benefit from it as much as possible.
Following the speeches, the students received preparatory materials covering Mental Readiness, Cultural Understanding, and Academic Experience and Reporting. The event concluded with a tour of UT’s central offices.
By participating in the SOU Immersion Hub 2024, UT is enhancing its international reputation. The university aims to actively participate in more international programs in the future, not only to improve its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) but also to enhance the quality of higher education services and provide students with real exposure to international experiences.
