The year 2024 became one of the most memorable chapters in the life journey of Yuni Sriharyani, an alumnus of Master of Communication Science FISIP UI class of 2023. This woman from Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, finally realized her dream since she was a teenager, namely to live and study in South Korea.
Through the student exchange program between the University of Indonesia (UI) and Kyungpook National University (KNU), Yuni spent the 2024 odd semester (September-December) in Daegu City, South Korea. She is very grateful to be selected as a participant, especially because this is her first experience going abroad.
The student exchange program at KNU offers many benefits for students from partner universities, namely free tuition fees while at KNU and free campus dormitory facilities. The participants are also given the freedom to choose a variety of courses taught in English, with a maximum total of 9 credits (Semester Credit Units).
Yuni said, the registration process was simple, only file selection and arrangement of recommendation letters from the campus, faculty, and study program. “The Communication Studies Program was very supportive in the whole process of my participation in this student exchange program,” said Yuni. In addition to the administrative documents, participants also need to prepare airplane tickets, visas, and other personal needs.
Yuni made the decision to join the program because she had completed all compulsory and elective courses at the University of Indonesia in her first and second semesters. “The only thing left is the thesis, so I think Semester Three is the right time to look for new learning experiences,” Yuni said.
Uniquely, the woman who works at the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections of the Republic of Indonesia is the only Indonesian student to join the program in 2024.
While at KNU, Yuni took several courses, including Korean language classes, business communication and writing skills, presentation workshops, and Korean conversation. At the end of the lecture period, the participants were also asked to make a group presentation about the innovations they wanted to bring to their home countries, as well as the cultural experiences gained while in Korea. Yuni admitted that the material she received not only broadened her academic horizons, but was also relevant to her work.
The valuable experience she gained did not stop in the classroom. Her four months in Daegu also gave her the opportunity to explore the beautiful cities of South Korea, while expanding her network of international contacts. She met friends from 26 countries and formed a close friendship with her Indian roommate. “He was a lot of fun, and we are still friends today,” Yuni recalls.
Yuni advised that joining a student exchange program is not just about studying abroad, but also an opportunity to enrich perspectives in life. “There are so many benefits, not only academic, but also invaluable life experiences. I came home with new knowledge, an international network of friends, and memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime,” she concluded.
Universitas Indonesia opens opportunities for active students to participate in various student exchange programs. Complete information about these opportunities can be accessed through the official UI International Office page.
(FSI)
