UPI and AJOU University Meeting: Discussing Student Exchange Opportunities

Bandung, UPI

AJOU University, Korea, visited Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia to discuss potential implementations of inter-university collaborations in the coming year. The meeting took place at the University Center building and was attended by Kim Won-Jae as a representative from AJOU University, Dr. Heri Puspito Diyah Setiyorini, M.M., Ph.D. and Dr. Arif Hidayat, M.Si., Ph.D.Ed., as representatives from the Directorate of International Affairs (DIA), the Head of the Korean Language Education Program, the Head of SMA Labschool UPI, the Deputy Head of Curriculum at SMA Labschool UPI, representatives from the Postgraduate School, and representatives of Korean Language Education students. The meeting was opened by Dr. rer. nat. Nandi, M.T., M.Sc. as the Director of the Directorate of International Affairs. In his opening remarks, he underlined that this meeting was a good example of monitoring and preparation for implementing previously agreed-upon cooperation in the form of a memorandum of understanding, Tuesday (22/10/2024).

The discussion began with a review of the existing cooperation with UPI and the hope to initiate student exchange programs as soon as possible this year. AJOU University offered several international programs as an initiative for collaborative programs, such as an exchange program with a micro-degree option in Korean, a paid short-term program or summer course, extracurricular programs, and a double degree program. In response, Dr. Arif stated that the double degree program offered was still difficult for UPI to implement due to financial considerations and the ongoing double degree program with other institutions.

Dr. Tutik Inayati, a representative from the Postgraduate School, questioned the eligibility of the offered program to master’s students. Mr. Won-Jae stated that the possibility of providing programs for master’s students was very high. Furthermore, Dr. Tutik hoped for in-depth discussions on the planning of programs for the master’s level soon.

Naila Fakira, representing the Korean Language Education study program, conveyed that the program offered by AJOU University was interesting and could be a good experience for them, but they were constrained by funding issues. The Head of the Korean Language Education Program, Mr. Didin Samsudin, expressed his hope that the program could provide new insights for students without being burdensome. Additionally, he suggested developing other programs that were more comprehensive so that they could be followed by many study programs with excellent program management.

Mr. Won-Jae continued, regarding the cooperation of the high school-level summer course program, which was still under development. Dr. Arif suggested holding a sister school program of Educourse for SMA Labschool. Dr. Deni Kadarsah, the principal of SMA Labschool, responded that the program was considered very new for Labschool, so a further review of the offered program was needed.

Finally, UPI hopes that the programs offered by Ajou University can be promoted to many study programs to be more comprehensive and attract many students. It is hoped that more UPI students will be active outside the campus and that international students will come to UPI with good coordination.