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| UMM buddies (dressed in black) mingled with hundreds of foreign students (dressed in white) during colored smoke bombs at Heliped UMM. |
60 University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) students from various departments got a great opportunity to become a buddy for 540 foreign students from 78 countries. They accompanied the foreign students to the International Gathering event in Darmasiswa closing program of the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemdikbud RI).
For three days, Monday-Wednesday (8-10 / 5), 60 UMM students accompanied and directed foreign students during the gathering at UMM. They were visiting Among Tani Town of Batu City, touring to Mount Bromo. "We give space to students to have experience and international network," said Dimas Arif Prassetyo, one of the International Gathering committee.
Dimas explained, the students’ enthusiasm to be a companion of these participants was very high. It was evidenced by the beginning registration. There were at least 150 students signed up to become buddies. After going through the interview process, it was announced only 60 students who would be buddies. Each buddy has a duty to accompany the participants and promote UMM to all international gathering participants. Since it was an international event, continued Dimas, UMM wanted to give the best to all participants. Therefore, the committee also selected students who are qualified to perform the task.
According to Dimas, By having UMM students involved in international activities, it could help UMM to reach international recognition. "UMM is trying to gain international recognition, so students become the supporting components and we provide opportunities to mix with international students," said Dimas who is also the staff of International Relations Office (IRO) of UMM.
Not only gaining experience and international network, 60 buddies would also be awarded certificate after the completion of this event. "We give the certificate after the whole series of events are done, as one of the awards and provision for students’ future if they continue in the international world," he concluded. (Jal / han)
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