Yogyakarta, January 26, 2025 – The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education at Mercu Buana University Yogyakarta (FKIP UMBY) enthusiastically welcomed a delegation of students from Capiz State University (CAPSU), Philippines, at a lively event held on the UMB Yogyakarta campus on Sunday (January 26). This event is part of the Sea Teacher Program, a Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia (PPL Student Exchange in Southeast Asia), aimed at strengthening academic and cultural ties between the two universities.

The welcome ceremony began with a formal ceremony attended by the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education and Educational Sciences, the Head of the Cooperation, Public Relations, and Protocol Office, the Head of the Student Affairs and Alumni Office, and other university officials. In his remarks, Mr. Agustinus Hary Setyawan, S.Pd., M.A., Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education and Educational Sciences, expressed his pride in the arrival of CAPSU students in Yogyakarta. “We are very pleased to welcome our friends from Capiz State University. We hope this marks the beginning of closer cooperation, both in academic and cultural fields,” he stated.

The four CAPSU students were given an overview of the history and campus life at UMB Yogyakarta, as well as the facilities they will utilize during their stay. In addition to the welcome ceremony, the event also saw the departure of four students from the Faculty of Education and Educational Sciences to Capiz State University.

The welcome event concluded with a social gathering, where students from both universities had the opportunity to exchange experiences and build friendships. Additionally, CAPSU students were invited to join a campus tour, visiting various academic and recreational facilities at UMB Yogyakarta.

According to the coordinator of the CAPSU student group, Joane Miles A. Veedor, the event was very memorable and provided many opportunities for learning and growth. “We felt very welcome here. Besides learning science, we also gained new experiences in understanding Indonesian culture, especially in Yogyakarta,” said Joane.

The international collaboration between Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta and Capiz State University is expected to open up more opportunities for both parties, both in academic fields and cultural exchange. This program is also one of the ways UMB Yogyakarta demonstrates its commitment to expanding its international network and providing global experiences for its students.

With the spirit of collaboration and cooperation between universities, it is hoped that stronger bonds will be formed between students and universities, thereby enhancing the quality of education and enriching students' global perspectives.