Supporting the Emancipated Learning (MBKM) program, the Institutional Support System (ISS) collaborated with the International Office & Executive Secretariat (KISE) of UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur designing SOPs and guidelines for international student exchange. The goal is that the implementation of MBKM can involve more students from all integrated study programs and simultaneously support the strive of becoming a World Class University.

For the SOP Design Workshop & International Student Exchange Guidelines to be practical and effective, KISE invited the Director of the ITS Global Engagement Assoc. Prof. Maria Anityasari, Ph.D., to share her expertise.

Held at the Novotel Samator Hotel for three days (7-9 September 2022), this activity gathered the MBKM Team from each study program, KISE, Language Center, BAKPK (Academic Bureau, Student Affairs, Planning, and Cooperation), and UPT TIK. Curriculum format and language transcripts are also one of the main focuses. In addition, the cooperation mechanism for student exchanges, internships, and entrepreneurship was also being worked on seriously.

“The activities must be neatly regulated. If it’s in the faculty, it means that KISE can’t intervene in it. KISE can do the consultative function while the negotiation and implementation are still at the faculty level. Or the faculty must first consult KISE; once it is approved, it is good to go. Why is this important? It is needed when things go sideways. We need to come clean on who holds the authority, who gets to say yes or no,”

Mrs. Maria

Mrs. Maria advised that UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur might determine the type of collaboration according to the ranking or accreditation of the intended partners. “I hope my bits and pieces can broaden your perspectives about exchanges and institutions’ internalization—best of luck with your endeavors. Thousands of UPN students awaited your first step. Thank you,” she concluded.

The event continued with mapping the international program and partners each study program would like to explore—either with the institutions that are higher, equal, or lower ranking or accreditation than UPNVJT. KISE wished to forge bridges with partners who have not collaborated with study programs at UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur.

“Access to go international is very easy. Hopefully, the internationalization of UPN will progress further. I hope there will be short course programs for students and staff abroad. I also wish there would be joint research programs with overseas researchers, joint international conferences, and inbound cultural exchange for foreign students visiting UPN,”

Saefurrohman, SP., MSc, Member of MBKM Team for Agrotechnology Study Program.