The Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI) has once again launched its Student Exchange program for the second time. This program is a collaborative effort between UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta and the Wuxi Institute of Technology in China. Over the course of one semester, participating students will pursue their studies at the Wuxi Institute of Technology in China. The primary objectives of this program are to broaden students' horizons in building international networks, enhance their academic capabilities, and foster cultural understanding. The program will be held from September 2024 to January 2025. Through a rigorous selection process, including interviews, students were selected based on their foreign language proficiency, active involvement in campus activities, and financial readiness.
Dr. Ahmad Salehudin, S.Th.I., M.A., Vice Dean III of FEBI UIN Sunan Kalijaga, expressed his pride in the students selected for this program. He stated, "This student exchange program is a significant opportunity for students to develop their competencies on the international stage and to study economics from a global perspective. I am proud that this program is being held for the second time, and I hope the students will return with experiences that will enrich their knowledge."
Additionally, Prof. Dr. Misnen Ardiansyah, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA., ACPA, also expressed his appreciation for the implementation of this program. He emphasized, "The participation of students in this program not only broadens their academic horizons but also strengthens the international network of our university. During the program, students will not only engage in theoretical learning but also participate in cultural exchanges, gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and experiencing diverse academic environments. With the experiences they gain, it is hoped that these students will return with a broader perspective. They will receive education and teaching from academics at the Chinese university and have the opportunity to utilize state-of-the-art facilities equipped with advanced technology."
The Head of the Master of Sharia Economics Study Program (MES), Dr. Muhammad Ghafur Wibowo, SE., MSc., offered his full support to the MES students participating in this program. From an academic standpoint, FEBI leadership stressed the significance of this program in providing students with firsthand experience in the application of economics abroad. "This program is an extraordinary opportunity for students to observe how economics is applied in different contexts. Additionally, students must adapt to understanding the language and culture of China. While abroad, they must maintain unity and uphold the good name of their alma mater. The international experience will enrich their perspectives, both academically and in their daily lives," he explained.
Two students from the Master of Sharia Economics (MES) Study Program, selected through the competitive process, expressed their pride and excitement about embarking on this new journey. Nesha Rizky Ashari shared, "I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this program. It is a golden opportunity for me to study abroad and meet international students. Traveling and exploring the Bamboo Curtain country is a valuable experience that I am deeply grateful for, and it feels surreal. As the saying goes, 'Seek knowledge even if it be in China.' Through this program, I hope to bring back knowledge, experiences, and proficiency in Mandarin."
Meanwhile, Muhammad Rafiuddin added, "Alhamdulillah, I am grateful to have been selected as an awardee for the 2024 China Exchange Program. This is a strategic step in enhancing my competencies in this global era and preparing to face the increasingly complex challenges of the professional world. I am eager for this experience to broaden my understanding of how Islamic economics is applied in other countries and to strengthen our international networks."
Both students are enthusiastic about facing new challenges in China and hope to leverage this experience to develop their critical thinking and interpersonal skills by interacting with people from various countries. They also aim to serve as bridges for students to compete on a global level. This program offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Chinese traditions and customs. The selected students are expected to make the most of this program and return with new knowledge and insights to apply in their academic development. The full support from program lecturers and faculty leadership serves as a strong motivation for the students as they embark on this transformative journey. [N.R]