UMKT Welcomes New International Students and Bids Farewell to Outbound Mobility Participants

umkt.ac.id, Samarinda – Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT) held a combined welcoming ceremony for incoming international students and a farewell ceremony for participants in outbound mobility programs. The event formally welcomed the new international cohort while officially sending off UMKT students bound for Malaysia and Taiwan.

The event took place on Thursday, August 6, at the 4th Floor Amphitheater in Building G. It was attended by university leadership, including the Vice Rector for Academic, Quality Assurance, Student, and Alumni Affairs; the Director of the Office for Cooperation and International Affairs (OCIA); the Head of the Student and Career Center; the Head of the UMKT Language Development Center; the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP); heads of study programs; invited guests; international students; and mobility program participants.

Rahmatullah Ayu Hasmiati, Director of the OCIA, stated that UMKT admitted six new international students for Academic Year 2026/2027, comprising four students from Thailand, one from Pakistan, and one from Nigeria.

“In this academic year, UMKT proudly welcomes six new international students. Four students are from Thailand—two studying English Education, one studying International Relations, and one studying Sports Education. Additionally, one student from Pakistan will join the Psychology department, and one student from Nigeria will enter the Pharmacy department,” Rahmatullah explained.

She added that UMKT is also sending off 18 students for international outbound programs. Six students will attend INTI International College in Malaysia through a mobility program, while twelve will head to Taiwan — two for the Asia University Summer Program and ten for the Formosa Talent Internship Program.

Representing the incoming international students, Hellen Wanjiru Kamumu expressed gratitude for the university's support. She encouraged fellow international students to embrace upcoming challenges, such as homesickness and language barriers, as meaningful steps in their studies in Indonesia.

Similarly, Abdul Halim, Vice Rector for Academic, Quality Assurance, Student, and Alumni Affairs, urged international students to look beyond academic degrees and immerse themselves in the Indonesian language and culture as part of a cross-cultural learning experience. Addressing outbound students, he reminded them to uphold institutional and national values while abroad and to represent their home institution with integrity.

The ceremony featured a short video screening produced by international students, a contract signing by incoming and outgoing participants, a poetry recitation by Hafiz Abdullah, and a traditional Thai dance performance by new students from Thailand.

This event highlights UMKT’s commitment to fostering an internationally oriented campus environment by expanding global learning opportunities for both local and international students.

Author: M. Rafly Raihandy

Editor: Raisha Azzahro

Translator: M. Rafly Raihandy

Photo: Zeva Ahmad  Zainuri