Cooperation Office of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) conducted orientation day for 27 international students. It aimed at assisting the students to adapt their new environment and culture.

The 27 international students are from Sunmoon University of Republic of Korea, SIAS University of People’s Republic of China, and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) joining student exchange, and some of them from Rwanda and Thailand take undergraduate program. The orientation day was organized on Wednesday (14/9) at A.R. Fachruddin A, floor 5. The orientation day comprised of three sessions, namely academic session, presentation sessions dealing with Indonesia and Yogyakarta, and immigration session. There ware also several ice breaking to drive the students know one another.

Chairman of International Relations Officer, Badruzaman, S.IP., M.A. became the speaker of the academic session. He shared tips of how to be successful in academic activities at UMY. “The main reason why you are here is for academic aspects, while the social aspects will follow. Remember your parents. They wish you gain a lot of achievements here,” Idham emphasized.

He advised the students to never skip classes since lecturers of UMY considers present list to decide grade. “Thus, you have to notice importance dates such as schedule of mid test and final test. Do not miss the test,” Idham said. He also informed that the academic schedule can be downloaded on the official website iro.umy.ac.id.

The students were encouraged to respect Indonesian culture because their home culture must be different from Indonesian culture. ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ “Obey the rules so that you will succeed,” Idham stated.

The next session was presentation regarding Indonesia, particularly Yogyakarta, by Fahrizal Ramadhan, S.IP., M.A. The session provided information of Indonesian culinary, Yogyakarta tourism places, festivals in Yogyakarta. Fahri told the international students to mingle with local students. “Local students can help you to find recommended restaurants and tourism places,” he said.

In the immigration session, students obtained information of several types of VISA in issued in Indonesia. Students were reminded to always check their expired date of their VISA so that they can reports it to International Relations Officers when it is expired.