Student exchange programs offer students the opportunity to gain academic experience while getting to know a new environment and culture. This is exactly what students from Youngsan University in South Korea are experiencing as they participate in a student exchange program at the Tourism Marketing Management (MPP) program at the Indonesia University of Education (UPI).
The Youngsan University students arrived in Bandung on August 20 and began attending classes at UPI on August 24. They come from two different academic backgrounds: Bakery & Beverage and Airline Service. Their presence is part of an exchange experience that brings together students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds within the academic environment of UPI’s MPP program.
From the moment they arrived at UPI, the Youngsan University students noticed that the campus atmosphere was quite different from that of universities in South Korea. One thing that caught their attention was the UPI campus, which they found to be much larger. They were also intrigued by the various facilities available such as the swimming pool, sports fields, and tennis court which provided them with new experiences during their time on campus.
It wasn’t just the physical campus environment; the friendliness of UPI students was also one of the things that left a lasting impression on them. The Youngsan University students admitted that UPI students often took the initiative to approach them and strike up conversations. This gradually eased the concerns they had upon arrival—particularly regarding the language and the unfamiliar environment. The friendly and open attitude of the UPI students made them feel more comfortable and enthusiastic about participating in academic activities.
The adaptation process took place gradually. During campus activities, the Youngsan University students found it fairly easy to mingle with the MPP students. Outside of class hours, they often spent time together, from casual conversations in the gazebo with students from various class years to eating meals together. Although the language barrier was one of the challenges, it did not prevent them from continuing to communicate.
These interactions flourished both during classroom instruction and outside the classroom. Language and cultural differences actually became part of the experience that enriched the relationships among the students. Thanks to their openness and willingness to communicate with one another, local students and students from Youngsan University were able to mingle and build positive relationships throughout the student exchange program.
The presence of Youngsan University students at MPP UPI not only provided an opportunity to experience a different academic environment but also opened up space for the exchange of experiences, cultures, and perspectives among students. It is hoped that this experience will strengthen academic ties while creating a more open and collaborative learning environment for students from both countries.
From the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this student exchange aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, particularly in supporting inclusive education and broadening learning experiences through the exchange of knowledge and culture. Additionally, cross-national and cross-cultural interactions also support SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by strengthening academic cooperation and networks among universities.
Author : Riani Rizki