Surabaya, Indonesia, 12 August 2024 – The Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) warmly welcomed six distinguished counselling students from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) as they arrived at Juanda International Airport. These students, Ahmad Syazwan bin Ahmad Rafidi, Muhammad Syazril bin Amir Ali, Siti Fatimah Az-Zahrah binti Eddy Yusman, Nur Aida Qistina binti Abd Rashid, Alia Adiba binti Nazri, and Nursyarah Nisaa binti Mohd Soberi, are embarking on an exciting journey as they begin their A241 semester in a new academic and cultural environment.
For future counsellors, understanding and navigating diversity is not just a skill but a necessity. The global context in which these UUM students are now immersed offers them an unparalleled opportunity to explore different cultural perspectives and approaches to counselling. This experience is instrumental in shaping their ability to provide empathetic and culturally sensitive guidance in their future careers.
From the moment they arrived, the UUM students were greeted with exceptional hospitality by both the students and staff of UNAIR. For nearly a week, they received comprehensive support in areas ranging from daily necessities, such as securing internet access and comfortable accommodation, to academic guidance, including campus tours and assistance with course management. This warm reception has helped Ahmad Syazwan, Muhammad Syazril, Siti Fatimah, Nur Aida Qistina, Alia Adiba, and Nursyarah Nisaa settle in quickly and feel at home in Surabaya.
An orientation session organized by the Faculty of Psychology gave the UUM students an in-depth introduction to Surabaya and Universitas Airlangga. This orientation was crucial in helping the students acclimate to their new surroundings, offering insights into local culture, academic expectations, and the available facilities.
One of the highlights of their stay so far has been the opportunity to participate in the celebrations of Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day. The students were also privileged to meet with the Rector of Universitas Airlangga, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, who welcomed them personally. These experiences have enriched their understanding of Indonesian culture and deepened their connection to the UNAIR community.
As future counsellors, the importance of gaining diverse perspectives cannot be overstated. Living and studying in Surabaya allows these students to learn firsthand about the cultural, social, and psychological factors that influence behaviour and mental health in a different context. This exposure is crucial for developing cultural competence and supporting individuals from varied backgrounds.
Throughout their semester at Universitas Airlangga, these UUM counselling students continue to explore and engage with new ideas, perspectives, and practices. The experience of living and studying in Surabaya promises to be transformative, filled with learning opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Exposure to different cultural and academic environments undoubtedly contributes to their personal and professional growth, preparing them to be well-rounded, culturally aware counsellors.
This exchange program underscores the importance of global experience in today’s interconnected world. It highlights how such opportunities can foster meaningful cross-cultural understanding and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in diverse settings.
This news was prepared by the Global Experience Unit of the Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC), UUM. For information on global experience, visit the CIAC website at http://ciac.uum.edu.my