Since officially opening the international class initiative in the new academic year 2023/2024, the Islamic Banking Study Program has been committed to gradually providing global exposure to both its lecturers and students. Previously, global exposure was offered to Islamic Banking lecturers through lecturer exchange activities, international collaborative research, and community service in Thailand. This time, the head of the study program and all Islamic Banking lecturers are preparing IUP students for future global exposure. On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the Islamic Banking Study Program held a welcoming event for IUP at Merapi Park from 08:00 to 13:30 WIB.

The welcoming event for IUP commenced with an opening speech by the Head of Study Program, Dr. Ruspita Rani Pertiwi, S.Psi., M.M, and was followed by interactive games led by Mr. Dede Sulaiman, the Head of Speaking Indonesia. Mr. Dede stated that the games, which included physical agility training, concentration training, verbal ordering, and chain messaging, were aimed at encouraging IUP students to continue learning English, boosting their confidence, improving their communication and speaking skills, and indirectly enhancing their listening and writing skills. The games proved to be very effective and revealed that many students who had been passive in class were actually very skilled at writing. Following this, the Study Program only needs to nurture and provide stimulus to the students.

As midday approached, the event proceeded with a presentation by Dr. Ruspita Rani Pertiwi on the global exposure plans for IUP students, including student exchanges, conferences, student mobility, and other available opportunities. “One of the essential preparations for students is achieving language proficiency, obtaining TOEFL or IELTS scores, and gaining an understanding of international issues. Therefore, IUP students must persist in refining their language skills and expanding their reading references,” said Dr. Ruspita. The event proceeded with an exploration of the potential of IUP students. Dr. Jeihan Ali Azhar, the head of IUP, and Dr. Siti Nur Azizah, the IUP secretary, stated that the potential of IUP students leans towards academic debates, article writing, scientific writing, as well as delivering speeches in English and Arabic.

Therefore, the study program will continue to guide and support students in maximizing their potential by grouping them based on their abilities and providing intensive guidance on writing procedures and other aspects. According to Dr. Jihan, “The study program will group each student based on their abilities, interests, and potential to maximize their talents. The Islamic Banking Study Program has also assigned accompanying lecturers or mentors for academic writing, articles, and speech competitions, ensuring that students have access to ample information, strong guidance, and language and writing proficiency.” Through the Welcoming IUP event, the Islamic Banking Study Program aims to cultivate familiarity, agility, and an understanding of the direction of the international class in the future.

Author: SNA