Universitas Muhammadiyah Kupang (UM Kupang) participated in the Independent Student Exchange Program (PMM) organized by the Indonesia Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Fifty-two students from several campuses followed this program, including the Institute for Teacher Training and Education (IKIP) Siliwangi, Institute Pendidikan Indonesia, IKIP Budi Utomo Malang, and many other institutions.

Veronika, one of the exchange students, mentioned her experience studying in UM Kupang regarding the tolerance culture. She also explained the students in UM Kupang make good relationships and help each other without differentiating tribe, race, and religious views. “I am grateful to have an opportunity to study at UMK. I am a Christian, and I was informed to learn in UMK. From the name of the campus, I thought the majority of Moslem studied here, but here, there are also many Christian and Catholic students,” said Veronika, Friday (14/01).

In his remarks, the Rector of UM Kupang prompted the exchange students to consider the advantages and disadvantages of studying in UM Kupang. He mentioned a process for improvement. Especially the curriculum used by the lecturers has adequate qualification and competency in specific subjects. To be an excellent person is not related to facilities, infrastructure, and particular campus, however, it is from those who have a prominent personality. “We become the primary character in our life, so you should not think that our capacities depend on the lecturers, curriculum, facilities, but it within ourselves,” said Dr Zainur Wula, M.Si. [] UMK / CHERD