Universitas Muhammadiyah Kotabumi (UMKO) collaborates with Capiz State University (CAPSU), Philippines in a student exchange program. Thirty-eight students from Capiz State University would follow various online lectures in UMKO, for approximately one month starting from Monday (20/06). The students would be divided into two different departments, comprising 20 students of Crop Science department and 18 Computer Science students.

The collaboration also became a part of the SEAMEO TVET Exchange Programme – 1st Batch of SEAMEO Virtual TVET Student Exchange implemented between all participating institutions in Southeast Asia in 2022. The program provided an opportunity to boost student exchange elevating accreditation points. In addition, the program would immensely benefit the students to improve their experience during the cultural exchanges.

Addressing the occasion, Dr Sumarno MPd, the Rector of UMKO mentioned the collaboration could give a tremendous advantage for both parties and encourage International Academic Mobility. “I hope the collaboration will be continued in the other fields, especially visiting professors/lecturers, research, joint-publication, and many other programs,” he said.

On the other hand, the President of CAPSU, Dr Dita C Alfon accompanied by the Vice-President for International and Collaboration affairs, Dr Marry Ann Martelino warmly welcomed the virtual lectures. She also mentioned that the virtual academic activities currently eased the process without reducing the essence of the learning activities.

The Head of International Affairs Office (KUI) UMKO, Asep Hardiyanto explained that the program implementation required a solid team between KUI and related study programs, in which the academic roles would be directly controlled by the study programs. “For instance, Agribusiness, Agrotechnology, and Information System departments has received varied visiting lecturers from CAPSU. It will trigger us to keep improving our campus’ quality. Consequently, all departments should be ready to receive visiting professors and exchange students post-pandemic to promote other International partner universities to collaborate with UMKO,” Asep highlighted. [] CHERD / UM Kotabumi