A Simple Gesture, a Meaningful Impact: Real Support from GET Members to a Nigerian Student in Buying a Laptop as a Reflection of the International Office’s Commitment
Cirebon, October 03th, 2025 — Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of the International Office at UIN Siber Sekh Nurjati Cirebon, emphasized the importance of everyday support for international students, especially those receiving the Syekh Nurjati Global Excellence Scholarship (SN-GES) 2025. “For our SN-GES awardees, care goes beyond academic mentoring, it’s about being present in the little things,” he shared. This commitment was recently shown when Indra Maulana Arfan Ajis and Bustanul Arifin, two student members of the Global Engagement Team (GET), accompanied Muhammad Bello Abbas, a Nigerian student, to purchase a laptop for his studies. Though it may seem like a simple task, this moment reflected the core values of empathy and meaningful presence that the International Office upholds.
Muhammad Bello Abbas initially felt uncertain about choosing the right laptop to support his studies. He was unsure which product would suit him, what specifications he needed, or how to compare prices in local stores. Fortunately, Indra Maulana Arfan Ajis and Bustanul Arifin were there to help him directly. "Honestly, I didn’t know where to start. But they said, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll help you from beginning to end,’ and that really put me at ease,” said Bello with a smile.
Arfan and Arifin’s presence went beyond providing guidance, they created a warm and friendly atmosphere. “We don’t want international students to feel alone or lost when facing practical matters,” said Arifin. “Sometimes, it's the little things that mean the most, just having someone to accompany you, even if it’s just to buy a laptop.” What began as a brief trip became a meaningful experience for all involved.
The visit to the electronics store also became an opportunity to get to know each other better. Although the initial goal was simply to help purchase a laptop, the moment grew into a relaxed cross-cultural exchange filled with curiosity and connection. In that comfortable setting, light conversations flowed around campus life and the process of adjusting to a new environment. From this simple interaction, a sense of closeness emerged, showcasing the importance of social presence in supporting international students’ adaptation.
As part of the GET initiative, this activity reflects the core purpose of the program: to serve as a bridge between international students and the campus community. Members are trained not only to provide academic guidance, but also to respond to students' daily needs. Their presence helps ensure that international students, particularly SN-GES awardees like Bello, feel cared for, seen, and supported from their very first day. These personal connections are what make a difference in the internationalization process.
“We want every SN-GES scholar to know they are not just students, we see them as part of a growing family,” Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., concluded. “What our team offers is more than technical help. It’s a sense of belonging.” The story of Bello, Arfan, and Arifin is just one of many, but it affirms that true global engagement lies in human connection. Through moments like these, UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon continues to strive to be a warm second home for anyone coming from afar.
Author: Cindi Aulia