Anandita, as Intern at UIN SSC International Office, Bridges Linguistic Gaps and Fosters Cross-Cultural Understanding for SN-GES 2025 Scholars from Yemen and Senegal During the International Students Orientation Program
Cirebon, September, 12th 2025 — On the second day of the International Students Orientation Program for the Syekh Nurjati Global Excellent Scholarship (SN-GES) 2025 cohort, held in the Cyber Building at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Ananditamala Syalwa Heryana—an intern at the International Office—played a pivotal role as the English–Arabic interpreter during the Academic Writing and Reading Workshop. This session, led under the coordination of Lala Bumela, Director of the International Office, brought together international scholars from the Philippines, Thailand, Senegal, and Yemen, while several Nigerian awardees were unable to attend due to the ongoing conflict in their home country and immigration delays. Anandita acted as a bridge for the Yemeni and Senegalese students, translating unfamiliar English vocabulary and academic expressions into Arabic so that the content of the workshop could be fully understood. Reflecting on this effort at the outset, Lala Bumela remarked, “Anandita’s ability to step in and ensure that our scholars from Yemen and Senegal are not left behind linguistically shows the real spirit of service and cross-cultural empathy we aim to cultivate within the Global Engagement Team.”
For Anandita, the assignment was more than a technical task; it was a personal mission to make every participant feel included and empowered. In her own words, “I felt honored to serve as the voice between two languages and two worlds. Seeing the Yemeni and Senegalese scholars nod with understanding when I translated key points reminded me that language is not just words but a bridge to belonging.” Her comment underscored how interns at the International Office are being trained not only to manage programs but also to embody the values of hospitality and intercultural dialogue that define UIN SSC’s approach to global engagement.
Lala Bumela, speaking again midway through the session, emphasized the broader significance of Anandita’s work for the university. “This is exactly why we invest in our interns,” he stated. “When Anandita interprets for scholars who might otherwise be excluded, she is building trust, opening doors to knowledge, and demonstrating that UIN SSC truly lives its commitment to global inclusivity.” His words also highlighted how the Global Engagement Team functions as the operational heart of the International Office—preparing logistics, documentation, and on-the-ground facilitation so that events like this can run smoothly for both staff and scholars.
The Academic Writing and Reading Workshop was one of several orientation activities designed to support the SN-GES 2025 cohort. Alongside information sessions on campus resources, cyber culture, Ma’had al-Jami’ah, and the Rumah Moderasi Beragama, the program also featured cultural immersion opportunities, such as the “Cirebon Culture” workshop the following day. By the time of Anandita’s interpreting work, the orientation had already become a multi-layered experience combining academic preparation, intercultural learning, and community building under the theme “Chasing Dreams, Pursuing Knowledge: Architect of Wisdom in a Cyber Era.”
Anandita’s contributions were therefore not isolated but part of a coordinated effort by the Global Engagement Team (GET), the core unit of the International Office. Working behind the scenes, the interns handled logistics, registration, and documentation, while also stepping into high-impact roles such as moderating, interpreting, and facilitating discussions. This model not only gave students like Anandita practical, hands-on training in international program management but also enriched the experience of SN-GES 2025 scholars who arrived from multiple continents to begin their studies at UIN SSC. By blending administrative precision with cultural sensitivity, the GET demonstrated how a small, dedicated team can transform orientation activities into a genuine platform for global engagement and learning.
At the close of the day’s activities, Lala Bumela delivered a personal message of appreciation to Anandita and her fellow interns, who together form the Global Engagement Team (GET). “What you have done over these two days has set a benchmark for excellence in how we welcome and support our international scholars,” he said warmly. “Your professionalism, empathy, and quick thinking are not only sustaining the success of these programs but also shaping UIN SSC’s reputation as a truly welcoming, globally minded cyber university. Keep this spirit alive, because you are the architects of our success.” His words underscored that the orientation’s achievements so far were the direct result of the Global Engagement Team’s dedication and the interns’ ability to embody the university’s values of service, inclusivity, and cross-cultural understanding.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir