Facilitating Global Engagement: GET Provides Assistance to Nigerian SN-GES 2025 Awardees in Understanding Banking Systems and Financial Management
Cirebon, September, 30th 2025 — Under the leadership of Lala Bumela, Ph.D., Director of the International Office at UIN SSC, the GET team, represented by Busatanul Arifin and Tsamara Bahira Alzena, assisted Nigerian SN-GES 2025 awardees in navigating the Indonesian banking system and understanding essential financial management practices. During the session, students completed the necessary bank forms and officially received their accounts, which will serve as a medium for their financial needs throughout their studies in Indonesia. The Nigerian students, including Aliyu Masaudu (Islamic Communication and Broadcasting), Muhammad Bello Abbas (Sharia Accounting), Haruna Musa Balarabe (Sharia Economics), and Umar Abba (Qur’anic Studies and Tafsir), expressed great enthusiasm and appreciation for the guidance provided. Lala Bumela remarked, “Providing practical support like this ensures our international students can focus on their studies with confidence, knowing they are fully equipped to manage their financial needs in Indonesia.”
Tsamara Bahira explained that the session aimed not only at account opening but also at equipping the students with practical knowledge of financial literacy. “We want them to understand how to manage their funds responsibly, how to navigate digital banking platforms, and how to apply these skills throughout their studies in Indonesia,” she said. The interactive session included demonstrations of mobile banking, explanation of local regulations, and practical tips for budgeting and fund transfers, ensuring that students gained both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience.
Reflecting on the significance of the support, Lala Bumela emphasized the broader role of the International Office in preparing students for life beyond academics. “Our responsibility goes beyond admissions and orientation. We aim to ensure that every international student feels empowered to manage their finances independently and confidently,” he remarked. He also noted that such assistance contributes to students’ overall adjustment, helping them focus on their studies without facing unnecessary administrative or financial hurdles.
The initiative demonstrated the importance of cultural and practical orientation for international students. Students were guided through the differences between Indonesian and Nigerian banking systems, including transaction procedures, fees, and digital services. This hands-on approach allowed them to ask questions in real time, clarify uncertainties, and build confidence in handling their personal finances. Observers noted that the session also fostered camaraderie among the students, who shared their experiences and learned collaboratively under the guidance of the GET team.
In addition to practical banking knowledge, the session included discussions on financial management principles relevant to their academic life. The GET team emphasized planning, budgeting, and record-keeping, showing students how to balance tuition payments, living expenses, and personal savings. By integrating real-life applications with contextual understanding of the Indonesian financial system, students were better prepared for independent living, making the transition smoother and more manageable.
Looking ahead, Lala Bumela highlighted the ongoing commitment of the International Office to support international students’ holistic development. “This session is a step toward ensuring that our SN-GES awardees are equipped not only academically but also practically for life in Indonesia. With continued guidance and support, their financial management skills will grow stronger, enabling them to focus fully on their studies and personal growth,” he affirmed. The hands-on assistance and mentorship provided by the GET team symbolize UIN SSC’s dedication to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment for all international students.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir