International Office Connects Nigerian SN-GES 2025 Students with GET Team through Campus Tour
Cirebon, September 22, 2025 — The International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, under the leadership of Lala Bumela, Ph.D., organized a special campus tour designed to introduce new students to the academic environment and culture of the university. This event brought together Nigerian SN-GES 2025 scholarship awardees Aliyu Masaudu, Muhammad Bello Abbas, Haruna Musa Balarade, and Umar Abba, who have recently arrived to begin their studies in Indonesia. They were accompanied by members of the Global Exchange Team (GET), namely Indra Maulana Arfan Ajiz, Tsamara Bahira Alzena, Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir, and Cherry Shifa, who played an active role in welcoming and assisting their new international peers. The tour included visits to three faculties—FDKI, FEBI, and FUA—where students were introduced not only to facilities but also to academic opportunities that reflect the university’s global vision. “This activity is part of our effort to welcome international students and build strong collaboration with local students,” said Lala Bumela, Ph.D., emphasizing the International Office’s mission to foster inclusivity and international cooperation.
The program started with introductions that helped build connections between Nigerian students and their Indonesian peers. The International Office encouraged all participants to share their interests and experiences. “It feels amazing to meet friends from another country who will now be part of our academic journey,” said Indra Maulana Arfan Ajiz, showing the excitement shared by many students.
The first stop of the tour was the Faculty of Da’wah and Communication (FDKI), where students learned about communication studies and explored media facilities. Nigerian students expressed their curiosity about how media studies in Indonesia integrate cultural and religious perspectives. GET members supported the discussion by sharing their own experiences in student activities and communication projects. The International Office emphasized that this exchange represented how academic exploration can build cultural understanding.
Next, the tour continued to the Faculty of Economics and Islamic Business (FEBI), where participants gained insights into the university’s approach to Islamic economics. Nigerian students were impressed with the interactive and innovative teaching methods demonstrated by lecturers. The GET team played a vital role in helping them connect with faculty members and adapt to the academic setting. According to the International Office, this visit underlined the importance of preparing students for global opportunities through interdisciplinary education.
At the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Adab (FUA), discussions centered on Islamic thought, literature, and cultural heritage. Students discovered how these fields not only preserve tradition but also respond to contemporary global challenges. The International Office—under the coordination of Lala Bumela, Ph.D.—highlighted how the presence of international students enriches the study of Islamic civilization. Nigerian participants shared their perspectives on literature and Islamic scholarship in their home country, sparking a meaningful dialogue with local students.
Beyond the academic visits, the campus tour created opportunities for cultural exchange and friendship. Nigerian and Indonesian students shared stories about daily campus life, local customs, and their hopes for future collaboration. This informal sharing fostered trust and mutual respect, which are crucial for sustaining long-term academic partnerships. The International Office viewed these interactions as a reflection of UIN SSC’s commitment to inclusivity and international engagement.
In conclusion, the International Office reaffirmed its dedication to supporting international students and empowering local students to grow in a global context. With the leadership of Lala Bumela, Ph.D., programs such as this campus tour demonstrate the university’s vision to build strong academic and cultural ties. “We believe that by bringing students from different backgrounds together, UIN SSC can create a more inclusive and globally connected academic community,” said Lala Bumela, Ph.D. Both SN-GES 2025 scholarship awardees and GET members expressed optimism that this experience would be the starting point of deeper collaboration. The event not only introduced facilities but also celebrated unity in diversity, marking another milestone for UIN SSC’s internationalization journey.
Author: Laily Dwi Islami Azzahra