International Office Gears Up for a Landmark Week: From Digital Workshops to Global Scholarships and Research Opportunities
Cirebon, July 21, 2025 — The International Office gathered for a key planning meeting led by Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D, Director of the International Office, alongside members of the Global Engagement Team. The session brought together passionate staff and coordinators dedicated to advancing UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon’s international presence. With several major initiatives on the horizon, the room was filled with focused energy and collaborative spirit. Each team shared updates, tackled challenges, and aligned on next steps to ensure smooth execution. One of the main highlights of the meeting was the final push for the upcoming Digital Content Creator Workshop, set to take place on July 23, 2025. Titled “Capacity Building for Digital Content Creators: Empowering Interns at the International Office to Create Meaningful and Impactful Content for a Globally Connected Audience,” the workshop aims to sharpen the skills of student interns in storytelling, branding, and digital communication. Teams have already been assigned, and each is now working on internal recording sessions to practice their delivery and refine their messages. Logistics like snacks, souvenirs, and administrative details are being finalized to ensure a seamless experience. This event is more than training; it’s about empowering young voices to represent the university on global platforms.
Another critical agenda item was the preparation for the Syekh Nurjati Global Excellence Scholarship (SN-GES) 2025. The team reviewed all administrative processes to guarantee a smooth rollout for prospective international students. Every document, form, and communication channel is being double-checked to ensure clarity and accessibility. The scholarship remains a flagship program that reflects the university’s commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence. By supporting talented students from around the world, the International Office continues to strengthen cross-cultural connections and global learning.
The upcoming AsiaCall 2025 on November conference also took center stage, with UINSSC proudly serving as host of this prestigious academic gathering. A key step in the preparation is setting up the registration system through the International Office’s official website, which will then be integrated directly into the AsiaCall platform. This technical linkage ensures a professional and user-friendly experience for participants worldwide. Being the host is not just an honor, it’s an opportunity to showcase the university’s capabilities and hospitality on an international stage. The team is determined to make this event memorable, impactful, and truly representative of Indonesian academic excellence.
Excitement is also building around Global Katalyst, a new initiative focused on launching German language learning programs in collaboration with external partners. This program isn’t just about language—it’s a stepping stone toward Ausbildung (German vocational training), opening doors for students to gain hands-on experience abroad. The International Office will serve as the home base for this transformative project, coordinating curriculum development, trainer partnerships, and student selection. It’s a bold move toward expanding career pathways beyond traditional academics. As one team member put it, “We’re giving our students real-world options with global value.”
International research was another major focus, with Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D, emphasizing the importance of thinking and acting globally. The office is actively exploring funding opportunities that can support faculty and student-led research with international impact. Among the most promising are the DAAD program from Germany, offering up to 1 billion rupiah in funding, and the British Council, which provides 550 million rupiah and supports publications on SINTA. These opportunities are not just about money; they’re about visibility, collaboration, and academic growth. The International Office is committed to guiding researchers through applications and partnerships every step of the way.
With so many projects moving forward at once, coordination and teamwork remain essential. The Global Engagement Team meets regularly to track progress, solve problems, and keep morale high. From digital workshops to scholarships, conferences, language programs, and research grants, the office is buzzing with activity. Each initiative reflects a deeper vision: to connect UINSSC with the world meaningfully and sustainably. It’s challenging work, but deeply rewarding.
As the meeting concluded, a shared sense of purpose and anticipation prevailed. The International Office isn’t just supporting internationalization, it’s leading it, one thoughtful project at a time. And with dedicated people, clear goals, and strong partnerships, the future looks both bright and boundless.
Author: Nurhusni Yusriyyah Yumna