International Office Highlights Global Impressions from Prof. Andrew Martin’s Visit to UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon
Cirebon, April 28, 2025 — The International Office of UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) is proud to share highlights from the 2024 visit of Professor Andrew Martin, a renowned scholar in Educational Psychology from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia. As part of UINSSC’s Visiting Professor program, Prof. Martin spent a memorable period engaging with various stakeholders of the university—bringing with him global perspectives while immersing himself in the university’s dynamic academic and cultural environment.
During his visit, Prof. Martin delivered a keynote speech at a major conference hosted by UINSSC, where he also attended other sessions, cultural performances, and academic presentations. His time on campus allowed him to interact closely with university administrators, students, academic groups, and teaching staff. “My experience at UINSSC gave me a valuable insight into the campus community, both intellectually and culturally,” he remarked.
Prof. Martin observed a strong and collaborative academic environment, describing the campus as “vibrant, welcoming, and diverse.” He noted the emphasis placed on integrating traditional knowledge with modern scholarship—an academic vision that aligns deeply with UINSSC’s commitment to culturally relevant practices. According to him, this balanced approach provides fertile ground for innovation rooted in heritage.
One of the most striking aspects of his visit was the high level of engagement from students and faculty. Prof. Martin highlighted the enthusiasm and curiosity of UINSSC students, many of whom he described as aspirational and eager to contribute to global academic dialogues. “They demonstrated boundless energy and were very focused on becoming successful young scholars on the international stage,” he shared.
The strength of UINSSC’s research agenda also stood out during his stay. He praised the university’s drive to conduct impactful research—locally, regionally, and globally. As a direct outcome of his visit, Prof. Martin has since co-authored two peer-reviewed journal articles with UINSSC academics, reinforcing the collaborative spirit and scholarly synergy initiated by the International Office.
In addition to academic collaboration, Prof. Martin acknowledged the university’s role in advancing community-based and regional initiatives. His meeting with the English Language Teachers Association—hosted by UINSSC—exemplified the institution’s leadership in higher education development within the region. He noted that UINSSC is not only building knowledge, but also building bridges.
Reflecting on his overall experience, Prof. Martin praised the university’s dedication to balancing tradition and innovation. “UINSSC is supported by experienced and early-career scholars, highly engaged students, traditional wisdom, and modern facilities—all underpinned by an exceptionally warm and welcoming community,” he concluded.
The International Office UINSSC believes that Prof. Martin’s visit reflects the university’s evolving global stature and its ability to host, collaborate, and grow with world-class academics. Such exchanges not only strengthen institutional partnerships but also enrich the academic and cultural landscape of UINSSC, as it moves steadily toward its vision of becoming a leading global hub of learning and leadership in Indonesia.
Author: Resa Diah Gayatri