International Office Initiates Comprehensive Preparations for Upcoming International Events at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon

Cirebon, July 16, 2025  A strategic and highly productive meeting was held between the International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon and the Global Engagement Team (GET).  The session focused on finalizing preparations for key international events scheduled to take place in late 2025, particularly the 22nd AsiaCALL International Conference, set to be held from November 14 to 16, 2025. This hybrid conference promises to bring together educators, researchers, and students from across the globe, offering a valuable platform for UINSSC to showcase its academic contributions and cyber-Islamic values. The meeting also marked an important step in aligning UINSSC’s global initiatives with upcoming programs such as the Ausbildung vocational training in Germany and the International Internship Program in Japan.

One of the main highlights of the discussion was the participation of UINSSC in the AsiaCALL International Conference, a prestigious academic gathering that rarely sees Indonesian representation beyond a few major cities making Cirebon's involvement especially significant. Fourth-semester students will serve as PICs (Person in Charge), working closely with faculty mentors to manage logistics, content creation, and digital engagement throughout the event. Despite limited awareness about the conference within Indonesia, UINSSC is determined to increase visibility through active student participation and professional outreach. The goal is to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on language education, technology, and interdisciplinary learning.

In preparation for the conference, detailed planning was made regarding social media activation, flyer design, budget allocation, and real-time updates via WhatsApp streaming messages. While Instagram remains the primary platform, efforts are underway to expand reach using Facebook, YouTube, and other digital channels. A strong emphasis was placed on crafting compelling narratives that reflect UINSSC’s unique identity while maintaining a globally relevant tone. The team also discussed strategies to ensure smooth registration processes, especially since local lecturers currently do not have institutional access to payment systems for international conferences, a challenge being addressed through a revised budget structure. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of International Office also addressed a common misconception among students that paying to present at a conference is unnecessary, reframing it as a vital step in professional and academic self-growth.

Alongside the AsiaCALL preparations, the meeting also reviewed progress on two life-changing international mobility programs: the Ausbildung vocational program in Germany and the International Internship Program in Japan. These initiatives are now entering critical stages, with language training for German-bound participants already underway at UINSSC. Unlike the one-year internship in Japan, which is open to third-semester students and above, Ausbildung is designed for graduating students who will begin after completing their degrees and achieving B1/B2 proficiency in German. Both programs represent UINSSC’s commitment to empowering students with global skills, real-world experience, and cross-cultural competencies.

As deadlines approach, including the August 31, 2025 submission date for DAAD-supported research proposals, urgency and coordination are intensifying across all teams involved. Faculty, staff, and student representatives are working collaboratively to ensure every detail of content creation to logistical coordination is handled with precision and professionalism. With just a few months to go before the November conference dates, the energy within the International Office remains high, fueled by a shared vision of excellence, innovation, and global impact. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. reminded the team that while Indonesia’s education system may not yet match global benchmarks like Germany’s, initiatives like these open doors to innovation and reform.

This meeting not only laid the groundwork for upcoming events but also reinforced the importance of strategic planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student empowerment in international academic engagement. UINSSC continues to prove itself as a leader in Islamic higher education with a bold vision for global impact. By bridging tradition with innovation, and faith with internationalization, the university is shaping a new generation of scholars ready to thrive on the world stage.

Author: Resa Diah Gayatri