International Office UIN SSC Prepares International Student Mobility Program for FDKI Students to Malaysia for Research and Internship Training at ICCCM
Cirebon, September, 19th 2025 — Under the guidance of Lala Bumela, Ph.D., Director of the International Office and Partnership at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, preparations are underway for a groundbreaking International Student Mobility Program tailored specifically for students of the Faculty of Da’wah and Islamic Communication (FDKI). Dean of FDKI, Dr. Naila Farah, M.A., has been closely involved in the early coordination meetings with the International Office to ensure the program meets both academic and professional training needs. Scheduled to begin in October 2025, the initiative will send selected FDKI students to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for research and internship training at the International Cultural Communication Center Malaysia (ICCCM). This marks the first time FDKI students will participate in a structured overseas mobility program combining academic and professional components. Lala Bumela stated, “We see this as an important step in broadening our students’ horizons. Through this program, they will not only study abroad but also gain hands-on experience in a real intercultural setting.”
The International Student Mobility Program represents a strategic move by UIN SSC to blend classroom learning with international exposure. Unlike short-term exchange initiatives, this program is designed to provide deeper engagement by placing students directly within research teams and internship units at ICCCM Malaysia. The goal is to strengthen participants’ practical skills in Islamic communication, cultural diplomacy, and community outreach, while also allowing them to observe best practices in a multicultural workplace. This initiative reflects UIN SSC’s ongoing efforts to integrate global competencies into its curriculum and prepare graduates for leadership roles at both national and international levels.
During a coordination meeting at the International Office, representatives from FDKI were briefed on the proposed framework and stages of the mobility program. The briefing included an explanation of how students would be mentored by both UIN SSC faculty and ICCCM supervisors, as well as the types of projects they might undertake while in Malaysia. While the program is still in its preparatory phase, the emphasis is on combining academic research with real-world training opportunities to create a holistic learning experience. Lala Bumela emphasized, “We are designing this mobility program to be transformative. By immersing our students in a different academic and cultural environment, we hope to cultivate not just knowledge but adaptability, empathy, and global-mindedness.”
Dean of FDKI, Dr. Naila Farah, M.A., expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting how it aligns with the faculty’s mission of producing graduates who are both rooted in Islamic values and competent in engaging with international communities. She noted that the program would also strengthen FDKI’s institutional ties with ICCCM Malaysia and open pathways for future collaborations in research, training, and joint publications. The dean added that interest among FDKI students was already high, with many eager to apply for the inaugural cohort.
To ensure a smooth implementation, the International Office is currently finalizing logistical arrangements such as visa support, accommodation, health insurance, and pre-departure orientation sessions. Additionally, the office is working with ICCCM Malaysia to design internship modules that complement UIN SSC’s academic requirements and match students’ research interests. Webinars and preparatory workshops will be held to equip participants with cross-cultural communication skills and practical insights about working in Malaysia before their departure.
As the planning progresses, optimism grows about the program’s potential impact. Both the International Office and FDKI view this initiative as a model for future mobility schemes across other faculties at UIN SSC. Lala Bumela concluded, “This is more than just a trip abroad. It is an investment in our students’ futures and in UIN SSC’s global partnerships. We believe that through research and internship training at ICCCM Malaysia, our students will return with invaluable experiences, ready to contribute both at home and on the international stage.”
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir