Paving the Way to International Excellence: UIN SSC Internship Students Conquer Pre-AsiaCALL 2025, Securing Their Path to AsiaCALL 2025 Glory
Cirebon, October, 11th 2025 — Under the guidance of the International Office at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, a group of internship students achieved another milestone by successfully presenting their interdisciplinary paper before Emma L. Schuberg from Charles Darwin University, Australia, during the Pre-AsiaCALL 2025 session. The forum served as both a rehearsal and an intellectual showcase for the upcoming AsiaCALL 2025, the largest pan-Asian academic conference in the field of language, technology, and learning innovation. Emma praised the students for their creative integration of Artificial Intelligence in 21st-century education, emphasizing their professionalism and clarity of thought. Supported by the direction of Lala Bumela, Ph.D., Director of the International Office and Partnership, the internship team — consisting of Farah Syifa Mutiara Riyadi, Cyril Tsania Azzahra, Resa Diah Gayatri, Indah Fitri Nurhidayah, Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir, Tsamara Bahira Alzena, and Indra Maulana Arfan Azis — presented a rich fusion of Neuroscience, Literacy, Digitalization, and Culture. Their work symbolized the International Office’s ongoing mission to connect research, creativity, and global citizenship. “These young scholars represent the essence of UIN SSC’s international vision — they think beyond borders,” remarked Lala Bumela, Ph.D., commending their intellectual courage and collaborative spirit.
However, their journey toward Pre-AsiaCALL was not without difficulties. As both paper presenters and organizing committee members of AsiaCALL 2025, the internship students had to balance two demanding responsibilities at once — refining their academic manuscripts while simultaneously coordinating the logistics of the upcoming international conference. Tight schedules, overlapping deadlines, and the pressure to meet international standards tested their time management and focus. Several late-night revisions were needed to ensure that every argument and citation met the expectations of a global audience. Meanwhile, as part of the committee, they were responsible for handling communication with international partners, preparing event materials, and assisting in the coordination of guest speakers. Despite the fatigue and tension, their shared sense of purpose and strong teamwork allowed them to stay on track, transforming the chaos into a rhythm of disciplined creativity.
During one of the coordination meetings, Lala Bumela, Ph.D., addressed the students with encouraging words: “True professionalism is measured not by how much you do, but by how well you maintain integrity when everything demands your energy at once.” His message resonated deeply with the team, reminding them that leadership in academia requires not only intellect but also emotional balance and resilience. The students took his words to heart, managing their workload strategically — dividing tasks, supporting one another, and turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth. What might have been an overwhelming experience became a formative chapter in their development as globally competent scholars.
To maintain consistency in quality, the students organized a peer-review circle, where each member critically reviewed the others’ papers and presentations. This system strengthened their analytical skills and enhanced their understanding of interdisciplinary perspectives. As committee members, they also coordinated weekly progress meetings with the International Office’s Global Engagement Team (GET), ensuring that AsiaCALL’s preparation aligned with the university’s standards of transparency and professionalism. These dual experiences — academic and administrative — honed their multitasking abilities and expanded their leadership potential. Their preparation evolved from simple academic participation into a transformative exercise in management, collaboration, and scholarly diplomacy.
When the day of the Pre-AsiaCALL presentation arrived, the students delivered their papers with confidence and clarity. The feedback from Emma L. Schuberg and other reviewers confirmed the excellence of their research and presentation design. At the same time, their role as committee members continued seamlessly, as they coordinated communication channels and logistical arrangements for AsiaCALL 2025. Their dual success demonstrated that academic dedication and organizational excellence can coexist in harmony. The International Office proudly recognized the students’ effort as a reflection of UIN SSC’s capacity to produce not only brilliant thinkers but also capable leaders ready for global engagement.
Reflecting on the students’ achievements, Lala Bumela, Ph.D., concluded, “They are not just preparing for a conference — they are preparing for a lifetime of contribution.” His words captured the deeper essence of their accomplishment: that international excellence begins with commitment, balance, and purpose. Through their resilience, the internship students have set a new benchmark for future cohorts, proving that the road to AsiaCALL 2025 glory is paved not merely with knowledge, but with integrity, teamwork, and the courage to go beyond limits.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir