UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon through International Office Opens Doors to Internships and Employment in Japan: International Workshop with Ms. Lina Suhairy
Cirebon, April 29, 2025—UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UIN SSC), through its International Office and Partnership (IOP), gathered education leaders and teachers from across Ciayumajakuning in an International Workshop aimed at opening global career pathways for Indonesian students. The workshop was attended by several notable guests, including, Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf, M.Si. (Vice Rector 1), Prof. Dr. H. Jamali, M.Ag. (Vice Rector 2), Prof. Dr. H. Hajam, M.Ag. (Vice Rector 3), Ivan Chabibilah, S.S., M.Li. (ICCCM), Dra. Hj. Amroh Umaemah, M.Pd. (Head of English Education Department), Hendi Hidayat, M.Pd. (Secretary of the English Education Department), Dr. Nana Priajana, M.Pd., and Nizar Ibnus, M.Pd. (Lecturers of English Education), as well as guest lecturers and teachers from Universitas Kuningan, Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon, SMPN 1 Klangenan, SMPN 2 Mundu, SMP NU Darul Maarif, SMAN 1 Lebakwangi, and MA Unggulan Amanatul Ummah 02. The workshop reflects IO’s ongoing mission to empower students for global careers while strengthening international collaboration networks.
Ms. Lina Suhairy, an Indonesian diaspora based in Canada who previously lived in Japan, led the session by sharing comprehensive insights on internship and job opportunities in Japan through the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program. “These programs provide students not just internship experiences but also pathways to secure long-term employment,” she explained.
Several key topics were addressed during the workshop:
- The MBKM internship program in Japan offers real-world work experience with competitive wages.
- Post-graduate employment opportunities—especially in agriculture and caregiving—are accessible through a flexible job order system.
- Kanazawa was highlighted as a Muslim-friendly region in Japan that actively welcomes foreign workers, particularly in labor-scarce sectors.
For the International Office, these opportunities are viewed as key steps in preparing UIN SSC students to compete globally.
Ms. Lina further emphasized that successful participation in these programs requires students to be academically prepared and aligned with Japanese industry needs. “It’s not just about sending students abroad; it’s about making sure they are fully ready to succeed,” she remarked. While ten internship slots are currently available, younger students are encouraged to join cultural programs like study tours and summer camps to build early exposure. By targeting both university and pre-university levels, the International Office is creating a foundation for long-term international engagement. This multi-level approach is central to UIN SSC’s strategy of nurturing globally competent graduates.
Significantly, Ms. Lina addressed the changing
status of foreign workers in Japan, noting that they are now officially
recognized and receive wages aligned with regional standards. For the
International Office, such changes create a fairer and more promising landscape
for UIN SSC students seeking international work. These developments also align
with IO’s vision of promoting ethical, equitable, and sustainable
international mobility. With better protections and opportunities, students can
now enter global job markets with greater confidence.
The event was further enriched by the presence of UIN SSC academic leaders and partners, including representatives from ICCCM and regional schools. Mr. Ivan Chabiblah from ICCCM commented, “We are proud to be part of this collaboration that prepares students for real-world global challenges.” His statement reflects the growing network of partners supporting UIN SSC's internationalization efforts. By continuously collaborating with partners like Ms. Lina and ICCCM, the International Office is creating new pathways for internships, jobs, and cultural exchanges abroad. These initiatives are also supporting Indonesia’s broader goal of developing globally competitive human resources. Through its consistent focus on student empowerment, the International Office is solidifying UIN SSC’s reputation as a national leader in international education.
Looking forward, the International Office plans to build more structured global internship programs that are fully integrated into academic credit systems. Future strategies include expanding faculty exchange, launching joint research projects, and institutionalizing global mobility as part of the UIN SSC student experience. Through this workshop, UIN SSC aims to encourage its students to seize global career opportunities and equip themselves to thrive in the international job market.