lkui.umsida.ac.id – Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (UMSIDA) proudly continues to develop its global partnerships through semester-based student exchange programs. This semester, UMSIDA welcomed several international students, including Akniyet, a student from A.K. Kussayinov Eurasian Humanities Institute (EAGI), Kazakhstan. She joined the English Education Study Program from Faculty of Psychology and Education (FPIP) for one academic semester. Her experience in Indonesia, though filled with initial challenges, turned into a journey full of learning, culture, and connection.
In the beginning, Akniyet faced some physical and emotional adjustments due to travel fatigue and time zone differences. She described her first few days in Indonesia as challenging, stating, “At the beginning of my arrival, I felt tired and disoriented because of jet lag caused by the time zone difference. But gradually, I was able to adjust to the schedule here.” Her determination to adapt allowed her to participate more fully in classes and cultural engagements offered through the program.
One of the aspects she found particularly surprising was Indonesian food. The rich flavors and especially the spiciness posed a challenge to her palate. She shared her humorous and candid reaction, “For me, the food is very spicy—even when I asked if it was spicy, people would say, ‘just a little,’ but it still turned out to be too hot for my taste.” Nevertheless, Akniyet approached the experience with openness and eventually discovered several dishes that suited her preferences better. This culinary journey became one of the many memorable parts of her stay.
Beyond the classroom, Akniyet and her fellow exchange students immersed themselves in traditional Indonesian arts and culture. One cultural highlight was learning how to play the gamelan, a traditional Javanese musical ensemble. Alongside other international peers, she expressed joy and appreciation for the opportunity to try something entirely new. They not only enjoyed listening to gamelan music but also practiced playing it under the guidance of local instructors. The experience deepened their understanding of Indonesian culture and left them feeling proud of their progress.
The student exchange experience also provided teaching opportunities. As part of the program, Akniyet visited several local schools where she took part in classroom teaching activities. In these visits, she assisted in teaching English to Indonesian students, helping bridge language learning with cultural exchange. This hands-on engagement gave her a deeper appreciation for education in a global context and allowed her to contribute meaningfully to the local community.
Reflecting on the broader learning experience, she emphasized how varied and holistic the program had been. “We not only attended classes but also took part in cultural activities, which helped us understand Indonesian traditions and lifestyle better,” she said. The balance between academic study, cultural exploration, and real-life interaction with local students and communities made her time in Indonesia both impactful and rewarding.
Perhaps the most unforgettable part of Akniyet’s journey was the warm hospitality she received throughout her stay. She expressed deep appreciation for the kindness shown by lecturers, students, and the wider community at UMSIDA. “We met so many kind, helpful, and welcoming individuals. Their support made it easier to overcome the challenges and enjoy our time here.” Her story reflects not only personal growth but also the strength of international collaboration and intercultural understanding fostered by UMSIDA through programs like these.
UMSIDA remains committed to expanding its global engagement efforts, providing more opportunities for cross-cultural academic exchange in the future. Through experiences like Akniyet’s, the university reaffirms its vision to shape globally-minded students and to serve as a hub for international educational excellence.
Writer: Riza
