Participating in international mobility programs such as student exchanges, double degree programs, and short courses is not just about studying abroad. Beyond academics, students are required to be mentally, socially, and culturally prepared to adapt to a new environment during their overseas learning experience.
Adapting to a new environment is one of the main challenges students face when joining international mobility programs. For this reason, the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM) held a Pre-Departure Training on June 13, 2025, to equip International Undergraduate Program (IUP) students who will soon embark on mobility programs at partner universities abroad. This training focused on strengthening cross-cultural understanding, adaptability, and awareness of students’ roles as informal ambassadors of Indonesia on the global stage.
Amanda Acintya, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., AFHEA, a lecturer at FEB UGM who has studied at several renowned international universities, also shared her study abroad experiences. In her session titled “Cross-Cultural Training and How to Survive Studying Abroad,” Amanda discussed challenges students may encounter while studying abroad, such as culture shock, language barriers, and loneliness. However, she emphasized that these challenges can be overcome with good preparation.
Amanda shared her keys to successfully adapting while studying abroad, introducing the ABCDEF strategy: Adaptation, Build your network, Cultural intelligence, Don’t hesitate to ask, Empathy, and Freedom. Students should quickly adapt to new environments, including local cultures, weather, and food. They also need to build networks, understand and respect different cultures to interact well in multicultural settings, be proactive, show empathy, and use their freedom wisely while maintaining good conduct.
“Adaptation is not just about dealing with the weather or food, but also about attitude. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek help, and use your freedom wisely,” Amanda added.
Previously, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at FEB UGM, Bayu Sutikno, S.E., M.S.M., Ph.D., stated that participating in an international mobility program is not merely an academic journey. Students also represent the nation. Therefore, they are expected to maintain good behavior and conduct abroad.
“You are ambassadors, public relations for the country, who must uphold a good attitude and build as many connections as possible during the program,” he explained.
Students also received technical information regarding tuition fees, study planning, and credit transfer procedures on this occasion. Wieda Herdiana, M.Sc., Coordinator of Academic and Student Affairs, reminded students participating in international mobility programs to ensure their study plans align with the curriculum. She also advised them to prioritize compulsory courses, avoid retaking courses, and be mindful of the maximum study period of 14 semesters.
Reporter: Orie Priscylla Mapeda Lumalan
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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