FEB UGM welcomed 95 new international students for the first semester of the 2026/2027 academic year. The students come from 42 universities around the world, comprising 76 undergraduates and 19 postgraduates. They will participate in student exchange and double degree programs at FEB UGM for one semester.
Before beginning their studies, the students participated in Orientation Day on August 10, 2026, to learn more about FEB UGM, including its academic system, facilities, and campus culture. In addition to information about the university, the international students also received an introduction to Yogyakarta’s culture, where they will be living for the next semester.
Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of FEB UGM, Bayu Sutikno, S.E., M.S.M., Ph.D., welcomed the international students as they began their studies at FEB UGM. He encouraged them to make the most of their time at UGM by gaining as many experiences as possible.
“Once you come to this campus, it means you are part of our family. When you return to your respective countries, you will become our ambassadors. Once again, welcome, and please enjoy your learning journey in Yogyakarta,” he said.
Coordinator of the Global Relations and Mobility Office (GREAT), Ida Noviyantie, S.S., M.A., also provided the students with an overview of the academic system at FEB UGM, including attendance requirements, the credit system, and various university regulations. Through this briefing, the students are expected to adapt more easily to the campus environment.
There was also a cultural introduction session led by the Head of the Management Study Program at FEB UGM, Rr. Tur Nastiti, M.Si., Ph.D. During the session, Tur Nastiti introduced the students to the culture, customs, and social norms practiced in Indonesia, particularly in Yogyakarta.
“While studying here, you are expected to respect local customs as well as the university’s internal regulations. This is important so that you can integrate well and be positively accepted by the surrounding community,” she said.
Louise Batifoulier, one of the student exchange participants from ESSCA School of Management, France, also shared her experience during Orientation Day 2026. She said that the program was beneficial for international students, not only in helping them understand how their studies would be conducted, but also by providing tips and insights on adapting to Indonesia, whose culture differs considerably from that of their home countries.
“Today’s activities were very interesting because they will help prepare me for my semester at FEB UGM and in Indonesia. The campus tour was my favorite part because I discovered many interesting places here, which will be very helpful later on,” she said.
Another student, Adam Khan from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan, shared a similar experience. Although he had only arrived in Yogyakarta three days earlier, he said he found it relatively easy to adapt because some local customs were similar to those in his hometown. The Orientation Day also made him even more excited to begin his academic journey at FEB UGM for the coming semester.
“Being part of the exchange program at FEB UGM is an incredible opportunity for me. Meeting new people from different countries while learning about the culture of Yogyakarta will be a valuable lesson and a unique experience in my life,” Adam said.
Report: Najwa Anggi Namira
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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