The Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the Cross-Cultural Understanding (CCU) program on August 13–14, 2025, to welcome 23 exchange students from nine countries. This activity is part of the Student Mobility program designed to support the academic and social adaptation of international students during their one-semester stay at UGM.
“We believe your presence here truly enriches our academic community. We hope that not only will you learn from us, but we will also hear and learn many things from you,” said Elga Andriana, S.Psi., M.Ed., Ph.D., Head of the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) in Psychology at UGM, in her opening remarks at Room A-203, Faculty of Psychology, on Wednesday (August 13).
The first day’s main agenda was “Session III: Cross-Cultural Understanding” delivered by Dr. Suzie Handajani, M.A., lecturer in Anthropology at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. She introduced the international students to cultural dynamics in Yogyakarta and Indonesia, including how society balances national, traditional, global, and religious identities in daily life. “August is the perfect time to observe how Indonesia practices its nationalism,” she noted.
On the second day, the students experienced local culture firsthand in Magelang. They took part in batik-making, pottery workshops, and even enjoyed a traditional horse-drawn carriage (andong) ride. These activities offered opportunities for the students to experience Indonesian culture beyond the classroom.
In addition to lectures and cultural visits, the students also received an introduction to the academic environment at UGM, including information on the university’s learning system and a faculty tour. The program is expected to strengthen international students’ understanding of academic life at UGM while also providing meaningful cultural experiences to enrich their studies in Yogyakarta.
Writer: Fadia Hayu Godwina
Editor: Erna Tri Nofiyana