Semarang, June 26, 2023 – The International Office of Diponegoro University (KUI Undip) held a Pre-Departure Briefing online on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 10:00 WIB. The speakers at the Pre-Departure Briefing were representatives of the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington, namely Tumpal Hutagalung as Coordinator for Information on Social Culture and Reza Reflusmen Junior as Coordinator for Protocol and Consular Functions. Representatives of the Indonesian Student Association (PPI), Raditya Mahardika and Eugine Amanda Cherise, also shared their stories about participating in the IISMA program in New Zealand. The Head of the International Office Undip, Anggun Puspitarini Siswanto, S.T., Ph.D., officially opened this event.
In his remarks, Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Faisal, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., congratulated the potential participants and advised them to take advantage of this opportunity to develop themselves and gain global insight.
Dr. Rachmat Sriwijaya, Chair of the IISMA Working Group, Ministry of Education and Culture, said that apart from being one of the countries with the best academics in the world, New Zealand also has beautiful natural scenery. “Hopefully, it can later become a reference on how beautiful state governance is, and we can apply it in our beloved Indonesia,” said Dr. Rachmat.
Dr. Beny Bandanadjaja, the Director of the Vocational Higher Education Academy, reminded potential participants to improve networking and collaboration through the opportunities given to them. “We hope through this program, the students can improve their soft skills, especially communication, cooperation, and leadership,” he said.
Acting Director of Learning and Student Affairs, Dr. Ir. Sri Gunani Partiwi M.T., in her opening video, said, “We hope that after the students have finished studying in New Zealand for one semester, they will later devote themselves to the Indonesian nation and make the best contribution to the nation we love.”
The next session was the presentation of the material from the resource person led by the moderator, Diastama Anggita Ramadhan, S.H., LLM, who served as Deputy Head of International Office Undip. Tumpal Hutagalung explained the socio-cultural culture in New Zealand, such as the habits and character of the friendly New Zealanders and their native tribe, namely the Maori. “Prospective participants are expected to follow all the rules that apply in New Zealand, both written and unwritten,” said Tumpal.
Reza Reflumen Junior delivered the next material. His presentation focused on consular protocols regarding the security and welfare of prospective participants while in New Zealand. He also explained the geographical conditions and interesting aspects of New Zealand and reminded prospective participants that they might experience culture shock while they were there.
The event continued with a question and answer session with the two speakers and potential participants. The question and answer session discussed security in New Zealand, the needs of potential participants while in a foreign country, such as food and medicine, and customs matters.
Representatives of PPI New Zealand, Raditya Mahardika and Eugine Amanda Cherise, shared their experiences, conditions while studying, and the habits of lecturers and students in New Zealand. They advised prospective participants to actively participate in activities inside and outside the classroom. (Titis/Octa – Public Relations)
