UNDIP, Miyakojima, Japan (September 20, 2025) – Emotions ran high in the lobby of Seawood Hotel, Miyakojima, as seven students from Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), on internships in Japan, were moved to tears when visited by a university monitoring team from September 15–20, 2025. The students, surprised yet overjoyed, expressed gratitude that their lecturers came in person to review their progress at the workplace.
The monitoring visit was led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Budiyono, M.Si., Dean of UNDIP’s Vocational School, and Prof. Dr. Alamsyah, S.S., M.Hum., Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, accompanied by Japanese Studies lecturers Sriwahyu Istana Trahutami, S.S., M.Hum., and Budi Mulyadi, S.Pd., M.Hum.
“I never expected to see my lecturers here. It feels just like meeting my parents,” said one student, eyes welling up. During group photos, several students instinctively wiped away their tears with three fingers—a snapshot of warmth and the strong emotional bond between them and their mentors.
The seven UNDIP students interning at Seawood Hotel are Ariessy Aprilia, Rachma Aprilia, and Tasinta (Yasinta) Febrianti from the Vocational School, along with Keisha Pranesti, Zlusda Amelia, Maria Claretha, and Silvia Ivana from the Faculty of Humanities.
When asked about their experience, the group replied with pride: “It feels like a dream. We never imagined we could do an internship in Japan.” They noted the strict discipline and fast work rhythm as their greatest lessons. “The pay is quite good. While we’re still young, we want to save as much as we can. Even as interns, we earn between Rp15–25 million per month,” said one participant.
One standout moment came when a student was invited to innovate on the hotel’s menu. “I was given the opportunity to create a dish, and it was served directly to guests. I felt so proud. This opens future opportunities in the culinary business,” said Tasinta (Yasinta) Febrianti.
Still, challenges remain. “Some friends feel less comfortable, which is natural. It’s usually because of workload and homesickness,” she added.
Dean of UNDIP’s Vocational School, Prof. Budiyono, reminded students of the importance of the “SIAP” (Sopan, Integritas, Adaptif, Pantang Menyerah) mindset—Respect, Integrity, Adaptability, and Perseverance. “With these values, you can work comfortably anywhere in the world,” he said.
Dean of UNDIP’s Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Alamsyah, emphasized the role of language and culture in shaping society. “Mastery of the language and understanding of Japanese work culture make UNDIP students more confident, adaptable, and respected by industry. This one-year internship is a golden bridge to global career readiness,” he said.
During the visit, the UNDIP team also signed cooperation agreements with Nansei Rakuen Resort and Gifu Seki Country Golf Club in Nagoya, strengthening internship and employment opportunities for students across various faculties. The monitoring visit also supported UNDIP’s collaboration with the Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection through the establishment of the UNDIP Migrant Center (UMC), which provides comprehensive support before departure, during overseas placements, and upon reintegration—preparing alumni for the global labor market.
Prof. Budiyono noted that one-year internships in Japan are open to students from the Vocational School, the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, and other faculties. Through these internships, students develop professional maturity, discipline, cross-cultural competence, and industry connections, equipping them to compete at the global level. This initiative reflects UNDIP’s commitment to its mission of “Noble and Valuable UNDIP,” aligned with the Ministry’s “Diktisaintek Berdampak” program. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ SV & FIB Team)