UNDIP, Semarang (6/9) – The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) held the “2026 International Students Gathering” on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the FIMENA Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Building A, FISIP UNDIP Tembalang Campus, Semarang. The event served as an opportunity to strengthen relationships among international students and foster a stronger sense of community within the increasingly globalized academic environment at FISIP UNDIP.
The event was attended by faculty leaders, department and study program administrators, coordinators, and students of the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) at FISIP UNDIP, including both Indonesian and international students.
The international students came from several partner universities in different countries, including Hochschule Bochum University in Germany; Ho Chi Minh University of Banking in Vietnam; Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University in Russia; and Fukui University in Japan. They are currently enrolled in the IUP Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Public Administration programs.
In his remarks, Dean of FISIP, Prof. Dr. Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin., expressed his hope that international students would quickly come to see FISIP not merely as a place to pursue their education, but also as a second home. The faculty environment is expected to provide a sense of comfort and belonging, allowing all members of the academic community to feel like part of one family.
Prof. Teguh further emphasized the importance of international experiences that extend beyond classroom activities. He noted that there are currently around 90–100 international students participating in academic activities at FISIP UNDIP.
“We believe that international education is not only about attending classes and earning credits through formal academic activities in the classroom. International education is also about meeting other people, understanding different cultures, building international friendships, and seeing the world from different perspectives,” he added.
Meanwhile, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of FISIP UNDIP, S. Rouli Manalu, S.Sos., MCommSt., PhD., explained during the information session that the event was the first IUP Gathering. However, the IUP program at FISIP has been running since 2018. Today, IUP programs are offered across all FISIP study programs.
According to her, the event was organized to bring together students from different backgrounds and study programs, fostering stronger relationships and networks among them. The gathering was also intended to encourage students from different countries to get to know one another and build connections, fostering a sense of community within IUP and the international student community, she added.
One of the international students from Germany said she was delighted to have the opportunity to study in the IUP Business Administration program at FISIP UNDIP.
“I hope that after six months here, I will be able to speak Indonesian well enough to be understood by other people. I also want to learn about cultural exchange and get to know Indonesian society more closely,” she said.
After living in Semarang City for about a month, Alissa had begun exploring various new experiences, including local cuisine. One of them was bubur ayam (chicken porridge), which she found different from the porridge she was accustomed to in Germany and Europe.
Through the event, interaction among students from various study programs is expected to grow, giving students opportunities to connect, share experiences, and expand their networks within the FISIP community.
During the session, participants also received important information about the IUP program. The topics included an introduction to DEEP Awardees, partner institutions, and academic integration; an explanation of the academic schedule for the First Semester of the 2026/2027 Academic Year; and information on applicable academic regulations and guidelines that students are expected to understand and follow.
Students were also introduced to various global partner universities that form part of FISIP’s international network. Information regarding students’ obligations to participate in outbound programs was also provided, including an explanation of the double degree scheme, which offers an international academic opportunity for FISIP students.
The event became even more lively with performances by IUP students from each study program. The performances provided a platform for students to showcase their creativity while highlighting the diversity of activities and talents among IUP students.
A sense of togetherness was further strengthened through a trivia game involving the participants. The activity not only created a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere but also provided an opportunity for students to get to know one another and interact beyond academic activities.
Through the 2026 International Students Gathering, FISIP reaffirmed its commitment to creating an inclusive, globally minded educational environment that supports the development of international networks. The event is expected to serve as an initial step toward strengthening the sense of community among IUP and international students while expanding their academic and cultural experiences throughout their journey at FISIP. (Public Communication/FISIP/Rif’at)
