Yogyakarta, August 21, 2026—The Global Engagement Office (GEO) of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a gathering for international exchange students. The event, with a warm and friendly atmosphere, was specifically organized to welcome foreign students participating in the Fall 2026 Student Exchange Program. The program is run from August through December 2026.
For this period, FISIPOL UGM officially welcomed 67 international students from 12 different countries. Students from the Netherlands make up the largest group of participants this year, followed by students from Japan and France. The presence of students from various parts of the world is expected to further enrich the cultural diversity of the UGM campus environment. GEO FISIPOL UGM designed the event to be highly informal and interactive. Held in the faculty’s West Hallway, the activity allowed international students to mingle freely. This relaxed atmosphere provided an immediate opportunity for participants to converse and get to know their peers from other countries better.
The event was organized to achieve several key institutional objectives. The faculty aimed to introduce the physical environment and the dynamics of academic life at FISIPOL UGM in a casual manner, without overwhelming the students during their first week. The event served as a safe space for participants to begin building an international network of friends. This approach was adopted to foster a more inclusive and enjoyable exchange experience as the students engage with life at UGM and within the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
GEO FISIPOL UGM’s strategic move to create this inclusive higher education ecosystem aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda. Providing a space for multicultural interaction free from cultural barriers serves as a manifestation of the institution’s commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Through these informal activities, the faculty aims to ensure that every individual enjoys equal social acceptance, regardless of their country of origin.
This warm welcome at the start of their studies is intended to help international students adapt more quickly to their new environment. They are encouraged to make the most of their academic experience, forge lasting cross-border friendships, and eventually return home with cherished memories after completing their studies at FISIPOL UGM.