Three students from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU), are currently participating in a student exchange program at INTI International University, Malaysia. This program is part of the Student Mobility Programme organized by INTI International University through international collaboration with Universitas Sumatera Utara. The initiative provides students with the opportunity to experience academic life and a learning environment at an international level.
The program is conducted at the INTI International University campus located in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The three participating FISIP USU students are Kenzie Alexander Kelana, Sophie Callista Wirawan, and Celine Chandra from the Communication Studies Program. They are undertaking this exchange for one semester and have been in Malaysia since January 2026.
During the program, the students engage in a variety of academic and non-academic activities. Academically, they participate in lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, academic discussions, and group projects with international students. Beyond the classroom, they are involved in activities such as Gotong Royong Bubur Lambuk with local mosque administrators, a Melaka Heritage Day Trip, and Iftar gatherings with international students. One of the most notable academic experiences for them is the interactive tutorial system, where students are encouraged to actively engage in discussions, respond to questions, and develop strategies collaboratively. Courses such as Advertising and Broadcasting stand out, as they provide opportunities for direct idea exchange and critical thinking development.
In terms of adaptation, the students reported minimal difficulty, as Malaysia shares many similarities with Indonesia in terms of food, climate, and social life. However, the presence of students from various countries presents its own challenges, particularly regarding language differences. Nevertheless, this situation has become an opportunity for them to improve their communication skills in an international environment.
From a learning perspective, they observed differences in the academic structure compared to FISIP USU. At INTI International University, each course is divided into three weekly sessions: lecture, tutorial, and practical. This approach allows for deeper learning while encouraging active participation in discussions and group work. In addition to academic experiences, cross-cultural interaction is a significant aspect of the program. Cultural exchange occurs through daily interactions with students from different countries, where they share stories about traditions, food, and lifestyles, enriching their understanding of cultural diversity.
For the three students, one of the most memorable experiences has been celebrating moments of togetherness such as Iftar and Eid with international friends. Participating in a potluck Iftar for the first time and experiencing festive celebrations in a multicultural environment have been particularly meaningful during their exchange journey.
Through this program, they hope to develop independence, enhance communication skills, and broaden their global perspectives. Upon returning to FISIP USU, they plan to share their experiences with fellow students to encourage more participation in similar international programs.
They also encourage other FISIP USU students who are interested in exchange programs not to hesitate to apply. According to them, such programs offer valuable experiences both academically and personally, while opening new perspectives on the world.
Author:
Jemima Frieda Lumbantobing