Bandung, February 12, 2025 – Five Itenas students selected for the Student Exchange program are Ananda Ahnaf Wandina Putri and Maharani Lathifah Sofyan from the Visual Communication Design Study Program, who will depart for Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, Germany; Jihan Mutiara Martha and Amiel Abhinandana Mulyanegara from the Mechanical Engineering Study Program, as well as Keindra Bagas Maulana from the Informatics Study Program, who will depart for Can Tho University, Vietnam.

The send-off ceremony for the Student Exchange program participants was attended by the Rector of Itenas, Prof. Meilinda Nurbanasari, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, the Vice Rector for Planning, Innovation, and Cooperation, as well as the Deans from the Faculty of Industrial Technology and the Faculty of Architecture and Design. Additionally, the Heads of the Visual Communication Design and Informatics Study Programs were present to provide guidance, support, and motivation. The Rector of Itenas expressed her pride in the departure of the selected students and emphasized that such international experiences are part of Itenas' efforts to produce globally competitive graduates.

Departure of Student Exchange program participants.

Each participant has their own motivation, such as the desire to explore the world and broaden horizons, experiencing study abroad, fulfilling childhood dreams with parental support, gaining international insights, and the enthusiasm of visiting a new country for the first time.

This program is considered a dream come true for the students, despite the challenges, especially in adapting to a new culture. Some also see this as a long-awaited opportunity for exploration. “Dreams come true! This is a very memorable process for me, especially after experiencing failures on several previous occasions,” said Nanda.

The students appreciated the support from Itenas which facilitated their participation in this program. The forms of support include dormitory facilities and accommodation, guidance from the campus, financial assistance, and ease in the visa application process. Furthermore, the students felt full moral support from their lecturers.

The participants also shared tips for students interested in joining a Student Exchange. First, English language preparation is crucial to ensure good communication. Secondly, frequent interaction with academic advisors can help students obtain information regarding international opportunities. Lastly and no less importantly, a never-give-up spirit is a key to success, along with the habit of being proactive in seeking information and preparing for the TOEFL or other language tests.

Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences in Germany and Can Tho University in Vietnam are two institutions that have established strategic cooperation with Itenas. This student exchange program is expected to further strengthen the relationship between the universities while opening up more opportunities for Itenas students to gain academic experience in an international scope. (AB/IS)