TIMES MALAYSIA, YOGYAKARTA – Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta (UMBY) continues to strengthen its international presence by sending students to the SEA Teacher Program in the Philippines while also welcoming international students to its campus.

At the start of 2026, UMBY officially sent four students from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) to join an international teaching practice program coordinated by SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization).

The program runs from January 12 to February 7, 2026, and gives students the opportunity to gain real teaching experience abroad.

Two UMBY students, Annisa Shofana from English Education and Ardita Dhea Nada from Guidance and Counseling, are placed at Capiz State University. Meanwhile, Albara Moh. Nur Taufik from Sports Science and Yohanes Don Bosko from Mathematics Education are teaching at Aklan State University.

UMBY Rector Dr. Agus Slamet said the SEA Teacher program is an important step in building global academic networks. According to him, learning and teaching in a different country helps students become more open-minded, creative, and adaptable in facing global challenges.

The Dean of FKIP, Dr. Nuryadi, added that the program not only offers international exposure but also provides academic credit recognition. Students improve their teaching skills while at the same time introducing Indonesian culture and UMBY’s identity to the international community.

The participating students are guided by supervising lecturer Noor Rizky Irmasari Hasibuan. One of the participants, Ardita Dhea Nada, shared that the experience is very meaningful and will help her grow as a future educator.

In return, UMBY also welcomes two international students from Capiz State University, Mary Joy B. Bigcas (Science Education) and Carlos Miguel B. Habato (Technical Education). They are excited to learn about Indonesia’s education system and teaching methods at UMBY.

Through this exchange, UMBY shows its strong commitment to internationalization, cultural exchange, and the development of globally competitive future teachers. (*)