UNS — The Faculty of Engineering (FT) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta is ready to open international class. This announcement was delivered by the Dean of FT UNS, Dr. Techn. Ir. Sholihin As’ad in the forum group discussion (FGD) on the initiation of international class opening on Thursday (15/10/2021). Dr. Techn. Ir. Sholihin As’ad also mentioned that currently, FT UNS is preparing the facilities and curriculum needed for the international class. Two programs in the FT UNS are planned as the pilot project for the international class.
FT invited several speakers in the FGD to share experiences in opening international programs. The invited speakers are Dr. Helen Julian from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB); Harijanto Setiawan, Ph.D., from Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta (UAJY); Bhimo R. Samudro, Ph.D., the Head of Undergraduate Program in Development Economic UNS, and Director of Partnership, Development, and Internationalization UNS, Irwan Trinugroho, Ph.D.
“The pioneers are two programs, Civil Engineering and Chemical Engineering. We hope later, we can add all programs in FT to open international classes. Hopefully in the 5-6 years in the future,” Dr. Techn. Ir. Sholihin stated.
Dr. Techn. Ir. Sholihin also mentioned that there are two main reasons to open the international class. First, FT UNS is striving to achieve UNS, faculty, and program vision and missions, to be an international level educational institution based on the national cultural values. He added that it would not be an easy journey, but he will make all necessary efforts to open an international class as soon as possible.
“Secondly, we saw community development that grows to be open and globalized. There is high mobility between the community and the university. Opening the program is expected to provide appropriate room to maintain this mobility. Atma Jaya has opened for 22 years, ITB, Undip, ITS even UMS have opened international classes. These are examples for us to move forward,” Dr. Techn. Ir. Sholihin As’ad added.
He also stated that there are at least 600-700 people living in Asia alone, which is a great potential in terms of mobility and graduates’ output. He mentioned that Indonesia has more than one million engineering students but only a few international students. Therefore, he wanted that UNS take place in the market even though it would take time to develop with due process. He also hoped that each program in FT has at least 7-10 international collaborations in the next five years to support program, faculty, and university internationalization efforts.
Through this FGD, Dr. Techn. Ir. Sholihin hoped to obtain experiences from the speakers in opening international classes. Of seven programs offered in FT UNS, two are internationally accredited as the key in opening international classes. Humas UNS
Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti