Yogyakarta, August 21, 2026 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held an International Student Welcome Event on Friday, August 21, 2026. The event was organized to warmly welcome international students joining the Faculty of Biology for the first semester of the 2026/2027 academic year and to introduce them to the academic community and environment at UGM.
The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc., and Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc.
Also in attendance were the Head of the Master’s Program, Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si.; Head of the Undergraduate Program, Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Head of the Office of International Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM, Matin Nuhamunada, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Head of the Academic and Student Affairs Working Team, Emi Dwi Suryanti, S.Si., M.Sc.; and several faculty staff members.
The event took place in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Dean warmly greeted the newly arrived international students and encouraged them to feel comfortable as part of the Faculty of Biology UGM community. The welcoming session also provided an opportunity for the students to introduce themselves and share their first impressions after arriving in Yogyakarta.
The new international students shared their positive experiences upon arriving in Yogyakarta, including their impressions of the city, local surroundings, and Indonesian culture. The informal and friendly interaction created an enjoyable atmosphere and helped the students feel welcomed as new members of the Faculty of Biology UGM community.
For the first semester of the 2026/2027 academic year, the Faculty of Biology UGM welcomes five international students from universities in different countries. Three students are joining through the student exchange program: Thomas Cornelis Kuipers from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Dk Nur ‘Ashiilah Iyazzie Putri from Universiti Brunei Darussalam, and Luke Foster from the University of Leeds.
In addition, Daisy Alexander Dora Morgan from the University of Cambridge is joining the Faculty as a research student. Meanwhile, Amuna Oluwaseyi Theophillus is joining the Master’s Program as a recipient of the Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship (KNB Scholarship).
The welcome event also invited international students who are currently studying at the Faculty of Biology UGM. They included Khin Thandar Aung from Myanmar, Jawad Khan from Pakistan, a Master’s student supported by the Gadjah Mada International Fellowship (GMIF), and Ruvarashe Rambwawasvika from Zimbabwe, a Master’s student supported by the KNB Scholarship.
The participation of these continuing international students added an important dimension to the event, as they had the opportunity to share their experiences of studying at the Faculty of Biology UGM. They talked about their academic experiences, classroom activities, assignments, and the process of adapting to a new academic and cultural environment. Their stories provided practical insights and encouragement for the newly arrived students as they begin their own academic journeys in Yogyakarta.
Through the sharing session, the continuing students highlighted that differences in language and culture do not have to become barriers to academic achievement. With effective communication, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt, international students can participate actively in classes, complete their academic assignments, and build positive relationships with lecturers, staff, and fellow students.
The event also highlighted how diversity in cultural and educational backgrounds contributes to the academic atmosphere at the Faculty of Biology UGM. Interactions among students from different countries provide opportunities not only for academic exchange but also for cultural learning, mutual understanding, friendship, and future collaboration.
Through this welcome event, the Faculty of Biology UGM hopes that the new international students will adapt smoothly, gain valuable academic and cultural experiences, and actively contribute to an inclusive and globally oriented learning environment.
The International Student Welcome Event reflects the Faculty of Biology UGM’s continued commitment to strengthening the internationalization of higher education. The presence of students from diverse countries is expected to further strengthen international academic networks while enriching the academic and cultural environment of the Faculty of Biology UGM.
