Student exchanges within a single country are commonplace. However, international student exchanges are special, as they involve more complex tasks and dynamic interactions.
Universitas YARSI, now 56 years old, has initiated a student exchange program with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
In early September 2023, four students from UNIMAS arrived at Universitas YARSI as part of the exchange program. These students, from the Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development (FCSHD), came as a reciprocal gesture following prior collaboration.
Dr. Miwa Patnani, S.Psi, M.Si, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas YARSI, explained that the exchange program was preceded by an invitation to Dr. Muhamad Sophian from FCSHD UNIMAS to participate as a speaker in various events, such as workshops and visiting lectures.
The collaboration began with joint activities involving faculty members from both universities and later expanded to include the student exchange program.
Dr. Miwa expressed her hope that this program serves as a cornerstone for sustainable collaboration between UNIMAS and Universitas YARSI, particularly in teaching, research, and the practical application of research for community service.
The Faculty of Psychology at YARSI and FCSHD UNIMAS share research interests in Neuropsychology and Health Psychology, which form the basis for their collaboration.
During their semester at Universitas YARSI, the UNIMAS students will study courses such as Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Health Psychology and Its Applications, Behavior from a Biological Perspective, Cognition and Learning, as well as Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology.
Dr. Miwa also noted that the four UNIMAS students were accompanied by Dr. Ida Juliana Hutasuhut from FCSHD UNIMAS. At Universitas YARSI, they are being supported by the Head of the Psychology Study Program, the program’s secretary, and members of the student senate (SIMA Psychology). “The UNIMAS students will also receive assistance in adapting to the faculty environment and life in Jakarta,” said Dr. Miwa.
The arrival of the UNIMAS students was warmly welcomed by the Dean and staff of the Faculty of Psychology, as well as by prominent figures such as Prof. Dr. Jurnalis Uddin, P.A.K., Chairman of the YARSI Foundation Board of Trustees, and Dr. Shanti Jurnalis, Sp.A, M.Kes, Chairperson of the YARSI Foundation Management Board.
Notably, Universitas YARSI had earlier sent four of its Psychology students to participate in the exchange program at UNIMAS from March 17 to July 2023. The YARSI students, all in their fourth semester, were accompanied by Dr. Sunu Bagaskara, Vice Dean II of the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas YARSI.
This student exchange program marks an important milestone in fostering mutual growth and deeper academic collaboration between Universitas YARSI and UNIMAS.
