The Internationalization Program is one of the flagship programs of the International Relations Study Program (HI) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY). To facilitate this, HI UMY provides opportunities for its students to take part in an internship program held at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in several countries including; Indonesian Consulate General in New York, Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, Indonesian Consulate General in Davao, Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, and Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi. A total of 10 students were dispatched to carry out internship assignments for the next 2 to 3 months in this program, which is being implemented for the first time.
When contacted on Monday (5/9), the Head of UMY’s International Relations Study Program, Dr. Sugito, revealed that the purpose of this program, other than as additional work experience for the students, is to implement theory and practice gained during education. “In addition, students also get other benefits such as additional soft skills and hard skills, increasing relationships when meeting with the international community, taking roles in discussions held at the Consulate General and the Indonesian Embassy, and participating directly in resolving issues related to Indonesia that occur in that country. The results of the internship are expected to become a report that can replace the final project and can be published,” he explained.
Sugito also conveyed a message to UMY International Relations students who will do their internships abroad, to always maintain the good name of UMY International Relations. “Work well, maintain your attitude, and behave according to applicable norms. This program can be a bridge for HI UMY to carry out various other collaborations with the Consulate General and the Indonesian Embassy, as well as with related countries,” he added.
The release ceremony for the interns was held on Wednesday (31/8) at the UMY International Relations Study Program, represented by Sandi Prayogi, an intern at the Indonesian Consulate General in New York, and Nandhita Zahra, an intern at the Indonesian Consulate in Jeddah. When met after the release ceremony, Sandi admitted that he felt proud, happy, and nervous because this was his first experience for an internship at a government agency, especially since this one will be located in another country.
“I hope that through this program, I can get an extraordinary experience, especially about how a real diplomat works,” said the student who will have the opportunity to become a companion under the Economic Attache in trade, tourism, investment forums and exhibitions. In addition to his internship obligations, Sandi also admitted that he would conduct research on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in the United States as a condition for his final assignment.