Yogyakarta, August 28th 2023 – Mahendra Aditya Susilo, a student of the Tour and Travel Business Study Program in the Department of Languages, Arts, and Culture Management Vocational College, Universitas Gadjah Mada, who participated in the 2023 Student Exchange Program for one semester at Jeonbuk National University, South Korea, has achieved remarkable accomplishments.Mahendra Aditya Susilo, affectionately known as Mahendra, took part in the student exchange program for the Spring 2023 period, spanning from March to July 2023. Through this program, he demonstrated strong academic achievements and actively engaged in various initiatives during his exchange semester in South Korea.
JBNU Spring Exchange 2023 Scholarship Awardee
This program stands as a collaborative effort between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Jeonbuk National University. Within this framework, Mahendra was awarded a full scholarship to pursue studies for one semester, covering both tuition fees and accommodation costs. He chose the International Relations program to accommodate his interests and aspirations within the international realm.
Visit to the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul
Visiting the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul was a pre-planned agenda for Mahendra upon his arrival in South Korea. His proactive approach displayed his dedication towards enhancing cross-cultural understanding.
Joining JBNU Buddy Club
In the context of cultural exchange, Mahendra joined the JBNU buddy club, aiming to explore local attractions around the campus, engage in cultural exchanges, foster new friendships, and learn the Korean language. Through this program, he also had the opportunity to familiarize himself with the Korean language.
Joining “Kotural” Cultural Club
The realm of international cultures highly intrigued Mahendra, prompting his decision to join the “Kotural” cultural club at JBNU, initiated by students from the School of International Studies to organize cultural activities. The “Kotural” club comprises members from various countries, including Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Russia, Venezuela, and others. “I was motivated to become part of this community to learn about the cultures of students from diverse nations and engage in mutual exchange of ideas. Through my participation in ‘Kotural,’ I gained experience in discovering culinary delights from various countries, understanding different cultures, and adapting to students from diverse backgrounds,” Mahendra stated.
Second Place Winner in Video Competition by KBRI Seoul
Video creation and editing are among Mahendra’s hobbies. When the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul announced the Ramadan Safari Video Competition with the theme “Activities in Mosques during Ramadan in South Korea,” Mahendra eagerly participated. His efforts led him to secure second place in the video competition, earning him a cash prize of KRW 200,000.
Second Place Winner in the 2023 Republic of Korea-ASEAN Youth Presentation Contest organized by Jeollabuk-Do Center for International Affairs
The competition hosted by JBCIA attracted several international participants under the theme ‘Climate Crisis.’ Mahendra and Amalia, a fellow student from IPB, had the opportunity to present about South Korea’s collaboration with Indonesia in the field of electric vehicles. Their outstanding presentation earned them the ‘Excellent Prize.’
Participating in a range of activities throughout the student exchange program has enriched Mahendra’s portfolio with diverse international experiences. This stands as an inspiration for fellow students to strive for excellence wherever they may find themselves.
Humas DBSMB
