Yunnan, China—To enhance cross-cultural learning experiences, a 2022 student from the Chinese Literature Study Program at Brawijaya University Faculty of Cultural Studies Syauqina Nur Amalina participated in a student exchange program through the Confucius Institute Scholarship at Yunnan University, China. This program is part of the government-encouraged Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) policy to broaden students’ horizons globally.
The participating Syauqina explained that the registration process was carried out online through the official Confucius Institute Scholarship website. After the selection stage, an acceptance letter is sent via email. “After being accepted, students are required to re-register at their respective campuses according to the specified date,” she said.
The program runs from the end of August 2024 to January 2025. During the program, students get a golden opportunity to experience firsthand the academic and cultural life in China. “Of course, the direct experience of studying in China, getting to know Chinese culture, and meeting new friends from all over the world become very valuable things,” she said.
One of her most memorable moments was attending the welcoming party for new students. In this event, representatives from various countries performed their distinctive cultures on stage. “This event was very memorable because I could share Indonesian culture with friends from other countries,” she added.