UII International Day Showcases Culture of Various Countries

Yogyakarta—The Directorate of Partnership/Office of International Affairs (DK/KUI) of Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) organized the 2023 International Day at the Moh. Hatta Building grounds in UII’s Main Campus on Thursday, 21 September 2023.

The event aimed at encouraging UII academic community’s participation in exploring the culture of various countries. This also showcased UII’s community that was multicultural, especially with the presence of international students.

UII Rector Prof. Fathul Wahid, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., said students should learn foreign culture. He has told students to utilize this special momentum to explore the different world cultures as the International Day event does not take place every day.

“This is what we call globalization in our own home. Without going abroad, you can experience other culture from Universitas Islam Indonesia,” he said.

The rector added that multicultural understanding was an attitude that everyone must develop early so that students understand that they were part of the global community.

“Country borders are now blurry. Multicultural understanding has become crucial to prepare us in becoming a global citizen,” he said.

The event showcased cultural performances, from dances to booths managed by students representing their respective countries. Also opening booths were the UII Center for International Language and Cultural Studies (Cilacs) and representatives of the students taking part in the UII-China’s Nanjing Xiaozhuang University double-degree program.

Upon registration, more than 500 members of UII’s academic community, comprising of lecturers and students, were given coupons to be exchanged for foods, drinks and snacks offered by the different booths.

Opened by a Japanese traditional instrumental performance, the event also presented a show by the Art of International Relations (ARTIR) Student Activity Unit (UKM) of UII’s International Relations Study Program.

Foreign students taking part in this event were from Australia, Thailand, Yemen, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Rwanda, Gambia, Pakistan and Zimbabwe. (VIP Magazine Vol 10)