Communication Science Study Program Equips 29 Students of the IUP Class of 2024 Towards Study Abroad Experience in South Korea
Jatinangor, August 12, 2026 — The Communication Studies Study Program, Padjadjaran University held a study abroad debriefing activity for International Undergraduate Program (IUP) students of the 2024 class in the Oemi Abdurrahman Room, Fikom Unpad. This activity is part of the preparation for 29 IUP students who will take part in study abroad programs for one semester at a number of universities in South Korea, namely Hanyang University, Woosong University, Sungkyunkwan University, and Ajou University. The debriefing activity was also attended by the Head of the International Office of Padjadjaran University, Anggia Utami Dewi, S.IP., M.IS., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Dr. Nindi Aristi, S.Sos., M.Comn., as well as the Head of the Communication Studies Study Program, Dr. Andika Vinianto Adiputra, M.A. In addition to the leadership, this activity also presented two alumni who had participated in the study abroad program in South Korea as speakers in an experience sharing session.
The activity began with remarks from the Head of the International Office of Padjadjaran University, Anggia Utami Dewi S.IP., M.IS., Ph.D. In her remarks, she emphasized that the opportunity to study abroad for one semester is not only a student experience as a representation of Padjadjaran University in the international environment, but also a space for students to develop various competencies and expand their experience.
“I have high hopes for my friends to bring value beyond just one semester in Seoul. You can take extra courses or classes that are not available at Unpad. And try to get out of your comfort zone by trying to expand friendships,” said Anggia.
A similar message was conveyed by the Dean of the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Dr. Nindi Aristi, S.Sos., M.Comn. She encouraged students to dare to interact and actively ask questions while living their academic life in South Korea. In addition to academic ability, students are also reminded to continue to uphold ethics in carrying out their role as students of Padjadjaran University.
“Don’t be shy to actively ask questions, both inside and outside the classroom because people there are very open when someone asks, especially using direct Korean. Don’t forget to also maintain work ethic and personal ethic,” said Nindi.
The series of activities was then continued with a symbolic procession of student release carried out by the Dean of the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Dr. Nindi Aristi, S.Sos., M.Comn, together with the Head of the Communication Studies Study Program, Dr. Andika Vinianto Adiputra, M.A. This procession marked the readiness of 29 IUP students to begin their academic journey and international experience in South Korea. After the release procession, the Head of the Communication Science Study Program conveyed information related to the Semester Credit Unit (SKS) conversion system and the mechanism of changing the Study Plan Card (KRS) that students need to pay attention to while participating in the study abroad program. This briefing is given to ensure that students understand the academic aspects that need to be prepared before departure and during their studies at partner universities.
Sharing Study Abroad Experiences from Alumni
This debriefing activity also presented Diva Nauli Maharani, a Communication Science student of the class of 2022 who is the recipient of the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) at Hanyang University in 2024. In the sharing session, Diva invited students to get to know more about her academic experience and life while in South Korea. Diva shared various experiences while studying at Hanyang University, ranging from the courses taken, academic and non-academic activities, to daily life in South Korea. She also invited students to prepare the goals they want to achieve before departure, while still enjoying every process that will be undertaken.
“Before leaving, try to set your goals. Decide what you want to get and achieve while you’re there. But at the same time, don’t forget to enjoy the process, explore more, and most importantly, explore yourself. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and go beyond the limits you thought you had. Make the most of your time. It’s your time to discover, grow, and make a difference,” Diva said.
In addition to Diva, other alumni who attended were Hanifa Yasmin Athira, or familiarly called Rara, a Communication Management student of the class of 2020 as well as an IISMA recipient at Korea University in 2022. Rara shared a broader experience about student life while in South Korea, including how to manage finances, use public transportation, utilize public facilities, and get to know the educational services available at South Korean universities. Rara also invited students not only to focus on what will be obtained from an opportunity, but also to open themselves to various possibilities that can be found during the experience.
“Don’t focus too much on figuring out what we will get from an opportunity, but also try to think about what we can explore from that opportunity. We don’t have to know immediately where everything will take us. Sometimes it is precisely from those small experiences that we find interests, perspectives, or even directions that we never imagined before. So, enjoy the process, explore as much as you can, and don’t forget to have fun. Hwaiting!” said Rara.
Through this debriefing activity, IUP Communication Studies students of the class of 2024 are expected not only to have academic and administrative readiness before departure, but also to be able to take advantage of the study abroad experience as a space to expand their horizons, build international networks, and develop themselves in a new environment. The trip to South Korea is an opportunity for students to bring the spirit of Padjadjaran University to the global realm as well as return with new experiences, knowledge, and perspectives that can contribute to the development of themselves and the environment in the future.