Yogyakarta — The Faculty of Education and Teacher Training (FITK), UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, officially held the send-off ceremony for students participating in the International School Environment Introduction Program (Pengenalan Lingkungan Persekolahan/PLP) on Thursday, 4 June 2026, at the FITK Meeting Room. The program reflects the faculty’s ongoing commitment to preparing future educators who are academically competent, globally minded, and capable of responding to the rapidly evolving challenges of education in the international era.
The ceremony was attended by faculty leaders, heads of study programs, representatives from the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), supervising lecturers, and participating students. The International PLP program is designed to provide students with direct exposure to educational practices in international settings, enabling them to gain valuable professional experience while broadening their understanding of diverse educational systems and cultures.
In his remarks, Dean of FITK UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Prof. Dr. Sigit Purnama, S.Pd.I., M.Pd., emphasized that the International PLP program is not merely an academic requirement but a transformative learning opportunity that allows students to engage with global educational practices firsthand.
He noted that today’s educators are expected to possess not only pedagogical competence but also intercultural awareness, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate across national boundaries. According to him, participation in an international educational environment will help students develop these competencies while strengthening their confidence as future teachers and educational leaders.
"Through this program, students will have the opportunity to observe, learn, and engage directly with educational practices in an international context. We hope they will become ambassadors of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, demonstrating academic excellence, professionalism, integrity, and respect for cultural diversity. This experience should inspire them to continuously improve themselves and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of education in Indonesia," he stated.
The Dean also encouraged participants to maintain the good name of the university, uphold ethical values, and maximize every opportunity for learning and networking during the program.
The Head of the Arabic Education Study Program, Nurul Huda, S.S., M.Pd.I., highlighted that the International PLP program represents an important milestone in the faculty’s efforts toward educational internationalization. He explained that direct exposure to educational institutions abroad enables students to compare different teaching methodologies, classroom management strategies, curriculum implementation models, and educational cultures.
According to him, such experiences are essential in preparing graduates who are responsive to global educational developments while remaining committed to local values and educational needs.
"We expect students to become active learners throughout the program. They should not only observe but also critically reflect on what they learn. The knowledge, skills, and perspectives they gain can later be adapted and applied to improve educational practices in Indonesia. International exposure will strengthen their academic and professional capacities while fostering a mindset of lifelong learning," he remarked.
He further encouraged students to embrace challenges, cultivate professional relationships, and remain open to new perspectives that could enrich their future teaching careers.
Meanwhile, Chair of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Dr. Abdul Qoyum, S.E.I., M.Sc.Fin., underscored the strategic value of international engagement in higher education. He explained that programs such as International PLP contribute not only to student development but also to institutional growth through expanded academic collaboration and global networking opportunities.
He emphasized that students should view the program as an opportunity to learn beyond the classroom by engaging with educational communities, exploring innovative practices, and understanding how education contributes to broader social development.
"International programs open doors for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation. We hope that the participants will return with new insights, fresh ideas, and valuable experiences that can contribute to the development of our institution and society. More importantly, they should become agents of positive change who are capable of bridging local educational realities with global perspectives," he said.
The ceremony concluded with words of encouragement from faculty leaders and lecturers, who expressed confidence in the students’ ability to represent UIN Sunan Kalijaga with distinction. The participants also shared their enthusiasm and readiness to embark on this international academic journey, viewing it as a valuable opportunity for personal growth, professional development, and intercultural learning.
Through the International PLP program, FITK UIN Sunan Kalijaga continues to strengthen its commitment to producing future educators who are innovative, globally connected, and prepared to contribute to educational advancement at both national and international levels. The initiative further reflects the university’s broader vision of fostering academic excellence, international collaboration, and meaningful engagement with global educational communities.