Semarang, Indonesia – The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of Universitas Diponegoro (Undip) has sent its students to participate in a Summer Course Exchange Program at the National Changhua University of Education (NCUE) in Taiwan. Held from August 3rd to 16th, 2025, this initiative is a strategic part of Undip’s efforts to enhance student global competitiveness through cross-cultural learning and international collaboration.

This international partnership is designed to elevate students’ competencies, deepen their academic insights, and hone essential skills in communication and adaptation. Furthermore, it aims to broaden their perspectives on cultural diversity within a global context.

Based in Changhua City, Taiwan, the program selected 20 outstanding students from various faculties at Undip. Among the participants is Kayla Adeline Ultimandasetya, a 2023 student of Business Administration from FISIP Undip. Over the two-week intensive program, the students engaged in a diverse range of activities, including Mandarin language classes, thematic lectures, academic discussions, institutional visits, and explorations of Taiwanese culture, politics, and business. To facilitate a smooth adaptation to campus life and daily living in Taiwan, each Undip student was paired with a dedicated NCUE “student buddy.”

Beyond the classroom, the students immersed themselves in rich cultural experiences. These included artistic workshops, traditional culinary practices, and excursions to historical sites in the Changhua region, such as the renowned historic area of Lukang.

The program culminated with a comprehensive evaluation of the participants’ learning outcomes. Students took a computer-based TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language) exam, which assessed their listening and reading comprehension, measuring their understanding of Taiwanese culture and their progress in Mandarin after two weeks of intensive study. Following the exam, the students showcased their acquired knowledge and skills through creative final projects, which took the form of videos, dramas, and presentations—all delivered in Mandarin.