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As part of its continued commitment to global engagement, Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) welcomed a delegation of students from Fukuyama Heisei University, Japan, for the 2026 International Cultural Exchange Program held from February 11–13, 2026. The three-day program marked another milestone in the growing academic relationship between the two institutions and reflected their shared dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding.

The visiting delegation consisted of 11 students, 10 female students and 1 male student, accompanied by a lecturer from the Department of Childhood Education. Throughout their stay in Malang, the participants were immersed in a carefully designed program combining academic discussion, classroom engagement, and cultural exploration.

The exchange began with an official reception and campus introduction session at UNISMA. A guided campus tour allowed the Japanese students to gain insight into academic facilities, student organizations, and campus life. This was followed by an interactive cultural dialogue session, where students from both universities exchanged perspectives on daily routines, learning systems, student activities, and social culture in their respective countries. The session encouraged open communication and fostered mutual appreciation among participant.

Following the dialogue session, participants were divided into small mixed groups consisting of students from both universities. These smaller discussions created a more personal and engaging atmosphere, allowing students to share experiences, cultural values, and even simple everyday habits in greater depth. Laughter and lively exchanges filled the room as friendships began to form naturally through conversation and collaborative games.

To further strengthen intercultural bonding, the students also took part in a creative workshop session involving simple art-based activities. Working together on hands-on projects, they exchanged cultural symbols and personal reflections about their respective countries. The activity showed how creativity can serve as a universal language, bridging cultural differences and encouraging teamwork across borders.

One of the highlights of the program was the direct involvement of the visiting students in local educational institutions. On February 12, the delegation visited RA Muslimat NU 1 and SDN Dinoyo 1, both located near the UNISMA campus. During these visits, the students conducted interactive activities, including educational games and cross-cultural introductions designed to engage young learners. These sessions created a lively learning atmosphere and provided practical teaching exposure aligned with the visitors’ academic background in Childhood Education.

The engagement at both schools was met with great enthusiasm from the children and teachers. Classrooms quickly turned vibrant as students eagerly took part in games and interactive introductions led by the visiting delegation. For the Japanese students, this hands-on experience offered meaningful insight into Indonesia’s classroom dynamics, enriching their academic knowledge with direct practical exposure.

Beyond formal academic activities, the program also introduced participants to the cultural and social environment of Malang. Short visits around the city and surrounding areas allowed the delegation to see local traditions, community life, and the distinctive character of East Java. These experiences were intended to deepen intercultural awareness and provide a more comprehensive understanding of Indonesian society beyond the classroom setting.

In his welcoming remarks, the Rector of UNISMA, Prof. Drs. Junaidi, M.Pd., Ph.D., emphasized that international exchange programs serve as a strategic platform for strengthening global partnerships. He noted that sustainable collaboration between higher education institutions plays a crucial role in preparing students to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. He further expressed hope that the program would continue to serve as a bridge for academic enrichment, international friendship, and long-term institutional cooperation.

Vice Rector I for Academic Affairs and Cooperation, Dr. Erna Sulistyowati, M. Kes., Ph.D., highlighted the broader academic impact of hosting international students. According to her, exposure to diverse cultural perspectives enhances students’ communication skills, adaptability, and global outlook. She affirmed that initiatives such as this are aligned with UNISMA’s long-term vision of strengthening its position within the global academic community.

Prof. Noriaki Kawashima, Ph.D., the accompanying lecturer from Fukuyama Heisei University, conveyed his appreciation for the hospitality extended by UNISMA. He described the program as a meaningful learning opportunity, particularly in enabling students to see and participate directly in Indonesia’s educational practices. The engagement with kindergarten and elementary school students, he noted, provided authentic field experience relevant to their specialization in Childhood Education.

He also hopes that the collaboration between Fukuyama Heisei University, Japan, and Universitas Islam Malang, Indonesia, will continue and develop in the form of broader student exchange programs, research collaboration, and the development of cross-cultural learning. “We see great potential for building a long-term partnership that is mutually beneficial for both institutions,” he said.

Looking ahead, both institutions expressed optimism about expanding cooperation into broader areas, including student mobility programs, joint research initiatives, and collaborative curriculum development. The growing scale of participation in 2026 compared to the program’s first launch in 2025, which involved six students and one lecturer, signals increasing mutual trust and institutional commitment.

Through initiatives like the International Cultural Exchange Program, UNISMA continues to prove its dedication to advancing campus internationalization. By creating spaces for intercultural dialogue and experiential learning, the university aims to equip students with the competencies, networks, and global perspective necessary to thrive in an interconnected academic and professional landscape.