Jakarta.  Student exchange programs are an effective way for students to broaden their horizons and gain international experience. Through these programs, students can study abroad, explore new cultures, and develop both academic and social skills.

Elsa Finelia Kumagap, a law student from the 2021 class at Pelita Harapan University (UPH), is one such participant. She has been selected for the Outbound Student Mobility Program at Handong Global University (HGU) in Pohang, South Korea, from February to June 2024.

This opportunity allows Elsa to study in an international environment, experience Korean culture, and expand her global network. South Korea, with its advanced education system and open academic environment for international students, has its unique appeal beyond its popular K-pop and K-drama culture.

“The opportunity to study the Korean legal system and culture firsthand is one I couldn’t pass up. I’m also assured that the courses I take in Korea will be credited, so my graduation from UPH won’t be delayed,” said Elsa.

“I feel fortunate to be part of this program. Not only do I get to learn about the Korean legal system, but I also get to experience everyday life and culture there. Before I left, I even had a few visits from friends at HGU,” she added.

Thanks to this program, Elsa is gaining academic and social experiences in an international setting. “We got to know each other before I left, and they gave me a clearer picture of what to expect, which made me more confident and excited to explore new experiences there,” she said.

Selection and Preparation Process

Before joining the program, Elsa went through several selection stages, starting with faculty-level selection, followed by administrative document processing. She also prepared course conversions to ensure the credits earned at HGU aligned with UPH’s curriculum. Throughout the process, she received full support from UPH’s Global Partnerships & International Office (GPIO), which assisted her at every stage of preparation.

“GPIO and the Faculty of Law at UPH were very supportive before my departure and while I was in Korea. They made sure I had all the information I needed and continued to provide support throughout the program,” Elsa explained.

Learning and Adapting in Korea

During her semester at HGU, Elsa enrolled in several courses, including Korean Law & Legal System, which gave her new insights into Korea’s legal framework and its historical development.

She quickly adapted to life in South Korea, thanks in part to the Saenegi group, which helps international students adjust to campus life and introduces them to local culture. The program mirrors the mentoring system at UPH, designed to help new students acclimate to their academic and social environments.

Multicultural Relationships and Lifelong Lessons

HGU’s diverse student body, with many international students from various cultural backgrounds, became one of Elsa’s most memorable experiences. It offered her a firsthand opportunity to learn about multiculturalism.

“Interacting with friends from different countries gave me many new perspectives. Our class discussions were richer thanks to the different viewpoints. This is one of the most valuable experiences I’ve gained from the program,” Elsa shared.

She emphasized the friendly and supportive environment at HGU for international students. Both exchange students and local students receive ample support to help them adjust.

Elsa hopes this experience will not only broaden her academic horizons but also enhance her personal development and relationships. The program equips students with the ability to navigate multicultural environments and face global challenges.

“Each student exchange program I’ve participated in has taught me valuable lessons. I hope the experience at HGU will support my personal and career development in the future,” she said.

Through the Outbound Student Mobility Program at HGU, Elsa has demonstrated that studying abroad not only enriches academic knowledge but also prepares individuals to meet global challenges. UPH continues to support its students in pursuing international opportunities, equipping them with the global insights and skills necessary to make a positive impact on society.