Full of emotion enveloped the event ‘Closing Program Faculty Mobility and SEA Teacher Program 2024’ between Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) and Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) Philippines, on Monday 18/11/2024, yesterday in the Rectorate Conference Room Campus 1.

In his remarks, Mr Darwin M. Andreas, a guest lecturer from NEUST who has taught in various UNIPMA study programmes, expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and warm welcome he received while in Madiun. ‘I am very grateful to UNIPMA. The beautiful cultural diversity makes me feel like I am in a second home,’ he said impressively.

In addition, farewells were also delivered by two NEUST students, Reynalyn Padua Estibar and Cariza Jardinez Mendoza. Reynalyn shared valuable experiences during her time in Indonesia, from exploring tourist attractions such as Telaga Sarangan and Malioboro to tasting culinary specialities such as pecel and soto ayam. ‘I will never forget all these memories. Thank you for all these amazing experiences,’ she said with a sob.

Cariza Jardinez Mendoza added that UNIPMA had provided many moments that would be remembered. ‘We are very grateful for everything that has been given to us while here. This experience is one of the best in our lives,’ she said with emotion.

UNIPMA Rector, Dr Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd, in his speech affirmed the commitment to strengthen cooperation with NEUST. ‘We hope that this collaboration will continue to grow, both through student exchange programmes, joint research, and strengthening the Tridharma of other universities. Goodbye, have a smooth trip back to the Philippines, and see you in the next programme,’ said Dr. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd.

The closing ceremony was full of warmth, coloured by an atmosphere of emotion and happiness. The cooperation between UNIPMA and NEUST during this programme demonstrated the success of cross-cultural and educational collaboration in creating meaningful international experiences.

Through this programme, the two universities not only strengthened academic relationships, but also opened up wider opportunities for cooperation in education, technology and research in the future.

This programme is a clear proof that global collaboration can be a bridge to advance the quality of education, while creating an internationally-minded young generation.