Bids Farewell to Inbound Exchange Students After a Semester of Global Learning Across BINUS UNIVERSITY’s Campuses
Jakarta, 12 January – As January marked the beginning of a new year, it also signaled the closing chapter of the Odd Semester 2025/2026. We gathered to bid farewell to our inbound exchange students, many of whom will soon return to their home countries after completing their final examinations later this month.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits)
The farewell atmosphere was filled with warm conversations, joyful games, and shared reflections that naturally led back to early September 2025, when the journey first started. At the beginning of the semester, we warmly welcomed 65 exchange students from 39 partner universities across 22 countries in Asia, Europe, and North America, for taking a semester study abroad across our BINUS @Senayan, BINUS @Kemanggisan, and BINUS @Alam Sutera campuses.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits)
Each exchange student arrived with a unique mix of academic goals, cultural interests, and personal expectations that shaped their semester-long experience. One such story was shared by Hana Nishida, an exchange student from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits)
“BINUS University was my first choice for my exchange program. I wanted to improve my English skill and business knowledge, and I was drawn to BINUS because of its strong reputation in business education. Moreover, I chose Indonesia because I have many Indonesian friends and a strong interest in the culture. Before coming here, I even learned some basic Indonesian language to better adapt to life here in Indonesia,” said Hana.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits)
To support their adjustment to studying and living in Indonesia, this semester we introduced BINUS PATH (Preparation and Adjustment for Transition to Home), an orientation program tailored to assist international students in adapting to life and study in Indonesia. The program offered information sessions, cultural introductions, and practical guidance that enriched their campus experience. The journey continued with PATHVenture activities at the Ciliwung, a mountain camping ground in Puncak, Bogor, surrounded by tea plantations that offered a refreshing and immersive outdoor experience.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits)
As the semester went on, learning became about more than lectures and assignments. Classroom discussions, group work, and presentations encouraged active participation and close interaction with lecturers.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits)
“What surprised me most was the strong bonding between lecturers and students during the learning process. It’s quite different from my home university, and it made learning here more interactive and meaningful,” explained Ben Lukas Koch, an exchange student from the University of Bremen, Germany, who joined the Global Class Computer Science program at BINUS @Alam Sutera.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits)
Outside class, students also joined student-led initiatives, allowing them to build friendships with local students and engage with surrounding communities. For Hana and Lukas, the iBuddy Community Impact Summit 2025 stood out as a defining experience, offering them the chance to visit other universities and interact with local communities in Bandung and Bogor last October.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits)
Through these shared experiences, students broadened their perspectives, strengthened their connections, and developed a deeper appreciation for the richness of Indonesia’s communities and cultures. Before the event concluded, Dr. Rini Setiowati as Vice-Rector for Collaboration and Global Engagement, shared a heartfelt farewell message:
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits)
“This is a special moment for us to say thank you and farewell not only to our exchange students but also to our iBuddy+ 2025 for your dedication and support. We hope you enjoy the remaining days of your stay before returning home and may the friendships and memories you have created here remain with you.”
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits)
As goodbyes are exchanged, the feeling is filled with mixed emotions. The time spent learning and growing together at BINUS has become a memorable chapter of life. Thank you for being part of our community and see you again until our paths cross again.
(Words by: Mita Adhisti/Editor: Aninda Rahmasari)
