UNAIR NEWS – Stepping out of their comfort zones and crossing international borders showcases the real commitment of ¶«¾©ÈÈ (UNAIR) students to boosting their global capabilities. A total of 20 students from the Business Department of the Faculty of Vocational Studies recently completed a short-term international mobility initiative titled the Student Outbound Mobility Programme 2026. Held in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Melaka Branch, Alor Gajah Campus, this intensive program lasted for seven days, from June 14 to June 20, 2026.
Overcoming anxieties through communication strategies
Pre-departure anxieties regarding potential language barriers, unfamiliar food, and weather conditions initially crossed the minds of the delegation. However, the UNAIR students managed these concerns by conducting preliminary independent research into Malaysia’s demographic profile. Recognizing that Malay is the national language alongside widely spoken English, Mandarin, and Tamil helped ease communication fears. Ultimately, their primary concern shifted to how quickly they could adapt to the new environment during the program.
“Before leaving, our biggest worry was whether we could adjust to meeting new people in Malaysia. Fortunately, we adapted well to the new surroundings by combining Indonesian and Malay in our daily interactions,” said Dinar, a student representative.
Exploring interactive classrooms and academic culture
Moving into the academic agenda on the second day, the participants experienced full-time lectures at UiTM Melaka, which offered fresh perspectives. Compared to their daily routine back home, the most striking difference was the emphasis on global case studies delivered through interactive learning. The teaching methods encouraged students to think critically and spontaneously through open discussions embedded within the lectures.
“The unique academic culture I discovered there was the contrast between a highly formal environment regarding dress codes and punctuality, and a casual, two-way interaction between lecturers and students during discussions. The faculty and presenters at UiTM were incredibly appreciative of international students’ insights,” Dinar added.
Specifically, the students participated in an intensive English language session guided by Dr. Irene and Dr. Kuldip. The two-hour workshop proved highly dynamic, utilizing flashcards with impromptu questions to train fast-thinking skills and build public speaking confidence.
Following a midday break, the main agenda shifted to Parallel Classes & Student Exchange Activities. During this session, interactive discussions grew more focused as students and faculty from both ¶«¾©ÈÈ and UiTM Melaka split into four academic disciplines. They engaged in deep cross-border dialogues covering economics & finance, marketing & management, accounting, and language & communication.
Writer: Fauziah Laili Romadhon
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
