MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, BENGKULU – Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu (UMB) has taken a significant step towards its goal of internationalization by establishing a new collaborative partnership with Hitit University, Turkey. The official signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was held virtually on Wednesday, July 3, with representatives from both universities participating in the event.
This international collaboration is not the result of a rushed endeavor. It represents the successful outcome of in-depth discussions between Andi Azhar, Head of the International Office at UMB, and Prof. Ersin Kabakci, who actively participated in the process despite being on a research trip in the United States. After reaching a mutually beneficial agreement, the signing of the MoU marked a new chapter in academic collaboration between the two institutions.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for strategic collaborations between UMB and Hitit University. This partnership encompasses a variety of exciting programs, including student exchange programs, summer courses, joint research initiatives, double degree programs, and faculty mobility programs that will allow lecturers from both universities to participate in exchange opportunities,” said Andi in a press release on Wednesday (July 10).
Andi Azhar explained the MoU’s potential to significantly benefit UMB students. The partnership opens up a world of possibilities for them to pursue academic endeavors in Turkey. UMB students will have the opportunity to participate in various programs, ranging from traditional student exchange semesters to shorter summer courses focused on specific disciplines or language learning programs.
“The enthusiastic response of Hitit University to the partnership is a positive indicator of its commitment to collaborative endeavors. The university has expressed its eagerness to waste no time in moving forward with the implementation of concrete programs, such as joint research projects that will allow researchers from both institutions to collaborate on scholarly pursuits of mutual interest,” said Andi.
The signing of this MoU aligns perfectly with UMB’s strategic vision of further internationalizing its academic programs. This new partnership complements the existing international collaborations that the university has established, strengthening its position as a university that embraces a globalized approach to education.
With the MoU in place, UMB is poised to provide its students with a more globally enriching educational experience. The partnership opens doors for student exchange programs, faculty exchange opportunities, and collaborative research initiatives, all of which will contribute to a more well-rounded and internationally focused academic environment for UMB students. The MoU also paves the way for the development of new and exciting collaborative opportunities with Hitit University in Turkey, fostering stronger ties between the two institutions and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
