MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MALANG – A warm smile, the familiar greetings of ’mas’ or ’mbak’, and the polite habit of bowing slightly when meeting others—these small gestures have made Razafindrambinina Marie Anna fall in love with Indonesia. For Anna, a student from Madagascar now studying at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), the courtesy and friendliness of Indonesian society are priceless cultural experiences and a reason she feels truly welcomed in a foreign land.
Anna’s decision to pursue her studies at UMM was influenced by her uncle, who once lived in Indonesia. Her choice became firmer after hearing positive testimonies from friends.
“They said UMM has many international students, excellent facilities, and good rankings. Later I was offered a full Summit scholarship. That convinced me to choose UMM and enroll in the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP),” Anna said, as quoted from a press release received on Wednesday (17/9).
According to Anna, UMM offers more than academic excellence. It provides a beautiful environment with better facilities compared to other universities she considered. The campus is wide, green, and full of trees, yet also modern. She especially enjoys the blend of eco-campus design with contemporary architecture.
Her first experience at UMM was joining Pesmaba (Pengenalan Studi Mahasiswa Baru, an orientation week for new students). For her, Pesmaba was an important gateway to understanding both the university and Indonesian culture.
“My first impression during Pesmaba was happiness because I could meet many new friends in groups. I joined different activities, and among them the flash mob and campus concert were the most memorable,” she said.
During a week of orientation in the dormitory through P2KK (Personality and Leadership Development Program), Anna learned the meaning of togetherness in diversity. She was introduced to different cultural expressions such as traditional music, art performances, and paintings. She also said she quickly made friends with both Indonesian and international students who were kind and welcoming.
“Indonesians really respect others. They have special forms of address like mas (older brother), mbak (older sister), pak (sir or mister), or bu (madam or Mrs.). When greeting, they slightly bow and always smile. I think that’s wonderful,” she added.
Although far from her family, Anna remains motivated. She knows her journey at UMM is a big step toward her dream.
“My hope is to adapt well, study diligently, and eventually become a teacher who not only teaches but also guides with heart,” she said.
Anna’s story reflects how UMM is not just an educational institution but also a bridge for international students to pursue their aspirations. From Madagascar to Malang, her journey is a story of courage, friendship, and the belief that education can transcend national boundaries.
