On 5-6 February 2026, the Cross Cultural Understanding (CCU) Orientation and Welcome Event was held by the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The event was organized to welcome incoming exchange students for the even semester of the 2025/2026 academic year and to support their academic and cultural adjustment in Yogyakarta.
In total, the program welcomed ten exchange students from various partner universities, including the University of Groningen, Saxion University, the University of Birmingham, Warwick University, and several others. Through a combination of academic briefings and cultural activities, CCU aimed to introduce Indonesian culture, particularly the local context of Yogyakarta, so that students could minimize culture shock and adapt comfortably during their study period.
Day 1: Campus Introduction and Academic Briefings
The first day focused on providing students with essential academic and campus-related information. The session opened with a seminar-style orientation featuring several speakers who introduced key aspects of university life at Universitas Gadjah Mada.
The academic regulations session was delivered by the faculty (Mbak Mima), providing students with a clear overview of academic rules, expectations, and important procedures they need to be aware of during their exchange period. This session aimed to ensure that students understand the academic system and feel confident navigating their studies.
Following this, a cultural introduction session was presented by Bu Metta Rahmadiana, S.Psi., M.Si., Psikolog. This session introduced Indonesian culture, with a particular emphasis on local customs, values, and social norms in Yogyakarta. Through this session, students gained insight into everyday practices and cultural differences they may encounter, helping them better understand the local environment.
The final session of the day focused on safety considerations, delivered by Mas Satriyo Priyo Adi, S.Psi., M.Sc. This session covered important safety-related information, including general safety awareness and practical tips for living and traveling in Yogyakarta. The discussion aimed to help students feel secure and prepared during their stay.
Overall, Day 1 was equipping students with the academic knowledge and cultural awareness necessary to begin their exchange experience with confidence.
Day 2: Cultural Exploration and Field Trip
On the second day, the program shifted from classroom-based sessions to experiential learning through a cultural field trip. Students visited Museum Ullen Sentalu, a well-known museum that showcases Javanese history, art, and cultural heritage. Through guided exploration, students were able to gain deeper insight into Javanese royal traditions, values, and the historical background of Yogyakarta.
After the museum visit, the group continued the cultural experience by trying traditional Indonesian food at a local restaurant. This activity allowed students to directly experience local cuisine and dining culture in a relaxed and interactive setting.
The field trip encouraged students to connect the cultural knowledge introduced on the first day with real-life experiences. It also provided an opportunity for social interaction among students and organizers, strengthening a sense of community and belonging.
Conclusion
The CCU Orientation and Welcome Event organized by IUP Psychology UGM successfully introduced exchange students to both the academic environment and cultural context of studying in Yogyakarta. By combining informative seminars with immersive cultural activities, the program supported its main objective: fostering cross-cultural understanding, reducing culture shock, and helping international students adapt smoothly to their new academic and social environment.
Through this initiative, exchange students were not only welcomed academically but also culturally, which lays the foundation for a meaningful and enriching exchange experience in Indonesia.
Writer: Thessalonica Faith Hill Joseph Kurnia