JATINANGOR, July 21, 2026 — Four students from the Arabic Literature Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Padjadjaran University will gain valuable experience through an internship program in Saudi Arabia. The four students are scheduled to depart on July 28, 2026, to participate in a 50-day internship program at two key institutions: the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah and the Hajj Affairs Office (KUH) at the KJRI in Jeddah.
The four students who participate in the internship program are Nurul Hilwa Izatunisa, Hanifa Irtiyah Khansa Sitorus, Khansa Haura Ramadhani, and M. Ilham Sofadzikri.
This internship program in Saudi Arabia provides students with an opportunity to broaden their professional experience while developing their language and communication skills in an international setting. In addition, this experience is expected to expand students’ networks, enhance their cross-cultural understanding, and provide them with relevant skills for their future career development.
An Overseas Internship Requires Courage
At today’s send-off ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Unpad, Prof. Aquarini Priyatna, M.A., M.Hum., Ph.D., expressed her appreciation for the courage shown by the four students in seizing this opportunity and investing in their personal development.
According to her, the decision to participate in an overseas internship program demonstrates the students’ courage in seizing opportunities while also facing challenges to enhance their capabilities.
“We deeply appreciate the students’ courage to invest in themselves and take risks to improve their skills, expand their networks, and prepare for the future. Experiences like this will serve as invaluable assets for their future journeys,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Unpad.
The Dean also advised the students to always maintain proper conduct, exercise caution, and uphold the good reputation of themselves, their families, and their alma mater throughout their internships.
She hopes that the students will carry out their duties to the best of their ability and demonstrate competence and positive character as students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Unpad. This is important so that the opportunities and trust that have been granted can be sustained, thereby opening up broader opportunities for other FIB Unpad students to participate in internship programs in Saudi Arabia in the future.
“We urge you to always be careful and uphold the good name of your alma mater. Show that students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Unpad are capable of bringing honor to the university on the international stage. That way, the door of opportunity for other students to participate in internship programs in Saudi Arabia will remain open,” she said.
Internships as a Form of Diplomacy
This internship program is also part of FIB Unpad’s efforts to encourage students to gain learning experiences outside the campus environment. Direct interaction with Indonesian institutions abroad is expected to enrich students’ experiences, particularly in understanding the professional world, public service, diplomacy, and the dynamics of Indonesia’s relations with the international community.
The send-off ceremony was also attended by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Research, Dr. Lina Meilinawati Rahayu, M.Hum.; the Academic and Student Affairs Manager, Rahmat Sopian, Ph.D.; and the Chair of the Arabic Literature Program, Dr. Eka Kurnia Firmansyah, M.Hum.
The departure of four Arabic Literature students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Unpad to Saudi Arabia further enriches the international presence of FIB Unpad students. Embracing the spirit of “Ngakar di Sarakan, Punjul di Buana,” they are expected to make the most of this 50-day experience to learn, contribute, build networks, and return to their homeland with even greater insight and competence.
This internship program supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The departure of four Arabic Literature students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Padjadjaran to the Indonesian Consulate General and the Indonesian Embassy in Jeddah reflects higher education’s commitment to providing holistic, experiential learning to hone language skills, diplomatic skills, and global perspectives. In addition, this program provides students with equal access to international mobility and career opportunities, while also serving as a tangible manifestation of strategic collaboration between educational institutions and diplomatic missions in developing human resources who are adaptable, competent, and highly competitive.
