Bandung, Unikom — Department of International Relations sent two of its students to participate in the UP Hiraya Short-Term Exchange Program at the University of the Philippines, which took place from June 9 to 27, 2025.
The UP Hiraya Short-Term Exchange Program is a short-term exchange program focused on research, innovation, and cultural exchange, enabling students from various universities to participate in academic and cultural activities at the University of the Philippines. The students from Department of International Relations Program participating in the program are active students from the 2022 cohort: Regina Rivera Rafa Dany and Ghafira Nabila Zahrani.
International Relations students from UNIKOM participated in the HIRAYA 2025 student exchange program in the Philippines for 19 days. The program included visits to three universities: the University of the Philippines, Batangas State University, and Central Bicol State University of Agriculture. At the University of the Philippines in Manila, Regina and Ghafira delved into Filipino language and culture, including learning basic phrases such as “magandang umaga” (good morning) and “ikinagagalak kitang makilala” (nice to meet you). They also learned to make Filipino dessert halo-halo and visited many historical sites with a guide. In addition, she studied the SDGs and created a mind map related to them. At Batangas State University, they delved into community empowerment. Finally, at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, she studied agriculture and local life, including planting mangroves and taro, and appreciated the hospitality of the Bicol people. This experience was invaluable for Ghafira in terms of international interaction and adapting to new cultures.
The Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences officially sent off Regina Rivera Rafa Dany and Ghafira Nabila Zahrani to depart for the Philippines on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. We hope that the participation of IHI UNIKOM students in this program will bring benefits, namely enhancing the reputation of the faculty and university, while equipping them with valuable skills for future careers in diplomacy, research, or other international relations professions.
