UIII’s Faculty of Education Students Go on International Study Trip to Australia
Generally, appreciation given by universities to outstanding students is awarded at the end of their study period. Uniquely, in the Master’s program at the Faculty of Education (FoE) at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia, academic recognition is given at the end of the third semester, particularly after the thesis proposal. These students were selected based on their outstanding academic performance and active involvement in various educational projects. Three top students have been given the opportunity to visit Deakin University, Australia. This visit took place from May 15 to May 24, 2024. The primary goal of this visit is to promote cross-cultural understanding in a new educational atmosphere. Additionally, this trip is part of their learning process in completing their theses, providing students with the chance to consult their theses with experts from another university. This valuable experience is expected to enhance their academic knowledge and broaden their international perspectives.
Regarding the cities of Melbourne and Burwood, they exceeded the expectations. Melbourne was thought to be like cities such as Singapore, Dubai, or other modern cities that are rather dull. But that was wrong. Melbourne is incredibly beautiful. Not only is the city well-organized and clean, but there are still many houses that give off an English vibe from the 80s-90s, reminiscent of sitcoms like Mr. Bean. Seeing the scarcity of tall buildings, especially in the area where the stay was in Burwood, where tall buildings are rare, adds to the memorable impression that will be boasted about to friends because of how beautiful and aesthetic the city is.
Nevertheless, the initial experience of visiting Deakin University campus in Burwood left several positive impressions that are still vivid. First, the university buildings looked new, tidy, and highly aesthetic. Never before had the feeling of visiting a university was akin to visiting a 5-star hotel. Perhaps because the person comes from a rural area in West Java, they are easily impressed by modern interior nuances. The campus is serene and calming for a campus located in the midst of the city, in Burwood. Secondly, the person was accompanied by Deb, one of the Deakin staff, who took them on a campus tour.
What impressed the most was when visiting the Visual Art class taught by a lecturer and (in the person’s opinion, an artist), Dr. Fiona. She introduced how she teaches her students. Seeing how Dr. Fiona was so enthusiastic and passionate about her field, the person, who was previously indifferent to anything related to music, became enthusiastic as well. Perhaps, the person thought, this is the quality of teachers in developed countries like Australia, where they are not just teaching to make a living but genuinely want to share knowledge with passion and positive energy. Then the person reflected, why was she so enthusiastic and passionate? Perhaps because Australia is a developed country, economically stable, thus it has a good education system. If the economy and education are well intertwined, it will undoubtedly produce the best and most passionate individuals.
In addition to exploring Deakin University Melbourne Burwood campus, we also had the opportunity to visit Deakin University Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus. We were warmly greeted by PhD candidates, Anthony and Lei Bao. Our discussions ranged from conducting PhD-level research to exploring our thesis topics, sparking valuable insights and potential collaborations in academic research.
The highlight of our visit was attending a seminar on Language and Literacy led by Paul Garner. His innovative teaching approach captivated us all. Rather than starting with theory, Paul engaged students in hands-on writing activities, encouraging them to write narratives based on various scenarios. Paul’s commitment to interactive learning was evident in his meticulous preparation of materials, which included diverse writing implements and interactive tools like markers and papers. This approach not only enhanced engagement but also provided a deeper understanding of writing narratives.
Overall, Paul Garner’s seminar exemplified effective teaching methods that prioritize student participation and foster a supportive learning environment. Since we are from the faculty of education, this was an enlightening experience that underscored the importance of innovative educational practices in preparing future educators.
According to Eka, educational experiences have given him exposure to various innovative teaching approaches and methods. “It was fascinating to see the 360-degree augmented reality room as part of future education and to discuss teacher-related issues with lecturers at Deakin University.” Beyond the theoretical aspect, this visit provided him with the opportunity to experience the learning atmosphere and engage in direct discussions about educational issues in both countries. It allowed him to observe the challenges and opportunities in the world of education while reflecting on the current state of education. This highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing global educational issues.
The Faculty of Education at Universitas Internasional Indonesia places a strong emphasis on the practical application and global relevance of educational theories. By facilitating such international visits, the faculty aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice. The trip to Deakin University is not just an academic exercise but a strategic effort to prepare students for the global educational landscape. It underscores UIII’s commitment to fostering and conducting pioneering research on Islam and Muslim communities and enhancing knowledge and social well-being. Additionally, it showcases Indonesian Islamic cultures as an integral part of global civilization.