The dream of pursuing higher education abroad is becoming increasingly attainable for students of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Through the Let’s Understand Better (LUB) program, the UGM Library and Archives, in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs (OIA) UGM, organized an Info Session on Studying at Tunghai University, Taiwan, bringing prospective students together with international academics in a direct and interactive forum.
The first LUB session in 2026 was held on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, at the Seminar Room, 2nd Floor, UGM Library and Archives. The forum was designed to provide a comprehensive overview of study opportunities at Tunghai University, including academic programs, scholarships, learning systems, and campus life in Taiwan.
This LUB activity reflects the library’s transformation into a hub for global literacy and an axis of international knowledge exchange. “Through Let’s Understand Better, we aim to position the library as a space for dialogue that brings together information, experiences, and cross-border academic networks,” said Safirotu Khoir, Ph.D., the program coordinator.
The session opened with a presentation by Ibu Tania, an alumnus from Tunghai University, who shared first-hand experiences of academic life, cultural adaptation, and the learning atmosphere in Taiwan. The testimonial offered participants a realistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities of studying abroad from an international student’s perspective.
The program continued with interactive group discussions. Participants were divided into three groups to engage more deeply with Tunghai University academics: Prof. Huang-Nan Huang (Distinguished Professor, Department of Mathematics), Prof. Kwai-Kong Ng (Chair, Department of Applied Physics), and Prof. Min-Chieh Chuang (Chair, Department of Chemistry and Chair of the SSM Program). The discussions explored curricula, research opportunities, prospects for further study, and potential academic collaboration.
Fikry, one of the participants, said the session provided much-needed clarity. “The information was very comprehensive and delivered directly by the professors. It really helps us plan our studies abroad in a more focused way,” he said.
Through the collaboration between the UGM Library and Archives and OIA UGM, the activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by expanding access to global higher education information, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening international cooperation among higher education institutions.
Going forward, the Let’s Understand Better program will continue to serve as a strategic platform for connecting UGM students with global academic opportunities, while reinforcing the library’s role as a frontline institution in building cross-border knowledge networks.
Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh