DAI Ambassador Cordofa is now accepting applications for the Ramadan 2027 program for those interested in contributing to Islamic outreach and supporting Muslim communities abroad. The program is open to applicants aged 30–45 with at least a bachelor’s degree, Quran reading and memorization skills, knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, and proficiency in Arabic and English.
Registration: September 9–27, 2026
Apply: https://sid.rekrutmendaiambassadordaf2027
More information: @cordofa_dd
Bank UGM is opening an opportunity for talented individuals to join as a Marketing Lending / Account Officer (AO).
The position is open to candidates with at least a diploma (D3), strong communication and negotiation skills, and an interest in sales, finance, or marketing. Relevant experience is an advantage. Benefits: fixed salary, attendance allowance, health & employment insurance, performance incentives, and career development opportunities.
Apply online: kari.bprugm.co.id
More information: @bankugm / www.bprugm.co.id
YOGYAKARTA – Learning a foreign language does not always have to begin with textbooks and classrooms. This was the experience of Shang Narendra, a 2022 student of Arabic Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), who became the university’s sole representative in the 2026 Mandarin Summer Camp Short Term Study Program in Taiwan. The program, subsidized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, was held at Da Yeh University (大葉大學) in Changhua, Taiwan, from July 22 to August 4, 2026.
Organized through the Official Taiwan Education Center Indonesia in collaboration with universities in Taiwan, the program brought together international students to learn Mandarin while gaining firsthand exposure to Taiwanese culture. For Shang Narendra, who is often called Adam, the opportunity stemmed from his desire to learn a foreign language directly in an environment where it is spoken. As an Arabic Literature student, he is accustomed to viewing language not only through its structure and vocabulary but also through the culture, society, and context in which it is used.
During the program, participants attended Mandarin classes in the morning and took part in various cultural activities in the afternoon. Upon arriving at Da Yeh University, participants first took the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) to assess their Mandarin proficiency and determine their class placement. Classroom learning was complemented by hands-on activities, including cooking, handicrafts, aromatherapy, fabric painting, traditional Chinese calligraphy, and making a Taiwanese-style mosquito repellent spray.
The cross-cultural experience also extended into everyday life in the dormitory. Participants from different universities and countries lived together, creating opportunities to communicate in various languages, particularly English and Mandarin. Adam occasionally used Google Translate when language barriers interrupted conversations. He also interacted directly with local residents while purchasing daily necessities. Through these experiences, he learned that the courage to communicate and the ability to adapt can be just as important as mastering grammar.
One of Adam’s most memorable experiences was the final project, which involved a role-play performed with a group of six students from different backgrounds. Within a relatively short period, Adam and his group members had to use Mandarin to discuss ideas, divide tasks, and prepare their performance. The program also took participants to Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, giving them an opportunity to explore another side of Taiwan beyond the university campus.
For Adam, learning Mandarin in Taiwan also broadened his perspective as an Arabic Literature student. He came to see more clearly that language learning cannot be separated from the culture and society of its speakers. The experience also strengthened his listening and speaking skills, contextual understanding, and ability to adapt to a new environment. Learning another language gave him a new perspective on understanding Arabic more broadly, beyond the theories he studies in the classroom.
The summer course also provided Adam with an opportunity to step outside his comfort zone. He found that students of Arabic Literature can explore other languages and cultures without leaving behind the field they are studying. By becoming familiar with more languages and societies, students can gain new perspectives on Arabic while preparing themselves to communicate and engage in increasingly multicultural environments.
Author : Indana Zulfa Maulida
YOGYAKARTA – Students of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) received guidance on personal branding, LinkedIn profile development, and professional CV writing as part of the Entrepreneurship and Self-Development course on September 7, 2026. The session was delivered by Nifa Andriani, an alumna of the Arabic Literature Study Program, who served as one of the speakers in the class.
During the session, Nifa explained that building a professional profile begins with recognizing one’s experiences and skills. LinkedIn can be used by students to showcase their achievements, skills, organizational involvement, and work experience while also building connections with people who share similar professional interests or career goals. The platform also allows users to continuously update their professional profiles as they gain new experiences.
The discussion went beyond general explanations, as Nifa also reviewed several students’ LinkedIn profiles directly. The review covered various sections, including profile photos, headlines, About, and Experience. Several participants’ profiles were discussed to assess whether the information presented reflected their current interests and career goals. Nifa also highlighted the importance of using relevant keywords to make profiles more visible to recruiters.
In addition to LinkedIn, students learned how to create an effective CV. During the discussion, participants compared several CV formats, including more colorful designs and simpler, well-structured layouts. Nifa explained that a clean and easy-to-read CV can help recruiters identify important information more efficiently, particularly when applications are screened through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) during the recruitment process.
The session also covered how students can present their experiences as part of their professional profiles. Organizational activities, volunteer work, certifications, projects, and freelance experience can be included when they are relevant to the skills and qualifications a student wants to highlight. Students also gained an overview of the recruitment process, including employment background checks and factors that companies may consider when evaluating candidates.
The discussion was part of the Arabic Literature Study Program’s efforts to prepare students for the professional world. By learning how to identify their strengths, present their experiences effectively, and build a professional profile, students are encouraged to start planning their career paths while still at university and make better use of the experiences they gain throughout their studies.
Author : Indana Zulfa Maulida
