Workshop of young lecturers held by International Relations Office (IRO) of University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) on Friday (3/30) resulted several agreements. They were: team strengthening for international cooperations, international publication strengthening and international scholarship programs for young lecturers.
Through the forum entitled “Internationalization of UMM” , there were also suggestion on bilingual diploma and academic transcript: Indonesian-English or Indonesian-Arabic. The idea was possitively welcomed by the Chief of IRO of UMM, Drs. A Haris, MA. He agreed to propose the idea to the Rector. Thus, bilingual diploma is expected to be issued on May graduation period this year.
“For internationalization, UMM diploma and academic transcript must be bilingual. There would not be necessary to translate if students want to apply for international scholarship or foreign company,” said Nasrullah, one of the workshop participant lecturers. According to him, technically, foreign language might be written in small letters. Of course, study programs must be involved in determining translated-course names in order to avoid translation error.
Assistant of Cooperation of UMM, Drs. Soeparto, M.Pd, also agreed that it is the time for UMM to have international language translated diploma and academic transcript. Study result card/Kartu Hasil Studi (KHS) might be bilingual as well. It is because student exchange program requires transcript in English. Foreign students also want to know what courses offered by UMM.
“We will prepare a team led by Pak Bayu to translate the diploma and academic transcript,” said Soeparto referring to Coordinator of International Publication Division of IRO, Bayu H. Wicaksono, Ph.D. Bayu who presented together with another division coordinator such as Drs. Jarum, M.Ed and Widiya Yutanti, MA, said "yes" on the duty.
Meanwhile, Haris expected there would be maximum benefit taken by faculties from foreign lecturers at UMM. Those lecturers play an important role for international exposure. “Invite them to discuss, talk and do possitive academic activities. At least, please interact frequently using their language in order to learn it,” he suggested.
The suggestion also came from another young lecturer. Rahmat Pulung Sudibyo proposed to give lecturers with poor English a chance to learn the language directly in English speaking countries. “I believe they would be able to master the language if they were forced to do so,” he said.
The idea received various responds. Those who agreed said that it would be an effective learning. Those who dissagreed stated it would waste a lot of money. Domestic courses would be better. “However, all the ideas will be delivered to the Rector,” Haris promised. (nov/nas/t_alf)
