SPs UNHAS Receives Four KNB Scholarship Students, Indonesian Language Learning in Focus

MAKASSAR, October 20 — Four international students receiving scholarships through the Developing Countries Partnership (KNB) Scholarship Program took part in a meeting during a visit by the Language Services Unit of Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) to the Graduate School (SPs UNHAS) on Tuesday (October 20). Held in the Meeting Room on the second floor of GB Room 2 at the UNHAS Tamalanrea Campus in Makassar, the meeting focused on Indonesian language learning programs designed to support international students’ academic needs throughout their studies at UNHAS.

The four students come from Ghana, Tanzania, Malawi, and Madagascar. They are Hasan, Pasco, Chimwemwe, and Halima, who are currently pursuing their studies at UNHAS under the KNB Scholarship Program. During the meeting, the Head of the UNHAS Language Services Unit, Dr. Sitti Sahraeny, S.S., M.App.Ling., outlined the stages of Indonesian language learning that the international students will undertake. The program is designed to progressively develop their language skills, from everyday communication to the use of Indonesian in academic settings.

In the first semester, students will take Survival Indonesian Language classes to develop basic Indonesian language skills and help them adapt to their new surroundings. In the second semester, the program will continue with a focus on Academic Indonesian, equipping students with the language skills needed for academic presentations and thesis writing.

During the discussion, the students also shared their hopes and aspirations for their studies at Hasanuddin University. They expressed their determination to make the most of their educational opportunities in Indonesia by broadening their knowledge and gaining valuable experience, which they hope to bring back to their respective countries and use to make meaningful contributions.

The meeting was attended by members of the SPs UNHAS leadership team, including Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Ir. Nadiarti, M.Sc., and Vice Dean for Partnerships, Research, Innovation, and Alumni Affairs Prof. Dr. dr. Marhaen Hardjo, M.Biomed.

Through this meeting, SPs UNHAS and the Language Services Unit discussed ways to support international students’ Indonesian language learning as part of their academic needs. Proficiency in Indonesian is essential not only for everyday communication but also for participating in academic activities and engaging with the wider university community.