Surakarta, May 2, 2025 – Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) successfully held the International Student Gathering 2025, themed “Weaving Bonds Through Diversity”. The event took place on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, at Meeting Room B1, Edutorium UMS. Initiated by the Office of Collaboration and International Affairs, this activity aimed to strengthen the bonds among international students at UMS from various countries, majors, and academic years.
The event served as an important platform for international students to get to know each other better, exchange experiences, and enrich their cultural insights. Embracing the spirit of togetherness and inclusivity, the International Student Gathering 2025 was not only a social gathering but also a means to build strong and lasting relationships among the students.
The event was officially opened by Dr. Andy Dwi Bayu Bawono, Head of the Office of Collaboration and International Affairs at UMS. In his speech, Dr. Andy emphasized that this event represents the university’s genuine commitment to creating a friendly, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all international students. “This event is not merely about sharing food and entertainment, but more importantly, about building meaningful relationships and mutual understanding among students from different majors and academic years,” he said.
During the event, participants enjoyed a variety of traditional dishes reflecting the cultural diversity present at UMS. The menus served came from various countries, providing a culinary experience while enriching each participant’s cultural knowledge. This moment became a warm opportunity to interact and share stories, strengthening the sense of brotherhood and togetherness among them.
The International Student Gathering 2025 also reaffirmed UMS’s commitment to creating a global community that is inclusive and dynamic. Through this event, UMS hopes every international student not only gains quality academic experiences but also feels more connected, valued, and accepted within the campus community. The activity received positive feedback from participants who stated that the event helped them overcome homesickness and loneliness, while providing valuable opportunities to understand different cultural perspectives.
With the success of this event, UMS plans to continue developing various programs that support the strengthening of international networks and student character building, thereby creating a truly welcoming and global campus atmosphere.
