Four students from universities outside of Java Island participated in the Program Pertukaran Mahassiwa Merdeka (PMM) Kampus Merdeka or Student Exchange Program Kampus Merdeka at the Library and Information Science Study Program of Fikom Unpad for one semester in the Odd Semester 2022/2023. In this program, the students take three classes: Research Data Management, Bibliometrics, and Media and Information Preservation. In addition, students can also take courses from other study programs or faculties to fulfill credits following the policies of their respective universities.
Windyani Aprilia (2021), a Library and Information Science student from Padang State University, said she wanted to participate in this program because she was curious about how to learn in the Library and Information Science Study Program, Fikom Unpad. And want to experience studying with friends from various regions in Indonesia would expand her relations.
Different cultures and class environments are not a big problem even though they still need adaptation at first, as experienced by Siti Nur Halisah (2020), a student of Office Administration Education from Makassar State University. She was afraid, but Halisah felt relieved because the Fikom lecturers and students received and welcomed her very well. “To be honest, I was a bit afraid I wouldn’t be able to blend here, but it turns out that my friends here are friendly, as are the lecturers. I always build good communication with students,” said Halisa.
Running for almost two months, Eka Wulandari (2020), a student of Office Administration Education from Makassar State University, felt that the learning atmosphere at Fikom Unpad was quite fun and not stressful. The instructor’s material was fun and easy to understand, allowing Eka to study comfortably. Windy also added that she was happy with learning activities such as the Media and Information Preservation class that showed various collections and carried out hands-on practice.
“Studying at Fikom Unpad is fun, and it trains me to think more critically because the students here have very critical thinking.” Rizki Amalia’s impression (2021), a Library and Information Science student from Halu Oleo University while studying at Fikom Unpad. He is happy to have the opportunity to participate in PMM at Fikom Unpad and has great hopes that he can continue his education here. Being able to join the PMM program at Fikom Unpad is an excellent experience besides being able to find out how learning takes place, it can also expand the relations. Learning also feels fun, especially for the lecturers and friends of the Fikom, who give a great impression. (Tsabitah)
