Our second day in Indonesia was filled with warmth, culture, and learning. We visited Universitas Muria Kudus (UMK) for the official welcome ceremony. The event was attended by faculty members and university staff who gave us a heartfelt and formal reception.
We were given the opportunity to introduce ourselves one by one, and it was a proud moment to represent our university and our country. The faculty and staff were very kind and welcoming—they made us feel that we truly belonged there.
After the ceremony, we were served a traditional Indonesian dish called Soto Kudus, a flavorful buffalo soup with rice that left a lasting impression on us. We also had a chance to taste Es Dawet, a sweet and refreshing local dessert drink made with coconut milk and palm sugar. Trying these dishes for the first time was such a memorable cultural experience—they didn’t just fill our stomachs, they also introduced us to a piece of Indonesian tradition.
The day continued with a short school tour around the UMK campus. We visited the library, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department, the Technical Department, and the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education. The teachers we met along the way were very approachable, friendly, and open to conversation. It gave me a strong sense of how supportive and collaborative the learning environment is at UMK.
Reflection:
Today was more than a formal introduction—it was an immersion into the heart of UMK’s culture, community, and hospitality. From the warm smiles to the delicious food and informative tour, everything felt authentic and welcoming. I am beginning to see how this exchange will shape me both as an educator and as a person.