UNS — Faculty of Cultural Studies (FIB) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta and Faculty of Literature and Journalism of Xihua University had officially collaborated on a double degree program. The Cooperation Agreement (PKS) for both parties was carried out by the Dean of FIB UNS, Prof. Warto and Dean of the Faculty of Literature and Journalism of Xihua University, Prof. Pan Shuxian on Monday (13/3/2023).

The signing was witnessed by the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho and Rector of Xihua University, Prof. LIU Shugen in Meeting Room 2 Building dr. Prakosa UNS.

Afterwards, the Rector of Xihua University and his entourage continued to visit the Seminar Room of Building I Suharno FIB UNS. Dean of FIB UNS, Prof. Warto said that Xihua University had been waited for his arrival. “Today is the moment we have been waiting for. After going through a long process and going through various challenges, today the Rector and Xihua University staffs were able to visit FIB UNS to sign the MoU. This collaboration is related to the collaboration between the Literature and Journalism study program Xihua University and the Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture Study Program UNS. We hope that this program collaboration can support the goals and realization of the internationalization of the two universities,” Prof. Wanto said enthusiastically.

It was continued by a brief introduction about the Faculty of Literature and Journalism of Xihua University by the Dean Prof. Pan Shu Xian. Faculty of Letters and Journalism Xihua University is about 50 years old and has a long history. There are various departments and levels in this faculty. The teaching team is also professional and competent in their field. “We have also published hundreds of journals and worked on various projects from external parties, including with the Sichuan Provincial Government, China. We also pay attention to various teaching and supporting facilities,” he continued.

Prof. Pan also stated that Chengdu is an old city. “We have many interesting places that can be used as observation sites, such as museums, temples, houses of famous Chinese figures. Therefore, we invite students and teachers at UNS to come to Xihua University,” he said.

Student Enthusiasm

One of the Chinese Language and Culture Study Program students who had the opportunity to welcome the Xihua University delegation, Faris Renaldy, admitted that he was very interested in the double degree program. He, who had just taken his second semester at FIB UNS, was determined to prepare himself as well as possible to pass the selection. For him, the opportunity to study abroad is very promising in the current era, moreover being able to get a double degree without the need to add to the study period.

 “Surely, you have to be more diligent in preparing than your friends, because indeed one of the requirements is to be in the top 20 in the class. Then you have to speak Mandarin more often, because Mandarin is difficult. There are many requirements, for example, the tone must be correct, the pronunciation must be correct, so you really need to get used to it. If, for example, I did make it there, but the way I said it was wrong, it’s like I couldn’t live there,” he said. Humas UNS

Reporter: Dinda N. Ardilla

Editor: Dwi Hastuti

Translator: Mifta Muriska