SBM ITB proudly welcomed 78 international students from 21 countries to its campus on Tuesday (5/9). These students are beginning their academic journey at SBM ITB. The welcoming event provided an opportunity for the new students to meet one another and played an important role in helping them adjust to their new environment in Bandung.
The students are enrolled in various academic programs. Fifty-eight students have joined the International Class Bachelor of Management, five are in the Bachelor of Entrepreneurship, 10 are pursuing a Master of Business Administration, four are enrolled in the Master of Science in Management, and one is undertaking a Doctor of Science in Management.
They come from diverse parts of the world, including France, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Bosnia, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Russia, Germany, the Netherlands, Morocco, Poland, Japan, Cambodia, China, Singapore, Brunei, Lithuania, Switzerland, and India.
Ira Fachria, Coordinator of the International Cooperation Division at SBM ITB, guided the international students on Indonesian society’s rules, customs, and habits, particularly in West Java. She emphasized the importance of understanding the local culture and way of life to help the students feel comfortable and respect the values held by Indonesian society.
“In Bandung, as in the rest of Indonesia, there are unique customs and traditions. We want to ensure that international students feel welcome while providing information to help them navigate their daily lives here,” said Ira.
One of the exchange students, Baptiste Joly from the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon, France, shared that this program was a new experience for him and marked his first time visiting an Asian country. Baptiste expressed his amazement at the friendliness and helpfulness of the Indonesian people, especially when he needed assistance while navigating the streets. He was also very impressed by the ITB campus, noting its abundance of trees, which created a pleasant and comfortable learning environment.
With an enthusiastic atmosphere, the international students at SBM ITB are expected to enjoy a semester filled with new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and plenty of fun. This event marks the beginning of cross-cultural and academic collaborations, further enhancing SBM ITB’s standing as one of Indonesia’s leading educational institutions.
