The University of Waterloo hosted a welcome reception for fifteen new Indonesian students on Thursday, September 26th, as part of the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA). IISMA is a scholarship program by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to fund top achieving Indonesian students an opportunity to study at a high-ranking international partner university. It is the fourth year Waterloo has welcomed students from the program.
The program offers students a unique international academic and cultural experience by integrating undergraduate courses with exploration of the local area and culture to gain a better understanding of educational and cultural diversity.
One key aspect of the IISMA program is fostering cultural exchange. IISMA students at Waterloo actively contribute to the campus community
by organizing events that showcase Indonesian culture, such as hosting Nusantara, a gathering where attendees can experience the culture of Indonesia through food, games, and crafts. They also go out into the community to explore local cultural events and activities. These activities enrich the university's cultural fabric and promote mutual understanding and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds.
The University of Waterloo is committed to continuing its partnership with the IISMA program, welcoming more Indonesian students in the future. To learn more about the students and their experiences at Waterloo, follow the IISMA Instagram account.