FIKES Online News – The Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta is holding an International Student Mobility Program as part of its implementation of the internationalization agenda for higher education. Through the 2026 Nursing Exchange Universal Skill (NEXUS) program, which took place from July 20–24, 2026, FIKES UIN Jakarta welcomed students from the Faculty of Nursing, Burapha University, Thailand, to participate in a series of academic activities, field internships, and cultural exchanges. This program aims to strengthen international academic collaboration, broaden students' insights into the Indonesian education and healthcare system, and develop the global competencies of prospective healthcare workers through cross-border learning experiences.

The series of activities began with a Welcome Ceremony attended by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Ali Munhanif, M.A., Ph.D., followed by remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Dr. apt. Zilhadia, M.Si.

In his remarks, Prof. Zilhadia emphasized that the International Student Mobility Program is a manifestation of the Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta's commitment to supporting the internationalization of higher education by strengthening its academic network with Burapha University, Thailand. This program serves as a strategic platform to encourage the exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices in the health sciences, while expanding collaboration in education, research, and community service.

He further stated that student participation in the international mobility program not only enriches the learning experience in a global academic environment but also develops international perspectives, intercultural competence, and the ability to collaborate in a global health context. Through interactions with the Burapha University academic community, students are expected to gain insight into various approaches to the education and health care system, thereby enhancing their academic and professional capacity and producing graduates who are ready to contribute internationally.

Seven Burapha University students participated in the program: Fasai, Jo, Puch, Jane, Pakka, Guy, and Mai. Their presence was warmly welcomed by the academic community of the Faculty of Nursing (FIKES) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.

On the first day, participants attended an Academic Session that introduced the educational system at the Faculty of Nursing at Burapha University, the Nursing Study Program, and the Nursing Professional Program at FIKES at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. This session served as a forum for sharing experiences regarding the curriculum and learning methods, as well as opportunities for developing academic collaboration between the two institutions. Following the academic session, the students took a campus tour to gain a closer look at the UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta campus, including the learning facilities, laboratories, library, and other supporting academic activities.

During the program, Burapha University students gained hands-on learning experience with the theme of Integrated Chronic Disease Management. Lecturers and health practitioners presented various materials on the epidemiology of chronic diseases in Indonesia, hospital-based chronic disease management, community-based health services, and case discussions involving students from various countries. Participants also participated in the Complementary Nursing demonstration and the International Student Meeting as a space for exchanging academic, cultural, and student organization development experiences.

Learning doesn't just take place in the classroom. As part of the experiential learning approach, participants undertake field visits to the Pamulang Community Health Center (Puskesmas), integrated health service posts (Posyandu), and Hermina Serpong Hospital. Through these activities, students directly observe the implementation of primary health care and hospitals in managing chronic diseases, while also understanding the collaboration of healthcare workers in providing comprehensive services to the community. These field experiences then serve as the basis for reflection and scientific discussions with their supervisors.

In addition to gaining academic experience, participants also learned about Indonesia's history and cultural diversity through visits to the National Monument (Monas), the Glodok area, and Jakarta's Old Town. This activity provided an opportunity for international students to understand Indonesian cultural values ​​and strengthen student bonds through cross-cultural interactions.

At the end of the program, all participants participated in a Case Reflection and Discussion session to present their observations and learnings. The NEXUS 2026 series concluded with a Closing Ceremony, certificate and souvenir presentations, and a farewell lunch, symbolizing the friendship and commitment of both institutions to strengthening international collaboration in healthcare education.

Through the International Student Mobility Program – Nursing Exchange Universal Skill (NEXUS) 2026, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta continues to strengthen its role as a higher education institution actively building international academic networks. This program is expected to be a strategic step in producing graduates with professional competence, cross-cultural collaboration skills, and readiness to face the challenges of healthcare services at the global level. It also strengthens the existing partnership between FIKES of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and Burapha University. (JH)