English Literature Students Set to Represent Indonesia in Global Student Mobility Awards 2026, Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Surabaya, Indonesia — Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to global education and sustainable development through the UNESA Global Student Mobility Awards (UGSMA) 2026, a prestigious international student exchange program that will send outstanding students abroad in early 2026.

The UGSMA 2026 is an international student exchange initiative designed to provide UNESA students with short-term overseas academic and cultural experiences while strengthening global competencies needed in the 21st century. Two students from the English Literature Program (Class of 2024), Campus UNESA 5, have been selected as awardees. Diva Mutiara Nur Aryana will represent UNESA in Vietnam, while Maria Rosita Tumbelaka will participate in the exchange program in the Philippines.

The program is scheduled to take place between February and March 2026, with a duration of approximately two to four weeks, allowing students to engage in intensive academic and cultural immersion. The international learning experiences will be hosted by partner institutions in Vietnam and the Philippines, two dynamic Southeast Asian countries that offer rich cultural diversity and regional perspectives.

The UGSMA 2026 aims to broaden students’ global perspectives, enhance cross-cultural understanding, and foster international networks. By learning in different cultural and academic environments, participants are expected to develop adaptability, intercultural communication skills, and global awareness—competencies that are essential in an increasingly interconnected world. Organized by the Directorate of UNESA Global Engagement and coordinated through the Office of International Affairs (OIA), the program follows a rigorous selection process involving registration, document submission, screening, interviews, and final selection. The program also offers opportunities for financial support, including travel, living allowances, and insurance, potentially funded by relevant ministries.

Beyond academic mobility, the UGSMA 2026 aligns strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program directly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting inclusive and equitable access to international learning opportunities. It also advances SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through cross-border academic collaboration and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by empowering students to participate in global education regardless of background.

By encouraging students to become global learners and cultural ambassadors, UNESA positions itself as a higher education institution that actively contributes to building a sustainable future through education, international cooperation, and youth empowerment. The participation of UNESA students in UGSMA 2026 not only marks a personal achievement for the awardees but also represents Indonesia’s growing role in global academic mobility and sustainable development initiatives.