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.