THE Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) strengthened its international ties by becoming the first international university to visit Universitas Garut in Indonesia this year.

A delegation of 24 students from the College of Arts and Social Sciences at MSU-IIT, accompanied by two faculty members, participated in a summer school program from June 22 to June 25, 2024.

The group included 21 BA Literary and Cultural Studies students, 3 BS Psychology students, Assistant Dean Associate Professor Sittie Noffaisah Pasandalan, and Assistant Professor Fatimah Joy Almarez.

They were warmly received by their hosts, including staff and students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta.

UNIGA Rector Dr. Ir. H. Abdusy Syakur Amin expressed that the visit from MSU-IIT students marks the first international summer school in Garut, the Swiss Van Java.

“The program is really extraordinary, this activity provides an interesting experience for all students from MSU-IIT, UNIGA, and UMY because this program can add new insights to foreign students,” Rector Syakur added.

“It is such an honor to be here. I believe that we are the first university from the Philippines to reach UNIGA, and I sincerely hope that this is the start of a partnership that will be both beneficial to our universities,” Associate Professor Pasandalan said.