Medan, September 22, 2026 — The enthusiasm colored the first meeting between students of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) and the Malaysian delegation from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). The arrival of the delegates marked the beginning of a series of cross-cultural experiences in the International Summer Course 2026 organized by the Faculty of Vocational Education USU.
The Head of Committee, several lecturers, and designated USU students as buddies welcomed the delegates. Instead of a formal welcoming format, the meeting felt warm and natural through greetings, introductions, and light conversations about the journey the delegates had taken to arrive in Medan. Joy was evident on both sides. The Malaysian delegates appeared excited when they first met their buddies and USU lecturers. They even captured the moment through video recordings and photos as documentation of their first meeting at USU.
A similar enthusiasm was felt by USU students who welcomed the delegates. In the initial conversations, the USU students tried to adjust their language to Malay, which is commonly used in the daily lives of Malaysian people. This simple effort created a more fluid communication atmosphere while also showing the spirit of mutual cultural understanding.
For the Malaysian delegates, the experience of being in North Sumatra had also been anticipated from the beginning. Besides the opportunity to participate in the International Summer Course, the journey to Lake Toba and the experience of tasting various Indonesian foods were the two things they looked forward to the most.
This first meeting then became more than just a welcoming moment. The presence of the buddies is hoped to assist the Malaysian delegates in adapting while at USU and to serve as a bridge for interaction between students from both countries.
Through the series of activities they will undertake together, participants are expected not only to gain academic experience but also to have the opportunity to get to know the culture, environment, and life of the people of North Sumatra more closely.
For the committee, the presence of the Malaysian delegates in North Sumatra is hoped to be a pleasant and memorable experience.
“The hope is that the Malaysian delegates present in North Sumatra can learn about our culture and enjoy their journey with laughter.”
The meeting, which began with simple greetings, smiles, and group documentation, became the first step for USU and Malaysian students to build a shared experience during the International Summer Course 2026.