BIPAS Faculty of Humanities welcomes 78 International Students in the Opening Ceremony and Orientation Day Autumn Program 2026

• Posted by: Admin
• Selasa, 1 September 2026
• Has been read 28 time(s)

The Bali International Program on Asian Studies (BIPAS), Faculty of Humanities Udayana University conducted the Opening Ceremony and Orientation Day for the Autumn Program 2026 on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. It was held at the Widya Sabha Mandala Auditorium, Ida Bagus Mantra Building of Faculty of Humanities Udayana University. This orientation is a mandatory event for students prior to commencing their BIPAS academic period to expedite their adaptation to the higher education system in Indonesia. The orientation was attended by representatives from the Dean's Office, Asia Exchange, the Udayana University International Office, and the representatives of lecturers.

I Made Sena Darmasetiyawan, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., as the BIPAS Coordinator delivered a warm welcome to 78 international students originating from five countries: the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. He explained that the Autumn Semester 2026 academic program officially begins on September 1 and will conclude on December 18, 2026. Over the upcoming semester, the students are offered 14 elective courses and one compulsory course, which will be supplemented by various workshops and cultural excursions.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Prima, representing Asia Exchange, emphasized the value of global education for the students in her welcoming speech. She expressed her gratitude to Udayana University and the entire BIPAS team for the longstanding collaboration that continuously facilitates students from across the globe in gaining academic and cultural experiences in Bali. She hoped that the integration of classroom learning and direct interaction with the local community would provide new perspectives and unforgettable memories for the program participants.

The orientation was officially opened with a symbolic handover of responsibilities from Asia Exchange to FIB Unud. Representing the Dean of FIB Unud, Dr. I Gede Oeinada, S.S., M.Hum., as the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Planning, delivered a welcoming speech and introduced the faculty's profile to the participants. In his address, he explained that FIB Unud is the oldest faculty and the genesis of Udayana University, established in 1958, which currently oversees eight undergraduate study programs and four postgraduate programs. In addition to emphasizing the smooth progression of academic processes in the classroom, Dr. Oeinada strongly encouraged the international students to allocate time to explore Bali's natural beauty and rich traditions to enhance their study experience.

Entering the main agenda, a representative from the Udayana University International Office, Putu Eka Ariady Putra, S.P., provided a brief introduction to the university's profile, covering the diversity of study programs, academic facilities, and various support programs specifically provided for international students during their study period. Following the campus introduction, the presentation continued with a comprehensive briefing regarding immigration regulations. He strictly affirmed the obligation for all students holding a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) Visa E30 to focus exclusively on academic activities, strictly prohibiting any form of employment or business engagements while in Indonesia. Furthermore, he mandated the BIPAS students to routinely report any travel itineraries and changes of residential address along with supporting documents and to understand the reporting procedures in the event of a lost passport.

The material presentation continued by Dr. Ni Ketut Sri Rahayuni, S.S., M.Hum., as a representative of the BIPAS teaching faculty, elaborated on the essence of Balinese local wisdom grounded in the Tri Hita Karana philosophy and the harmony of religious tolerance. The BIPAS students were explicitly instructed to apply fundamental etiquette, including utilizing traditional greetings, dressing modestly with a sash when visiting temples, and strictly adhering to traffic regulations. Furthermore, they were sternly warned against violating crucial cultural taboos in Bali, such as touching another person's head, stepping on canang sari offerings, pointing with their feet, or entering sacred temple areas while menstruating.

The orientation series proceeded with the introduction of BIPAS lecturers who come from various faculties and are experienced in their respective fields. This was followed by the presentation of academic guidelines by the BIPAS Coordinator, I Made Sena Darmasetiyawan, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D. He provided technical directives that must be adhered to by all students, ranging from the procedures for selecting elective and compulsory courses (Indonesian Language) to the offline learning method at the Bukit Jimbaran Campus, to the minimum attendance requirement of 75% as a prerequisite for taking the final exam. Beyond academics, he also emphasized communication etiquette when contacting lecturers and enforced strict dress codes within the campus environment, where students are strictly prohibited from wearing sleeveless clothing (tank tops), shorts, mini skirts, or sandals.

Beyond the academic routine, the Bali Study Guide, acting as the partner of Asia Exchange, facilitates the students' logistical needs through services such as accommodation and scooter rentals, as well as driver's license processing. Furthermore, they also coordinate a diverse array of optional recreational activities to enrich the cultural experience of the students during their stay in Bali.