A number of international students in Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) had the opportunity to engage with local communities and immerse themselves in Indonesian culture through a recent summer camp organized by private boarding high school SMA Pradita Dirgantara in Boyolali, Central Java, held from August 10-15, 2025.
Bringing the theme “Symphony of Summer: Endless Journey, Rising Together”, this annual summer camp was designed as a cross-cultural event for the students of SMA Pradita Dirgantara. To bring this theme to life, the school invited nine international students from UGM to join the summer camp, where they shared insights about their respective countries and culture through class sessions with the high school students.
The international students not only had the chance to teach and share their own cultures, but also to immerse themselves in Indonesian culture. They participated in a variety of activities, including playing traditional games, learning to play Indonesian musical instruments, making batik, and performing traditional dances. Additionally, they joined local students in group activities such as a fashion show featuring traditional attire and navigating outdoor obstacle courses.
Hikari Kato, UGM international student from Japan who is currently studying in the Faculty of Economics and Business, shared her experiences during the summer camp. “During the Symphony of Summer performance, I danced to AKB48’s Heavy Rotation with members of my group,” she said. “I’m not used to dancing, so I made a lot of mistakes on the stage. But it was fun!”
Crystal Wiyono, another UGM international student from the USA, also expressed her experiences in the program. “The students and faculty members are so kind to us throughout the program, and I am practically blinded by how bright their futures are,” she said. “I hope we all cross paths again someday in the future.”
The summer camp concluded on August 15th with several artistic performances and awarding ceremonies to celebrate participants’ achievements throughout the program, such as Best Chemistry Group, Most Energetic Group, and many more.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Ari Tarigan, the Managing Director of SMA Pradita Dirgantara, expressed his gratitude for the international students’ participation in the summer camp. “Thank you for traveling here, opening your hearts and minds and embracing this program with such enthusiasm,” said Mr. Tarigan. “Your presence here has given real-life opportunities for our students to connect with the world through human connection. From now on, you’re all part of SMA Pradita Dirgantara family,” he concluded.
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