Four FKIP UMPO Students Join Teaching and Community Service Program in Thai Schools

UMPO.AC.ID — Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo (UMPO), through its Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), continues to make strides in expanding its international network. One of its flagship initiatives, the International Collaborative Research and Community Service, officially commenced in Thailand from July 1 to August 28, 2025.

This program is a collaboration between UMPO’s English Education and Mathematics Education Departments and the Muhammadiyah Association of Thailand, along with several partner schools in the region. The activities are being held at 31 M.2 T.Baroh A. Yaha C.H. Yala 95120, Thailand.

Dr. Sutrisno, M.Pd., Dean of FKIP UMPO, explained that this program is a continuation of a similar initiative held in 2023. “Last year, we sent students from the English Education Department. This year, we are sending four students—two from the English Education Department and two from the Mathematics Education Department,” he said.

The primary goal of the program is to provide UMPO students with the opportunity to gain teaching experience in international settings, particularly in schools across Thailand.

“This is a tangible step in preparing our graduates to become globally competent professionals, especially in foreign language proficiency and cross-cultural teaching abilities,” added Dr. Sutrisno.

He emphasized that this initiative will become a regular agenda for FKIP UMPO as part of its internationalization strategy. As an institution with an “Excellent” accreditation status, UMPO is committed to producing graduates who are ready to compete on a global level—one of which is through facilitating overseas teaching practicums.

In addition to teaching, the students are also involved in collaborative research and community service with partner schools in Thailand, strengthening UMPO’s commitment to the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi) at an international level.

This program not only reinforces UMPO’s standing as an excellent university but also serves as a real example of how accredited study programs can open global opportunities for their students.

(Ajeng Laksmita/Humas UMPO)