Bandung: The Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FMAE) Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) has established a student exchange partnership with the Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Study Program at Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa (UNTIRTA). This collaboration enables UNTIRTA students to pursue studies for one semester within the Mechanical Engineering Program at FMAE ITB. In 2023, this collaboration was implemented for the first time, with Tristan V.A. and Siti Dara F.S. becoming the first batch to join this program in the even semester of the 2022-2023 academic year.

Tristan and Dara undoubtedly harbor high expectations as exchange students from the Mechanical Engineering Program at UNTIRTA to FMAE ITB. In an interview with the FMAE Media team, Tristan V.A. conveyed that the experiences they have garnered exceeded their initial expectations and proved to be invaluable. They successfully forged connections with outstanding peers from FMAE ITB, who aided in the learning process and allowed them to collaborate on projects within the engineering design products course. Additionally, they expressed their gratitude for the privilege of exploring various campus facilities at ITB, particularly the mechanical engineering laboratories. This exposure allowed them to cultivate practical skills in mechanical engineering, thereby fostering positive impacts on both their academic and personal development.

“The faculty members here not only emphasize memorizing formulas but prioritize understanding the concepts of each course taught,” expressed Tristan.

Despite a demanding study schedule, Tristan gained deeper insights from every course he attended. He also found comfort in the environment at FMAE ITB, appreciating the conducive atmosphere for learning and comprehensive facilities such as shared workspaces, the ITB Central Library, Saraga (a sports facility), and the cooperative that caters to students’ basic needs. Furthermore, Tristan appreciated the well-equipped laboratories at FMAE ITB that support practical sessions.

Siti Dara F.S., another participant in this student exchange program, also expressed that this experience was the most valuable during her academic journey. She perceives one semester at FMAE ITB as remarkably brief. Dara feels grateful for the opportunity to learn and experience being part of the FMAE ITB student community. She also enjoys interacting with her fellow students there. The provided facilities are instrumental, particularly the shared workspaces frequently utilized for discussions and collaborative learning. Dara relishes every day spent at FMAE ITB.

When asked about adapting to the campus life atmosphere at ITB, Tristan revealed that he actively sought friends who could provide information about FMAE and share tips. To balance the demanding study schedule, they frequently engaged in collaborative study sessions with friends from FMAE. For Dara, adapting to the new environment at FMAE ITB was relatively easy, as the students there were exceptionally friendly and welcoming.

“Despite being busy with academic activities, the FMAE friends warmly invited us to witness their non-academic activities, one of which was attending the graduation celebration event last April,” explained Dara.

Regarding accommodation and living expenses during their time in Bandung, both students bore the accommodation costs themselves. However, they were not required to pay an additional Institutional Student Tuition Fee (UKT) for their one-semester study at FMAE ITB. They also noted that the cost of living in Bandung is less substantial than the living expenses in Cilegon, the region of their home campus.

Dara stated through this student exchange program that one semester at FMAE ITB has instilled greater discipline and responsibility in her task approach. Dara is morally obligated to uphold her reputation as an exchange student at UNTIRTA. She also perceives that the knowledge and material acquired are on par with the Mechanical Engineering program at UNTIRTA. Still, at FMAE ITB, she gains a deeper and more detailed understanding. The professors are also considered engaging and enjoyable.

Tristan also shares a sentiment similar to Dara’s. He needs to be more diligent in completing tasks, such as studying and participating in group work. He also senses a motivation to expand his circle of friends, especially within the new environment of FMAE ITB.

The student exchange program between FMAE ITB and the Mechanical Engineering Program at UNTIRTA presents a valuable opportunity for students to acquire a broader learning experience and broaden their social networks in a new environment. The hope is that this program can facilitate the participation of more UNTIRTA Mechanical Engineering students in such exchange initiatives.