French Ambassador Visits UMSU, Offers Education Scholarships

The French Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor Leste, and ASEAN, H.E. Fabien Penone, visited Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) in Medan to offer education scholarships and explore opportunities for cooperation such as student exchanges and research. UMSU Vice Rector III stated that the university and France have an established relationship, marked by the presence of a ‘Waroeng Prancis’ at the UMSU library. The university has also collaborated with Alliance Française Medan on various cultural and educational activities. The ambassador noted that his first visit to the campus was an important moment to strengthen ties between France and Indonesia. He said there are many potential areas for collaboration, but both parties need to determine priority fields. One key offer is a student exchange and further study programme through the LPDP scholarship scheme. The ambassador explained that students can choose from around 25 universities in France offering master’s programmes taught entirely in English, removing language as a barrier for Indonesian students.