Unhas Hosts Students from 14 Countries to Learn about Diversity
Makassar (ANTARA) – Hasanuddin University (Unhas) is helping students from 14 countries learn about diversity, community service and marine conservation through the 2026 Unhas International Student Outing (UISO) programme in Makassar.
Ishaq Rahman, head of the university’s Public Relations and Documentation Subdirectorate under its Communications Directorate, said on Wednesday that the programme was initiated by the Directorate of Internationalisation and the International Office (DIKUI). It combines three learning experiences: cultural exchange, community service and exploration of the marine environment.
Unhas has 580 international students, he said. This diversity is an asset in building an open academic environment and strengthening intercultural relations both on and off campus.
As part of the programme, participants visited Unhas’s Marine Station on Barrang Lompo Island to learn about education, research and community service activities that use marine ecosystems as a learning environment.
One of the topics introduced was the breeding and conservation of giant clams, marine life that plays a role in coral reef ecosystems.
The following day, students explored the natural environment of Kodingareng Keke Island. They were introduced to the underwater environment, including through snorkelling. The activities aimed to raise awareness of the need to protect the marine environment and included a community-service visit to Barrang Lompo Senior High School, in Barrang Lompo Urban Village, Sangkarrang Islands District, Makassar.
A total of 120 pupils interacted directly with the international students through English lessons, educational games and cultural exchange.
Mario Gusmao Branco, a student from Timor-Leste at Unhas’s Faculty of Agriculture, said meeting the pupils and students from various countries had been a memorable experience.
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know them better and see their enthusiasm. Meeting students from different countries was also a wonderful experience. I am glad to learn about their cultures, make new friends and share moments together,” Mario said.