Eight international students from Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) participated in the English and Cultural Exchange Activity organized by MAN 1 Banda Aceh on 13 August 2026, at Lhoknga Beach, Aceh Besar. The activity carried the theme “Connect Beyond Borders: Learning English Through Cultures.”
The eight students came from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, Thailand, Libya, Mali, and Kenya. They were Md. Imran Mahmud, Mosa Ebrahemi, Vetari Kila, Remigius Auleus Willa, Ropeet Jeama, Zuher Abdullah Akrar, Cheick Oumar Tidiane Diakite, and Lenox Hilary Okeyo. They are international students at USK enrolled in various study programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
During the activity, the international students served as international guests and English-speaking partners for the school students through various engaging games and interactive activities. The students had the opportunity to practice their speaking and listening skills directly with speakers from different countries while learning about diverse cultures and English accents.
Head of the Global Engagement Office (GEO) USK, Prof. Syamsidik, highlighted the value of activities that provide students with opportunities to interact directly with international students. “We hope that the participation of USK international students will make a positive contribution to the students, while also inspiring and motivating them to continue developing their skills, broadening their horizons, and pursuing opportunities to study abroad,” he said.
The activity also served as a platform for cross-cultural learning and supported SDG 4: Quality Education by providing students with interactive and globally oriented learning experiences. It also contributed to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by promoting intercultural interaction and understanding, as well as SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration between USK and MAN 1 Banda Aceh.
Through this activity, USK international students contributed to enriching the students’ learning experiences while strengthening connections between local and international communities.
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