Binus: University student for a day

Kurniawan Hari ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 03/09/2008 12:47 PM  |  Discover

About 40 high school students sat on the floor in a corner of the Bina Nusantara (Binus) School last Sunday in Simprug, South Jakarta. They were listening attentively to their "mentor" Frederika, a student at Binus University's school of marketing and communication.

"As a student at school of marketing and communication, you should learn how to adapt to new situations and surroundings. Being an emcee for a youth party, for example, is of course different from being an emcee for a Javanese wedding," said Frederika.

"This (occasion) is also a test for me to see whether I can handle the situation and give information to you all," she added.

Frederika's group was one of 21 high school student groups participating in Binus Smart Day 2008, held on March 2. Through this program, Binus University invites high school students to experience what it is like to be a university student.

The one-day event saw the participation of nearly 600 high school students from Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi.

Each group of high school students, led by a Binus University mentor, were introduced to the different subjects of study on offer at the university, including Marketing and Communication, Psychology, Industrial Technology, Architecture and Design.

High schoolers interested in accountancy had an opportunity to learn how to prepare an audit as a financial report while those with an interest in civil engineering learned about earthquake-proof architecture.

Judi Arto, Binus University's marketing manager, said the institution had organized Binus Smart Day annually since 2003.

"We try to help high school students understand the fields of study and to choose the right subject," Judi told The Jakarta Post on the sidelines of the event.

The program also offered participants the chance to ask questions regarding different fields and learn about a university environment.

"This is a chance for them to learn with fun," he added.

Judi said Binus University also had been building solid ties with several high schools in Greater Jakarta, and hoped that participating high schoolers would get a clear idea about the programs offered at the university.

"We also hope that they will become more familiar with Binus University," Judi said.

Several high school students expressed their satisfaction following Binus Smart Day 2008.

"It was great to attend this event. I got the information that I need to continue my studies at university," said Sifa, a grade 12 student at SMAN 3 Bogor, West Java.

"This event was very helpful," added Silvia, another student.

Binus University media relations officer Sheila said that previous events had been organized at the university campus in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta.

"This year, we organized Smart Day at Binus School because Binus University is being renovated," she said.

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