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Peking University & Sinarmas World Academy Strengthen Bonds in Student Exchange Program
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inarmas World Academy (SWA) once again organized its Student Exchange Program offline, aiming to strengthen the well-established partnership between SWA and Peking University (PKU). The exclusive partnership between Sinarmas World Academy and Peking University includes the development of Mandarin Language Curriculum from kindergarten to high school levels. In addition to curriculum development, this partnership also involves teacher recruitment, student exchange, and full support from Peking University for SWA's high-achieving students aspiring to continue their education at the university.
The student exchange program has been ongoing since 2018 but was temporarily suspended due to the impact of the pandemic. The year 2024 marks the return of this program with the arrival of students and teachers from Peking University Middle School to the Sinarmas World Academy campus in BSD, Tangerang. "Collaboration and interaction in this student exchange are expected to provide valuable experiences for students and teachers, not only in the field of science but also in understanding the culture and beauty of Indonesia," said Mr. Anton Mailoa, the Board Chairman of Sinarmas World Academy.
This year, SWA has designed a more diverse student exchange program. PKU Middle School students are invited to explore the natural and cultural resources in Pekanbaru, Perawang, and Bogor. Collaboration with PT. Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper in Pekanbaru provides participants with the opportunity to observe the paper production process firsthand and participate in biotechnology laboratory experiments, where they learn about DNA extraction and observe the diversity of tropical insects in the forest. This program not only benefits PKU Middle School students but also SWA students and teachers by opening their eyes to various disciplines, technologies, and different cultures.
Erica, an SWA student in Grade 9, mentioned that during the exchange program, the utilization of students' effective communication skills not only helped her to create new friendships but also paved the way for a deeper understanding of one another. Her assigned buddy, Cai Jia Tong, through their interactions, got to know each other's interests, aspirations, and unique perspectives. Throughout the program, their collaborative efforts were showcased in various activities that not only grew their intellect but also teamwork. In Mathematics, students engaged in group exercises, solving puzzles, and answering questions. These activities not only honed their problem-solving abilities but also underscored the importance of effective collaboration.
“I am very thankful for the experience and for being able to meet these kind and friendly people. From creating biodegradable plastic to exploring literature and art, we bonded over shared experiences. As we said our goodbyes, it became clear that these shared moments have left a lasting impact despite the language barrier between some of us, showing the importance of cultural understanding and friendship in bringing people closer together,” said Gisella Grade 9 from SWA.
With activities such as student exchange programs, it is hoped that the academic abilities, character formation, cross-cultural understanding, and international perspectives of students will continue to improve. Positive activities like these will continue annually and serve as a positive platform in creating a dynamic learning community in the Asian and global regions. Through comprehensive student exchanges like this, SWA and PKU hope to foster broader and deeper cooperation among students, teachers, and educational institutions, enriching their learning experiences and fostering the creation of future leaders with high competitiveness.
Not only forging partnerships with Peking University, but Sinarmas World Academy also collaborates and fosters friendships with various other institutions in various countries such as Singapore, Japan, Korea, Australia, and Austria. This demonstrates SWA's commitment to continuously collaborate globally in supporting holistic and future-oriented education.
