Medan, Indonesia – November 30, 2025 — The academic community and students of the Master’s Program in English Education (Magister Tadris Bahasa Inggris/MTBI), Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, carried out an International Community Services program in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 28 November 2025 as part of the International Student Mobility initiative. This international engagement reflects the university’s strong commitment to integrating academic excellence, social responsibility, and global citizenship within its graduate education framework.
The delegation was led by Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, M.Hum., Ph.D., Head of the Master’s Program in English Education, and was accompanied by Prof. Dr. Candra Wijaya, M.Pd., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Institutional Development of FITK, who represented the faculty leadership. More than a dozen MTBI students participated in this program, actively engaging in educational and social activities at Sanggar Belajar Gomvak Utara, Kuala Lumpur, which serves as a learning center for children and local community members.
The International Community Services program was designed to provide students with real-world experience in applying English education, intercultural communication, and community empowerment in an international context. Through this activity, MTBI students were encouraged to practice their pedagogical skills, strengthen social awareness, and develop empathy while interacting directly with the local community.
Upon arrival, the MTBI delegation was warmly welcomed by the organizers, children of the learning center, and residents of the surrounding community. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and curiosity, as many of the children were eager to interact with international visitors and participate in learning activities conducted in a friendly and engaging manner.
Throughout the program, MTBI students facilitated a variety of activities, including learning English through games, joint study sessions, storytelling, and interactive quizzes. In addition, students introduced Indonesian culture through simple cultural performances, traditional expressions, and informal discussions about daily life, customs, and values. This cultural introduction became one of the most memorable parts of the program, as it allowed children and community members to experience cross-cultural learning in a joyful and inclusive way.
The children of Sanggar Belajar Gomvak Utara and local residents expressed great enthusiasm and happiness during the activities. Many of them actively participated in discussions, asked questions, and showed strong interest in learning English while getting to know Indonesian culture. The interaction not only benefited the local community but also enriched the students’ understanding of multicultural education and social diversity.
As the leader of the delegation, Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, Ph.D., emphasized that community service is an essential component of higher education, particularly for future educators.
“International community service is not only about teaching or sharing knowledge, but about learning humility, empathy, and global responsibility. Our students are trained to become professional English educators, researchers, and innovators, but they must also have strong social awareness and human values,” he stated.
He further explained that this activity aligns closely with the vision and mission of the Master’s Program in English Education, which aims to develop integrated English education based on a transdisciplinary approach and to create an independent learning society.
“Through international community service, students experience how education can empower communities. This is a real implementation of our mission to serve society and to prepare graduates who are globally competitive yet socially responsible,” Maslathif, Ph.D. added.
Prof. Dr. Candra Wijaya, M.Pd., also highlighted the importance of international exposure combined with social engagement. According to him, programs such as this strengthen institutional reputation while simultaneously shaping students’ character.
“FITK strongly supports international mobility programs that integrate academic learning with community service. This activity demonstrates that our students are not only academically capable but also sensitive to social issues and committed to serving humanity,” he remarked.
One of the highlights of the program was the interactive quiz session, where children enthusiastically answered questions related to English vocabulary, general knowledge, and cultural topics. At the end of the session, the MTBI delegation distributed prizes for quiz winners as a form of appreciation and encouragement. The smiles and excitement of the children reflected the positive impact of the activity on their motivation and self-confidence.
In addition to educational activities, the delegation also carried out social assistance initiatives. Basic necessities and support were distributed to underprivileged children and families around the learning center. This gesture was warmly received by the community and reinforced the spirit of solidarity and care promoted through the program.
The International Community Services program also served as a valuable learning experience for MTBI students. By interacting directly with children and community members in a different cultural and social environment, students developed practical skills in classroom management, communication, teamwork, and adaptability. These experiences are crucial for future educators who are expected to work in diverse educational settings.
This activity is part of MTBI UIN Sumatera Utara’s broader internationalization strategy, which includes international conferences, visiting professors, international student engagement, and cross-border community service. It also supports the program’s commitment to producing graduates who fit the three main graduate profiles: professional English educators, character-driven ELT researchers, and globally competitive innovators.
As the program concluded, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude and emotional connection. The children and community members expressed their appreciation for the presence of the MTBI delegation, while students reflected on the meaningful lessons gained through service and cultural exchange.
In his closing reflection, Maslathif, Ph.D. reaffirmed the importance of sustaining such programs in the future.
“We hope this international community service becomes a bridge of friendship, learning, and collaboration between nations. Education should cross borders, touch hearts, and bring positive change wherever it is practiced,” he concluded.
Through this international community service initiative in Kuala Lumpur, MTBI UIN Sumatera Utara once again demonstrated its dedication to combining academic excellence, global engagement, and social responsibility, preparing students to become educators who not only teach but also inspire and serve communities at both national and international levels.