[Unpad.ac.id, 17/12/2015] A variety of unique culinary and cultural performances from 18 countries were presented in 2015 International Day held by Directorate Cooperation of University Padjadjaran Rectorate Building Jatinangor, Thursday (17/12).
Among the displayed dishes were kasha from Russia, chapatis from Nigeria, plov of Azerbaijan, olivie of Iran, the Larb of Thailand, Mandazi of Tanzania, and many more. From Indonesia, there are traditional dishes such as leupeut, putri noong, gurandil, combro, colenak, and surabi oncom.
Foreign students who are currently studying in Unpad attended the event. They serve typical dishes of their country in each booth, located on the lobby of Rectorate Building, Jatinangor.
The booths were crowded students, faculty members, and staff of Universitas Padjadjaran. At each booth, visitors can enjoy unique dish of each country and listen to participants’ explanation about the uniqueness of their home countries.
In addition, foreign students also performed dances and songs of each their countries.
Rector, Prof. Tri Hanggono Achmad, opened the event in Bale Sawala University Padjadjaran. Among the attendants were Vice Rector for Research, Community Services, Cooperation, Innovation, and Business, Dr. Keri Lestari, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt., Director of Cooperation, Parikshit, M.Sc., Ph.D., Deputy Ambassador of Sudan, Ali Abdallah Tarig and Cultural Attache of Embassy of Afghanistan, Humaira Salim Karakhil.
Rector stated that knowing different cultures in the world is important since we have to interact and cooperate with various people from around the world, especially to address international issues.
“We can not live alone in resolving our issue. For that, we should be able to get to know other cultures, “said Rector.
To the foreign students, Rector said he hope they could introduce themselves and learn Sundanese culture, in addition to Indonesian, so they can communicate better with the surrounding communities, as well as with residents in Unpad. In fact, Sundanese language ability will affect their graduation. This will be facilitated further by Faculty of Arts, Universitas Padjadjaran.
Foreign students are also expected to be ambassador for UNPAD that can convey information about Unpad in their respective countries, including information about opening opportunities for foreign students to study for free at Universitas Padjadjaran starting next year.
In addition, opportunities for Unpad students who want to participate in the international program will be increase. Therefore, Rector Unpad advised for students to continue improving their skilss. “Thus international program budget will increase,” said Rector.*
Report by Artanti Hendriyana / eh
