Tesalonika, a 2022 student of Logistics Engineering at the Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK), shared her experiences while participating in the Independent Student Exchange Program (PMM) at Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 (UNTAG) Semarang. As the only student from ITK participating in the PMM program at UNTAG, Tesalonika experienced a journey that enriched her knowledge and changed her perspective on social interactions and campus life.

Tesalonika admitted that at first, she felt scared because she had to step out of her comfort zone. Leaving her campus in Kalimantan and entering a new environment at UNTAG Semarang, where she had to mingle with new people, was a significant challenge. However, that fear quickly faded as she began to interact and form relationships with other students. One of the most memorable moments was during the opening of PMM 4 Inbound UNTAG Semarang, where for the first time, all PMM participants gathered and got to know each other.

Tesalonika’s decision to choose UNTAG Semarang as the place to pursue the PMM program was not without reason. UNTAG Semarang is known as one of the oldest universities, with a reputation for upholding nationalist values in a lush, green environment. Interesting stories from previous PMM participants also motivated Tesalonika to take this opportunity and gain extraordinary experiences. "The stories from previous PMM participants about unique activities and their experiences greatly motivated me to participate in this program," Tesalonika said.

Tesalonika’s journey to PMM began with a fairly rigorous selection process. She had to prepare various documents, such as academic transcripts, health insurance, and medical check-up reports. Additionally, Tesalonika had to pass a diversity test as part of the selection process. During her five months at UNTAG Semarang, Tesalonika took several courses from different faculties, including the Faculty of Economics and Business as well as the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences. The courses she took, such as Digital Marketing, Big Data Analysis, Operational Management, Risk Management, and Strategic Resource Management, provided new insights that were highly beneficial for her academic development.

However, Tesalonika’s experience was not limited to academic activities. She also attended numerous seminars that enriched her knowledge and built close relationships with other students, forming a strong sense of community. “One of the greatest benefits of this PMM program is building a sense of family with new friends,” she said.

Seeing the positive experiences from the PMM program, Tesalonika plans to continue seeking other opportunities that can enrich her educational journey. One program that has caught her interest is the MBKM internship, which she believes can provide valuable practical experience in the professional world. With the extraordinary experiences she gained at UNTAG Semarang, Tesalonika returned to the Kalimantan Institute of Technology with lessons and memories that she will always cherish.

Tesalonika is a true example of how student exchange programs like PMM can broaden horizons, enrich experiences, and build strong connections among students from different regions in Indonesia.