UGM received the visit of the delegation of Timor Leste Ministry of Energy on Friday (27/1). The delegation led by Alfredo Pires is received by UGM Head of International Affairs Office, Rio Rini Moehkardi, M.A., academic tutor students’ from a number of faculties at UGM .
The visit is conducted to supervise development study of their students at UGM. Each year the government of Timor Leste gives scholarships to high school students to study in a number of universities in Indonesia, including UGM.
Until recently 38 students are listed on degree courses at UGM in several majors. Some of them are the Department of Physics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geology Engineering, Geodesy, Geography, and Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
From a number of reports from academic lecturers who attended the event it was known that there is some problems experienced by the students of Timor Leste. Some students have a grade point average (GPA) which is still below the required value. This happens because of language command, both Indonesian and English. In addition, there are cultural issues and poor motivation to learn.
Rio Rini Moehkardi mentioned that UGM has conducted mentoring programs for students of Timor Leste. In the first year at college, matriculation has been provided for 10 months to improve students' academic abilities. Moreover, UGM also provides tutorials specifically to improve the academic achievement of students who have a GPA less than the standards.
Responding to the existing issues, Alfredo Pires said that his office will conduct an evaluation relating to the UGM scholarships for students of Timor Leste. Later the scholarship selection process quality will be further enhanced. Furthermore, students who are selected will be prepared specifically to be ready when studying at UGM. "We thank you for your attention to our children at UGM. In the future we will improve the quality of the scholarship selection to study at UGM," he explained.