UNAIR NEWS – Mustaghfiroh Yusuf, a staff member at Airlangga Global Engagement Universitas Airlangga, recently participated in the Erasmus+ Training Mobility for Internationalization, a program that allowed her to enhance her professional competencies while learning directly from one of UNAIR’s partner universities in Europe at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania.
Encouraged by her former Director to take part in the program, she found this opportunity strongly aligned with her responsibilities in managing staff mobility and international collaboration. “This program came at the right time for me,” she shared. “It matched my daily work and helped me understand internationalization from a broader perspective.”
During her mobility, the AGE staff visited several essential units at the host institution, including the International Relations Office, the Erasmus+ Coordination Unit, and the University Library. She took part in job-shadowing sessions, system demonstrations, workshops, and discussions with the Director of the Erasmus Office as well as faculty-level coordinators responsible for global engagement. “I was able to observe how they manage mobility flows, how their systems operate, and how each unit connects with one another,” she explained. “It gave me a clearer picture of how an established international office functions.”
Throughout the training program, Mustaghfiroh Yusuf discovered several commendable practices at the host university. “I was really impressed by their digital systems,” she said. “Everything was organized, efficient, and easy to navigate. It helped me reflect on what we can improve back home.” She also engaged in discussions on potential future directions of cooperation, including expanding mobility opportunities and exploring new academic initiatives.
Reflecting on the experience, she emphasized the value of the practical lessons she gained. “This mobility helped me understand how to improve our workflows and strengthen support systems for international students and staff,” she noted. “I hope to apply what I learned, especially in digitalization and partnership management.”
Beyond the academic and administrative sessions, she also took time to explore cultural and historical sites in the host city. “It was my first time in Europe, so everything felt new and exciting,” she shared. “Experiencing the local culture helped me gain a better understanding of the environment and broadened my perspectives.” These cultural interactions, she said, played a significant role in developing her adaptability and global awareness.
The journey was not without its difficulties. One of the most significant challenges was the Schengen visa process. After experiencing a previous visa rejection, Mustaghfiroh Yusuf prepared more carefully for her second attempt. “I was anxious at first,” she admitted. “But with perseverance and the prayers and support of my husband and family, Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly this time.”
She also had to adapt to the cold climate and the time difference between Indonesia and Europe. “It was a big adjustment for me, but it became a memorable part of the whole journey.”
As she reflects on her Erasmus+ experience, she hopes it will lead to even stronger collaborations between UNAIR and its partner institutions. “I hope more opportunities will come from this,” she said. “And I encourage future participants to set clear goals, communicate openly, and embrace every learning opportunity they encounter.”
Her story stands as a testament to the importance of international mobility in shaping professional growth and strengthening institutional networks.
Author: Lintang Yuninda
Editor: Duriati Asmawati, Andi Pramono
