On Monday, February 17, 2025, the International Office (IO) of Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) conducted a post-arrival orientation for three inbound students from Institut Catholique d’Études Supérieures (Catholic Institute of Higher Studies), France. The students, namely Zahra Adjaoudi, Jade Lea Lola Prod Homme Grisanti, and Anaelle Marie Lucienne Gilbert, will spend their semester at the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP). As part of IO’s role in the mobility program, the orientation was designed to help them adjust to their new academic and cultural environment.

The orientation consisted of two sessions covering an introduction to UNHAS and life in Makassar. The sessions were facilitated by Muhammad Ridwan, M.A. (IO Secretary), along with Khairuddin, Ph.D., and Haniek Khoirunnisa, M.Sc. (both IO Task Forces). They warmly welcomed the students and emphasized that the number of sessions could be adjusted based on their needs. Similar to previous orientations held for Chinese students, topics discussed included opening a bank account, finding accommodation, and exploring the city.

During the session, Mr. Ridwan invited the students to participate in the Geography Series (G-Series), an initiative that allows international students at UNHAS to showcase their home country to the academic community, including both local and international students. The orientation also featured an IO Tour, where the students were introduced to images and highlights of the office’s 2024 program activities. This gave them a clearer understanding of IO’s role in advancing UNHAS’s internationalization efforts.

The orientation concluded with a group photo session, marking the official welcome of the French exchange students to UNHAS. Through this initiative, the IO continues to ensure a smooth transition for inbound students, fostering a supportive and inclusive academic environment at UNHAS.