Yogyakarta, July 21–30, 2026 — The Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), once again organized its cultural exchange program with Chung-Ang University (CAU), or 2nd CAUGM 2026. Through this exchange program, students from Universitas Gadjah Mada and Chung-Ang University had the opportunity to learn each other’s languages, deepen their understanding of one another’s cultures, and build cross-cultural friendships through a series of academic and cultural activities.
Similar to the first CAUGM program, the 2nd CAUGM 2026 commenced with an Opening Ceremony held on July 21, 2026. During the ceremony, students from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM and Chung-Ang University showcased a variety of performances they had prepared as part of the cultural exchange. UGM students presented a range of Indonesian traditional arts, including the Sintren Dance, Edan-Edanan Dance, Pencak Silat, Angklung, Indonesia Menari, and vocal performances. Meanwhile, Chung-Ang University students introduced Korean culture through performances of Taekwondo, Pungmul (풍물, Korean traditional music), Cheerleading (응원단, eungwondan), and K-pop singing and dance. These performances served as a meaningful platform for students from both universities to introduce, appreciate, and experience each other’s cultural heritage firsthand.
In addition to cultural exchange, CAUGM 2026 also featured a language exchange program in which students from both universities took on the roles of both instructors and learners. Students from UGM’s Korean Language and Culture Study Program taught Indonesian to Chung-Ang University students, while CAU students introduced the Korean language to UGM participants. The classes were organized according to participants’ proficiency levels: 초급반 (Beginner Class), 중급반 (Intermediate Class), and 고급반 (Advanced Class). Learning activities were conducted interactively through daily conversation practice, peer mentoring, educational games, and various collaborative classroom activities. This approach enabled participants not only to improve their language proficiency but also to understand how the language is used within its social and cultural contexts in an engaging and enjoyable way.
The program became even more vibrant with the Korean Festival, held on July 25, 2026, at the Soegondo Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, and open to the public. The festival featured a variety of performances by students from both UGM and Chung-Ang University. In addition, CAU students specially prepared homemade Korean dishes to share with visitors, allowing attendees to experience Korean culture through its culinary traditions.
On July 26, 2026, the program continued with 짝활동 (Jjakhwaldong), a group activity designed to foster closer interaction between UGM and Chung-Ang University students. During the activity, each group explored the Malioboro area while completing a series of missions together, such as taking photos at designated locations and purchasing matching items. This activity provided participants with an enjoyable opportunity to interact, strengthen teamwork, and build closer friendships with one another.
The 2nd CAUGM 2026 concluded with Closing Ceremony held on July 30, 2026, at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, which was also open to the public. During the ceremony, both groups of students presented the outcomes of their learning throughout the program. UGM students performed various aspects of Korean culture they had learned during the exchange, while Chung-Ang University students showcased Indonesian cultural performances as a reflection of their appreciation for the knowledge and experiences they had gained. These performances demonstrated the reciprocal learning process that had taken place throughout the program while highlighting the success of the cultural and language exchange.
The performances were delivered in a warm and lively atmosphere, with students from both universities enthusiastically supporting one another and celebrating their shared achievements. The interactions fostered throughout the program reflected mutual respect, openness to cultural diversity, and friendships that transcended national boundaries.
Through the successful implementation of the 2nd CAUGM 2026, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM hopes that this initiative will continue to serve as a meaningful learning platform where students from diverse backgrounds can exchange knowledge, experiences, and cultures. By learning directly alongside students from Chung-Ang University, participants are expected not only to strengthen their language skills but also to broaden their global perspectives, develop a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity, and further strengthen the long-standing partnership between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Chung-Ang University. Looking ahead, both institutions hope to expand this collaboration through future academic and exchange programs that will continue to benefit students and enrich international cooperation.
(Aura Adiba W.L / Eunike Serafia N.S)
