International institutions have recognized the existence and credibility of Pelita Harapan University (UPH) as a Christian university. This was demonstrated by being selected to conduct study abroad activities through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) pilot project which took place from 29 February to 18 March 2020. One of the programs offered by the CCCU?s Australian Studies Center (ASC) is a series of Study Abroad activities. UPH optimally prepared all activities for eight students from seven different universities during its implementation (Azusa Pacific University, Whitworth University, Northwestern College, Wheaton College, Messiah College, Biola University and Calvin University). Don DeGraaf, Ph.D, Director of the Australia Studies Center at CCCU, expressed his appreciation for all the services provided by UPH in response to his exceptional experience? at UPH.

The CCCU is a higher education association made up of more than 180 Christian institutions from around the world. CCCU members are accredited institutions that offer comprehensive education and have a Christ-centered mission that is also rooted in the Christian faith; UPH is the only Christian university in Indonesia that is a member of the CCCU.

For DeGraaf, UPH offers the best service while remaining friendly and open. UPH has succeeded in demonstrating the friendliness of the Indonesian people, which is one of the reasons for Indonesia’s appeal to others. “Hospitality is a skill that can make one feel at ease and welcome with warmth and joy. All of the wonderful feelings we get when we are warmly welcomed and feel as if we are in our own city are very important to me. This is especially true because we bring students from various universities under the auspices of CCCU to UPH to participate in a one-semester program in Asia,” DeGraaf explained.

DeGraaf added that this program is important in providing students with information about justice, interfaith, and business practices throughout the Pacific Rim (a group of countries along the Pacific Ocean). According to him, the extraordinary involvement of the UPH staff allowed this activity to run smoothly. How UPH staff and the ASC CCCU team work together to invite guest speakers, schedule various visits to industrial and cultural sites, and offer CCCU students the opportunity to participate in all aspects of campus activities at UPH, all supported by quality facilities. He also mentioned that through this series of activities, UPH has so far provided opportunities for foreign students who come to build relationships with UPH students. “In addition, they serve us a variety of delicious foods both on campus and in the surrounding area,” added DeGraaf enthusiastically.

Apart from the quality of the activities, DeGraaf is also grateful for the attention and opportunity given by UPH in exploring Indonesian culture. He admitted that this visit allowed all participants to see the problem from a new perspective and see God’s work in Indonesia.

In addition, he said it was very challenging for students to visit Indonesia during the pandemic, and DeGraaf saw that UPH did its best to ensure safety and smoothness from the start to the end of the visit. ?Despite the growing concern about the global pandemic, UPH staff worked well together in rearranging the schedule, creating alternatives to get new experiences when a visit was cancelled. Not only for our safety and security, they also ensure our overall well-being, which is amazing!? said DeGraaf.

DeGraaf concludes his message with a quote from the book of John 15:15. For him, this verse paints a very beautiful picture of how God calls us to be friends, to tell stories to one another, to give and receive hospitality, and to build a sense of belonging with all who influence our lives. ?UPH’s collaboration with us in Spring 2020 is an example of how God is calling us to welcome strangers, make them feel comfortable and eventually become friends. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!? concludes DeGraaf.

DeGraaf’s praise for UPH’s implementation of the CCCU program in Indonesia demonstrates that UPH is an international university that consistently provides the best service to international partners. UPH remains committed to expanding its network and sharing a global perspective with UPH students and students from partner universities through various joint events. UPH will provide you, a 12th grader, with a global education and experience. Now is the time to sign up for UPH! For more information, please contact Student Consultants at 0811-1709-901 or register online.