IDFrom the Classroom to the Diplomatic Stage: UPJ Students Chat with Cologne Officials
Bintaro, South Tangerang, 21/08/2024 – The students of Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) have learned a lot during their summer school in Cologne, including politics. They have proven that they are capable of delving into this subject. In the Summer School program at the University of Cologne, they didn’t just study diplomacy but also immersed themselves directly in the heart of the history and culture of the city, famous for its cathedral.
The historic day began on August 6th, with a visit to the magnificent Cologne City Hall. While there, they had the opportunity to engage in direct discussions with city officials, including the Mayor of Cologne. Additionally, there were representatives from the Indonesian Consulate General in Frankfurt, the German-Indonesian Society, and local foundations. This activity was a valuable experience for them as foreign students.
"Talking directly with the Mayor of Cologne felt like a dream," said Andreans Bagaskhara, a Management Studies student and one of the participants in the Summer School program. "I gained a better understanding of the Indonesia-Germany relationship and am motivated to contribute even more."
Here, the students were invited to discuss the relationship between Indonesia and Germany, especially scholarship opportunities. Without reading from textbooks, they had the privilege of hearing directly from the original sources.
After the city hall, the journey continued to Cologne’s iconic landmark, the Cologne Cathedral. This 157-meter-tall church has a long story, from its initial construction to being destroyed during World War II, and then rebuilt. But all was worth it with the breathtaking view from the top of the church.
After enjoying the architectural beauty, it was time to explore the streets. The atmosphere around the cathedral is very lively, with traditional markets, unique shops, and mouth-watering local food. While enjoying the city, students could directly experience the daily life of the people in Cologne.
From this experience, they not only learned about history and diplomacy but also about cultural diversity. This experience will surely remain unforgettable throughout their lives.
