The International Office of Politeknik Negeri Jember held a follow-up online meeting with representatives from Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University (SNRU), Thailand, to continue discussions on strengthening academic cooperation between the two institutions. The meeting primarily focused on finalizing several key aspects of a proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that will support student mobility, staff exchange, and collaborative research initiatives.

During the discussion, both parties reviewed the framework for the MoA, which aims to facilitate student exchange programs and academic collaboration between the institutions. The agreement will also provide special tuition fee discounts for participants, including a 30 percent reduction for regular exchange students and a 50 percent discount for visiting academic staff who participate in short-term teaching or academic activities at the partner institution.

In addition to tuition arrangements, the meeting also addressed accommodation options and living arrangements for visiting participants. Both institutions agreed to maintain the current accommodation scheme while ensuring that exchange students and visiting staff receive adequate support during their stay at the host university.

The participants also discussed scholarship opportunities for postgraduate studies, particularly for master’s and doctoral programs in advanced material engineering. These opportunities are expected to encourage further academic development among students and strengthen research collaboration between the two institutions.

Another key topic highlighted during the meeting was the potential for joint research activities, especially in the field of renewable energy engineering. Both institutions expressed interest in developing collaborative research focusing on solar cell technology and other sustainable energy innovations.

The discussion also included comparisons of several academic program structures and cost schemes. Participants reviewed tuition arrangements, including the option of maintaining a fixed rate of 50 USD per subject for exchange students with a maximum enrollment of 22 credits per semester. The group agreed that this structure would provide a balanced and accessible option for participating students.

Additional logistical matters were also addressed, including medical check-up requirements, estimated living expenses, and transportation arrangements for incoming students and staff. These details are expected to be further refined to ensure a smooth implementation of the exchange program once the agreement is officially enacted.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both institutions agreed to organize an online signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Agreement in April, following the Muslim holiday period. The collaboration is also expected to open further opportunities for guest lectures, joint academic activities, and long-term research partnerships between Politeknik Negeri Jember and Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University. 🌏🎓