Semarang – The Vocational School of Diponegoro University (Undip) continues to strengthen the internationalization of vocational education through academic partnerships with overseas institutions. One such initiative is the Double Degree program established between the Applied Bachelor’s Study Program in Civil Infrastructure Engineering and Architectural Design (PILAR) at Undip’s Vocational School and Minghsin University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Taiwan.
This program offers students the opportunity to pursue academic studies at two higher education institutions simultaneously, gaining knowledge and experience within an international academic environment. Four students from the PILAR program participated in this initiative: Nurun Aulia Mustofa, Rosiana Anggraeni Hedwig, Nabiilah Aulia, and Akhdan Muhammad Rafif.
Through this Double Degree program, students not only gain experience in an international academic setting but also broaden their horizons regarding construction technology advancements, design approaches, work cultures, and vocational education practices implemented in Taiwan.
The partnership with MUST is part of the PILAR program’s effort to provide a learning experience that is broader and more relevant to the demands of the workforce. The international academic environment is expected to encourage students to enhance their technical skills, communication abilities, and cross-cultural adaptability, as well as their readiness to enter the increasingly globally integrated construction and architecture industries.
For the PILAR program specifically, this activity aligns with the goal of strengthening the graduate profile—producing professionals who are adaptable to technological advancements and possess a global perspective. Insights gained by students at the partner university can also inform curriculum development and the implementation of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) to ensure greater alignment with industry needs.
Dr. Asri Nurdiana, S.T., M.T., Head of the Applied Bachelor’s Study Program in Civil Infrastructure Engineering and Architectural Design, stated that the Double Degree program represents a tangible commitment by the study program to prepare graduates who possess global competence and competitiveness. “The Double Degree program with Minghsin University of Science and Technology offers an excellent opportunity for PILAR students to gain academic experience and engage in learning within an international environment. We hope that students will not only acquire technical knowledge and skills but also develop adaptability, communication abilities, and cross-cultural teamwork skills, while gaining a global perspective on construction and architecture.”
He noted that strengthening international networks is also crucial to ensuring that vocational education remains closely aligned with technological advancements and industry needs.
By expanding student access to international academic experiences, the PILAR Study Program at the Undip Vocational School is committed to producing graduates who are professional, adaptive, innovative, and globally minded—ready to contribute to the advancement of the construction and architecture industries at both national and international levels.