To broaden students’ scientific insight and practical skills, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Universitas Syiah Kuala (FKH USK) continues to encourage its students to seek learning experiences through various veterinary medical education platforms both at home and abroad. One of these efforts is motivating academically outstanding students with strong English proficiency to participate in the selection process for the International Mobility Internship Program abroad.

One of the international internship selection programs taken by FKH USK students is the Kegiatan Akademik Mahasiswa level Internasional (KAMI) Bedampak 2025 USK. This program is funded by the World Class University (WCU) budget at USK. From the selection process, eight FKH USK students were declared successful and their participation is fully funded by the WCU program. They are Shafly Abiyu Ridwan, Gamyanda Ardy Perdana, Inayah Namora Br Harahap, Hafsa Yuswita, Nadia Rahmanisa, Abdul Rafiq Amin, Andamfa Rizalmi, and Luthfia Zahira. All eight students selected veterinary clinics under The Empire Group, Malaysia, which is also part of the Veterinary Advance Learning Center (VALC), Malaysia, as their internship placement.

Their arrival was warmly welcomed by Dr. Koh Choo Yan, the leader of The Empire Group/VALC Malaysia, who has had a cooperation agreement (MoU) with FKH USK since 2024. All students have been in Malaysia since November 8, 2025. They were divided into two groups and placed at Vet O Vet Animal Medical Centre in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, and Empire Animal Medical Centre in Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia. VALC provided transportation for all students to both locations upon their arrival in Kuala Lumpur.

Representatives of the participants, Shafly Abiyu Ridwan and Gamyanda Ardy Perdana, reported to FKH USK that they were well-received and are being properly supervised by the veterinarians at both clinics. The students have been given opportunities to learn and enhance their skills by assisting with patient admissions, interacting with pet owners, and observing veterinary technologies used for diagnosis and treatment.

The Dean of FKH USK, Drh. Teuku Reza Ferasyi, MSc., PhD., stated that this activity is highly beneficial for both students and the faculty, as it provides valuable insight into veterinary science and technology. “The students participating in this program are very fortunate, as the opportunities provided by FKH USK’s international partners enable them to gain knowledge and sharpen their skills in preparation for entering an increasingly competitive workforce in the future,” said Teuku Reza.

USK’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan, expressed his support and pride in this opportunity for FKH USK students to learn in a neighboring country. “The KAMI Bedampak USK 2025 Program is an excellent initiative that offers USK students opportunities to broaden their international perspectives, supporting USK’s systematic and comprehensive efforts to achieve world class university status,” emphasized Prof. Marwan.

Through this program, students will also receive academic benefits in the form of credit recognition for relevant courses, which will be counted toward their grades for the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. According to the agreed schedule, the students will participate in this internship until December 1, 2025.