RRI.CO.ID, Mataram – A long-running student exchange program between Public Senior High School 2 Mataram (SMAN 2 Mataram) and Christian College Geelong (CCG), Australia continues to strengthen global learning and cultural understanding among students. The partnership has been maintained for decades, creating meaningful international connections.

Through this student exchange initiative, students from both schools take turns visiting each other’s countries. The program provides direct exposure to language, culture, and everyday life in different environments.

Vice Principal of CCG Australia, Rick Geall, said the partnership has been running for more than 30 years.

“This relationship has been running since the 1990s. Every two years our students come to Lombok, while in alternate years students from SMAN 2 Mataram visit Australia,” he said, Monday, May 4 2026.

During their visit, Australian students take part in a range of structured activities organized by the host school. These include cultural visits, language learning, and interaction with local communities.

Recently, the students visited cultural destinations in Yogyakarta and Jakarta before continuing their program in Mataram. They are currently staying with local families through a homestay program.

“Our students spent time visiting cultural sites, and now they are staying with local families here in Mataram,” he added.

The program also supports language development, as students begin learning Indonesian before joining the exchange. Real-life interaction helps them improve their communication skills.

Beyond language, the experience broadens students’ perspectives on cultural diversity. It also strengthens mutual understanding between Indonesia and Australia.

“Coming to Indonesia helps our students expand both their language skills and cultural understanding,” he explained.

In other side, Principal of SMAN 2 Mataram, Abdul Kadir Alaydrus, S.Pd., M.Pd., said the program has a significant impact on students’ global outlook.

“This program is truly remarkable as it opens up students’ global perspectives through direct interaction with an international environment,” he said.

He added that the exchange program plays an important role in preparing globally minded students. Direct interaction between students is considered the core value of the initiative.

“This exchange program is part of our effort to build globally minded students. Direct interaction among students is the key value of this program,” he stated.

According to him, the program also contributes to shaping students’ mindset. Participants become more open and better prepared to face global challenges.

“This program also encourages a shift in students’ mindset. They become more open and more ready to face global challenges,” he concluded.