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Culture shock is a phenomenon commonly experienced by individuals who encounter unfamiliar cultural environments, including children. This phenomenon is represented in the picture book The Way We Do It in Japan through the experiences of Gregory, an Asian-American child who moves from America to Japan and faces cultural differences in daily life. This study aims to analyze the representation of cultural differences between Japan and America and to examine the stages of culture shock experienced by Gregory throughout the story. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method using textual and visual analysis of the picture book. The analysis applies Oberg’s (1960) concept of culture shock and Pedersen’s (1995) stages of culture shock, including the honeymoon, disintegration, reintegration, autonomy, and interdependence stages. The findings reveal that differences in language, social norms, daily habits, and school practices become the main triggers of Gregory’s culture shock. His experiences develop dynamically from curiosity and confusion to gradual adaptation and cultural acceptance. These experiences also contribute to Gregory’s emotional growth, adaptability, and ability to understand cultural differences more objectively. Therefore, this study highlights the important role of children’s literature in promoting intercultural understanding, empathy, and awareness of cultural diversity among young readers.

Globalization has brought significant impacts across various sectors of life, including language and literature. Rapid flows of information, intercultural interactions, and the dominance of international languages such as English have triggered changes, adaptations, and even identity confusion in the use of local languages and the development of literary works. This paper explores the influence of globalization on the evolution of language and literature, both in the context of preservation and creativity. Language undergoes modifications in structure and vocabulary as a result of cultural interaction and technological advancement, while literature evolves in terms of genres and media, as reflected in the emergence of digital literature and literacy phenomena on social media platforms. On the other hand, globalization also provides opportunities for local literary works to reach international audiences through translation and digital media. Using a descriptive and analytical approach, this paper highlights the challenges and opportunities arising from the intersection of globalization, language, and literature, as well as their significance in formulating strategies to maintain cultural identity through language and literary expression.

Globalization has brought significant impacts across various sectors of life, including language and literature. Rapid flows of information, intercultural interactions, and the dominance of international languages such as English have triggered changes, adaptations, and even identity confusion in the use of local languages and the development of literary works. This paper explores the influence of globalization on the evolution of language and literature, both in the context of preservation and creativity. Language undergoes modifications in structure and vocabulary as a result of cultural interaction and technological advancement, while literature evolves in terms of genres and media, as reflected in the emergence of digital literature and literacy phenomena on social media platforms. On the other hand, globalization also provides opportunities for local literary works to reach international audiences through translation and digital media. Using a descriptive and analytical approach, this paper highlights the challenges and opportunities arising from the intersection of globalization, language, and literature, as well as their significance in formulating strategies to maintain cultural identity through language and literary expression.

This research aims to explore a culture shock phenomenon and its impact on the stress levels and adaptation processes of migrant students at PASIM national University, as individuals who move into a new environment, culture, different geographical features, migrant students often face problems in communication or psychological pressure. Data collected process done by interviewing respondents, thru qualitative method with phenomenological approach to deeply describe life experiences. Basically culture shock has four phases, start with initial disorientation and cognitive load due to the uncertainty of social life, followed by emotional pressure leading to social isolation and homesickness. After those two the adaptive coping process activated starting with building relationships with peers, after all of these phases formed the increase of post-crisis increase in intercultural and social competence. This finding indicate that early phase of culture shock does indeed have a negative impct, however, as the adaptation process an individual can develop an independence dan stronger self-identity. Conclusion, this research emphasizes the importance of internal resilience and the support external support in transforming challenges into opportunities for self-development that can lead to personal growth and benefits.

This study aims to analyze the obstacles in Social Studies (IPS) learning related to global issues influenced by technological advancement through a literature review method. Social Studies plays an essential role in shaping students’ understanding of social, economic, cultural, and political life while fostering global awareness in the digital era. However, in practice, IPS learning often faces various challenges that reduce its effectiveness and attractiveness. One of the main problems is students ’low interestin IPS, as it is often perceived as boring and overly theoretical, combined with the influence of technology that diverts students’ attention toward digital entertainment. Other contributing factors include non-interactive teaching methods, limited learning facilities, unconducive classroom environments, and a lack of parental support. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study found that relevant strategies to overcome these issues include Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, and Contextual Approaches. These strategies enable students to learn actively, critically, and collaboratively by linking IPS material to global issues and real-world phenomena. The recommended solutions include implementing project-based education, utilizing interactive digital media, and fostering intercultural dialogue within the learning process. The results of this study are expected to provide theoretical contributions to the development of adaptive IPS learning models in response to technological progress, as well as practical benefits for teachers, schools, and policymakers in creating Social Studies learning that is engaging, meaningful, and relevant to the global challenges of the 21st century.

This community service program is entitled Improving Microcontroller Competence of Students of SMK Negeri 3 Pematangsiantar through Arduino Training Based on Industrial Practice and is implemented as a follow-up to the school's official request to invite university practitioners as guest teachers in order to strengthen industry-based vocational learning. The activity was carried out on November 27, 2025 at the Computer Laboratory of SMK Negeri 3 Pematangsiantar involving 50 grade XI students, and guided by Andi Setiadi Manalu, S.Kom., M.Ti as the main instructor of Arduino material which focuses on the introduction of microcontrollers, basic programming, sensor integration, and simple automation project design. The purpose of this activity is to improve students' technical competence in the field of embedded systems while fostering work readiness through real-world practice-based learning experiences. The implementation method uses an experiential learning and project-based learning approach, which combines brief conceptual explanations with direct practice, technical discussions, and problem-based project assignment completion. The evaluation results show an increase in students' understanding of microcontroller functions, programming logic structures, and the ability to connect hardware and software in one work system. In addition, students demonstrated increased motivation, confidence, and interest in industrial technology, as reflected in their active participation during the practicum and their successful independent completion of functional prototypes. Overall, this activity proved effective in strengthening the technical competencies of vocational high school students and supporting the implementation of the link and match policy between vocational education and the needs of the industrial world, while also emphasizing the strategic role of higher education institutions in supporting the improvement of human resource quality at the vocational high school level.

This study evaluates the AIESEC Incoming Global Volunteer (IGV) Program at the Veteran National Development University in Yogyakarta using the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product) evaluation model. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews, non-participatory observation, and documentation studies, with validity ensured through triangulation. The findings reveal that the IGV Program is highly relevant to the university’s internationalization agenda and contributes significantly to strengthening cross-cultural competencies among students. The availability of resources and the overall implementation of the program have been effective, though improvements are needed in ensuring consistent mentoring for international participants. The evaluation highlights that the program has generated positive outcomes, particularly in enhancing intercultural competencies and fostering collaboration with local partners. These results underscore the importance of sustaining and refining the IGV Program as a strategic initiative to support global engagement and student development.

Cross-cultural ministry is a tangible manifestation of the Great Commission of Christ, which calls the church to reach all nations without geographical or cultural boundaries. This article describes the experience of spiritual ministry among the diaspora Christian community in the Middle East conducted by a team from the Kerusso Theological Seminary of Indonesia. The activity not only aimed to strengthen the faith of the congregation living under cultural and social pressures but also served as a means of nurturing contextual Christian spirituality and character. Through revival services, Bible teaching, and pastoral accompaniment, the congregation experienced a genuine transformation of faith—from weakness to steadfastness and hope. This study affirms that cross-cultural ministry is not merely a mission activity but a concrete expression of transformative and participatory Christian education. It demonstrates that when ministry is carried out with contextual understanding and empathy, profound spiritual change can occur even amid intercultural challenges.

Indonesia’s diversity is a valuable asset that must be wisely managed to prevent potential conflicts. Article 29 Paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, in line with Islamic teachings on tolerance. Ma’had Al-Zaytun serves as an example of an Islamic educational institution that instills Islamic and national values in a moderate and inclusive manner, shaping students to live harmoniously within a pluralistic society. This study aims to determine the role of Ma’had Al-Zaytun in shaping attitudes of tolerance based on Article 29 Paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution and Islamic Law. The research employs a descriptive approach with a library research method. Primary data were obtained from Article 29 Paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution and Hukum Islam by Sofyan Hasan, while secondary data were derived from journals, theses, dissertations, documents, and previous relevant studies. The results show that Ma’had Al-Zaytun plays an important role in fostering tolerance through two perspectives. Based on Article 29 Paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution, Al-Zaytun creates an educational environment that values diversity through curriculum design, exemplary teachers, social activities, and intercultural dialogue. From the perspective of Islamic Law, tolerance is reflected through the preservation of religion and intellect, emphasizing peace, respect for other religions, and freedom of thought and dialogue. The combination of these perspectives produces students who are religious, open-minded, and socially responsible in a pluralistic national life.

This research examines the complex dynamics of Islam-West interactions through a historical-analytical approach, focusing on the evolution of these relations from medieval encounters to contemporary developments. Using qualitative methods through extensive literature review and critical discourse analysis, this study analyzes the multifaceted nature of Islam-West relations across historical periods, contemporary contexts, and emerging paradigms of engagement. Findings reveal that Islam-West interactions have evolved through distinct historical phases: medieval encounters characterized by both intellectual exchange and military conflicts, colonial experiences that created lasting power asymmetries, and contemporary dynamics shaped by geopolitical tensions, migration patterns, and globalization. The research identifies three major contemporary challenges: persistent Orientalist and Islamophobic discourses, geopolitical conflicts intensifying civilizational narratives, and internal diversity within both civilizational spheres that complicates unified engagement. The study proposes a transformative model of Islam-West relations founded on shared ethical values, contextual understanding of religious texts, collaborative approaches to global challenges, and recognition of internal pluralism within both traditions. This research contributes to intercultural understanding by offering a nuanced historical perspective on Islam-West relations and establishing a theoretical framework for constructive engagement in an increasingly interconnected world

This community service program, entitled English for Global Communication: Strengthening Intercultural Competence among Polytechnic Students, was led by Doris Yolanda Saragih, S.Pd., M.Pd., in collaboration with Clementine and Josh, guest lecturers from the United Kingdom. The activity took place at Politeknik Bisnis Indonesia on September 1, 2025, involving 60 students across two interactive learning sessions. The program aimed to enhance students’ ability to communicate effectively in global settings by integrating language proficiency, cultural awareness, and practical communication strategies. The learning process applied a communicative and experiential approach, featuring discussions, simulations, and task-based learning to develop students’ speaking fluency, cross-cultural sensitivity, and confidence. The participation of native English speakers provided authentic exposure to international discourse and cultural perspectives, which enriched the overall learning experience. Evaluation results indicated a significant improvement in students’ oral communication skills, vocabulary use, and intercultural understanding. Furthermore, participants demonstrated higher motivation and readiness to apply English in academic and professional contexts. Overall, this community engagement initiative effectively contributed to enhancing global communication competence and supported the institution’s mission to cultivate globally competitive and culturally aware graduates.

The globalization era presents considerable challenges to the development of Islamic identity among university students. Technological progress, intercultural interaction, and exposure to various ideologies significantly affect students’ values and moral orientations. This study aims to analyze the Aqidah Akhlak paradigm as a framework for reinforcing students’ Islamic identity within the global context. This research applies a qualitative method through library research by examining classical and contemporary Islamic educational literature as well as relevant scholarly works. The findings demonstrate that the Aqidah Akhlak paradigm, which combines solid theological belief (aqidah) with moral character development (akhlak), plays an essential role in cultivating spiritual strength, ethical consciousness, and social responsibility. The reinforcement of Islamic identity is not limited to religious rituals, but also includes the internalization of faith-based values and the consistent application of moral principles in academic and social environments. Therefore, a contextual and integrated approach to Aqidah Akhlak education is necessary to develop intellectually competent and ethically grounded Muslim students in the era of globalization.

The rapid expansion of digital platforms in higher education has paved the way for Virtual Exchange (VE) as a viable alternative to traditional student mobility programs. VE leverages online technologies to connect university students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, enabling cross-cultural communication and global collaboration without the financial and geographical barriers associated with physical exchanges. Despite its potential, challenges remain regarding student engagement, technological limitations, and reduced immersion compared to face-to-face interactions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VE in fostering intercultural awareness and teamwork skills among university students. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys to measure intercultural competence and collaboration with qualitative interviews to explore students’ experiences in depth. The findings indicate that VE contributes significantly to the development of intercultural understanding, digital literacy, and teamwork, with students reporting enhanced awareness of cultural diversity and improved adaptability in online collaboration. Visual and statistical analyses highlight clear patterns in how VE facilitates skill development, while qualitative data emphasize both the benefits and obstacles students encounter, such as managing time zone differences and cultural nuances. The study concludes that VE represents an inclusive and scalable educational approach that complements traditional exchange programs, offering broader access to global learning opportunities while addressing issues of equity and accessibility. However, its limitations suggest that VE should be integrated strategically, potentially through hybrid models that balance virtual and physical mobility to maximize its impact.

This study aims to analyze students’ perceptions of foreign language learning and its impact on their readiness to enter the international job market. The research employed a descriptive qualitative method, collecting data through questionnaires distributed to 100 students from various study programs across multiple faculties. The study explored students’ experiences in learning foreign languages, including perceived challenges, motivations, and the effectiveness of teaching strategies applied in the classroom. The findings indicate that foreign language proficiency has a positive correlation with students’ confidence levels, especially when facing cross-border professional challenges, international collaboration, and communication with global stakeholders. Students reported that while foreign language learning at the university is generally effective, there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding the integration of real-world contexts, industry-specific vocabulary, and interactive practice opportunities. Furthermore, the study revealed that students value opportunities for cultural exposure, international internships, and collaboration with foreign peers as part of their learning experience. Based on these findings, universities are recommended to adopt strategies such as curriculum integration, practice-based teaching methods, interdisciplinary projects, and strengthening international partnerships to better prepare students for global employment. The study concludes that foreign language mastery is not only a linguistic skill but also an essential social, cultural, and professional capital that enhances graduates’ competitiveness in the global job market. Ultimately, developing comprehensive language skills, combined with intercultural competence, will equip students with the adaptability, confidence, and communication abilities required to thrive in diverse international work environments.

This study aims to determine the perceptions of library users towards the multicultural literacy program at the Sibolga City Public Library, as a response to the importance of literacy in building an inclusive society amidst cultural diversity. The method used is descriptive quantitative with a survey technique through a questionnaire to 73 active library users. The research instrument includes 15 statements on the independent variable (multicultural literacy program) based on James A. Banks' theory, and 10 statements on the dependent variable (librarian perception) based on the Ruch and Zimbardo framework. The results of the analysis show that library users' perceptions of the program are in the good category, with an average score of 40.23 out of a maximum of 50, and a standard deviation of 2.89, which indicates the consistency of respondents' responses. For the multicultural literacy program variable, an average score of 60.9 out of a maximum of 75, and a standard deviation of 3.68, is obtained. This indicates that library users feel that this program is very useful in increasing their understanding of cultural diversity. More than 78% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the program helped them understand other cultures, think critically about stereotypes, and feel proud of their own cultural identities. Furthermore, 54.79% of respondents expressed their willingness to promote the program to the surrounding community. These findings confirm that the Sibolga City Public Library has successfully fulfilled its role as an inclusive literacy space. The multicultural literacy program not only helps users improve their understanding of culture but also strengthens social cohesion and strengthens intercultural relationships. With this program, the library has functioned as an important agent of social change in creating a more inclusive and tolerant society. It is hoped that this program will continue to develop and be implemented more widely.

Mission constitutes a fundamental dimension of the Catholic Church’s identity, intrinsically linked to the divine mandate to participate in God’s work of salvation in the world. Within this framework, the consecrated life of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) embodies a distinctive expression of Trinitarian spirituality and a prophetic missionary vocation. In the context of Timor Island, this charism is concretely manifested through ministries that directly engage with the realities of local communities. This study adopts a qualitative methodology with a literature review approach, drawing on theological sources, congregational spirituality, and the SSpS Constitution to explore the theological and practical dimensions of the sisters’ mission. The research aims to analyze how the life and apostolate of the SSpS Sisters serve as a tangible witness to the presence of the Triune God, particularly through works in education, healthcare, social services, and pastoral ministry. The findings indicate that the sisters’ mission is deeply rooted in a faith experience centered on the Most Holy Trinity, which shapes their incarnational and intercultural approach to ministry. Their service reflects a prophetic commitment to empowering marginalized communities, promoting human dignity, and fostering social transformation. Furthermore, the integration of religious vows with active engagement in societal issues illustrates a spirituality that bridges contemplation and action, grounded in both fidelity to the Gospel and responsiveness to contextual needs. In conclusion, the consecrated life of the SSpS Sisters on Timor Island stands as a visible and dynamic sign of God’s salvific and prophetic presence. Through their holistic and transformative ministries, they contribute significantly to the mission of the Church and the common good of society, embodying a vision of the “civilization of love” rooted in Trinitarian communion and expressed in concrete service to humanity.

The growing environmental crisis underscores the need for education systems to foster ecological responsibility among students. This study explores the potential for multifaith schools to cultivate environmental moral education through an interreligious pedagogical model. By integrating diverse religious teachings on ecology, the proposed model aims to promote shared moral values for environmental protection and sustainability. The research addresses the gap in existing environmental education, which often lacks an integrated approach that incorporates various religious perspectives. Through a qualitative research design, the study analyzes curricula, observes classroom practices, conducts interviews with educators, and evaluates existing environmental education frameworks in multifaith schools. The study identifies key strategies, including the incorporation of eco-ethics from different religious traditions, project-based learning, and interfaith dialogues, as effective means of fostering ecological responsibility. However, challenges such as balancing doctrinal differences, overcoming biases, and developing inclusive pedagogy remain. The study emphasizes the importance of designing educational content that respects all faiths and promotes intercultural dialogue, thereby encouraging a collective commitment to sustainability. The findings suggest that multifaith schools can serve as powerful platforms for environmental moral education, highlighting the value of integrating religious perspectives into sustainability education. The study concludes with recommendations for incorporating interreligious eco-ethics into curricula and teacher training programs and suggests future research on the long-term impact of interreligious environmental education and its applicability in diverse cultural contexts.

Cultural diversity demands communication skills that extend beyond verbal communication and encompass an understanding of cross-cultural values, emotions, and identities. This article examines cultural communication in a pluralistic society through a psychological approach, focusing on perception, stereotypes, empathy, and cognitive openness. Cultural perception shapes how individuals interpret social reality, but often results in stereotypes that simplify the characteristics of a group, which can hinder healthy communication. On the other hand, empathy—both affective and cognitive—plays a crucial role in building emotional understanding and perspectives toward people from different cultural backgrounds. Cognitive openness strengthens the ability to accept differences, avoid quick judgments, and increase awareness of social complexity. This combination of empathy and openness is the primary foundation for building effective and inclusive intercultural communication competencies. This article emphasizes that these competencies can be developed through education, cross-cultural experiences, and psychosocial training. In the era of globalization and digitalization, cross-cultural understanding is crucial for creating a harmonious environment in educational settings, organizations, and communities. Therefore, building empathetic, open, and stereotype-free communication is key to successful interactions in a multicultural society.  

The diversity of cultural preferences among students creates interesting communication dynamics in the scope of friendship on campus. Using descriptive qualitative research with an ethnographic approach, this study aims to find out how students who are fans of popular culture (Korean and Japanese) and local culture (Javanese) negotiate their cultural identity. Through participatory observation and interviews conducted with three informants, the results showed the existence of openness, adaptation, and the tendency of functional biculturalism. So that intercultural communication can take place harmoniously and support the formation of a flexible multicultural identity.

This research is motivated by the miscommunication that has recently occurred in the city of Makassar between Makassar community members and Papuan students, so it is interesting to study from the perspective of intercultural communication with the aim of knowing the intercultural communication process that occurs and the factors that influence the intercultural communication process between the Makassar community and Papuan students in the city of Makassar. The method used in this study is a qualitative descriptive method and the researcher used a purposive sampling technique to select subjects with 4 Papuan students and 7 Makassar community members so that the total number of informants was 11. The data sources used were primary and secondary data sources related to the empirical situation or condition with interviews and documentation in order to obtain primary data regarding the purpose of the study. The results of this study indicate that the intercultural communication process carried out by the Makassar community and Papuan students occurred quite smoothly with an attitude of mutual cooperation, tolerance and being quite friendly to each other and living side by side. The obstacles to intercultural communication, both Papuan students and Makassar community still have difficulty in understanding each cultural difference. Other obstacles in intercultural communication are differences in language, dialect and their perceptions in assessing each culture.