MY EXCHANGE SEMESTER AT UGM:
CYBERSECURITY & CULTURE
From Mines Saint-Étienne (France) to Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia)
Hi! My name is Habibatou and I joined the Master of Information Technology program during the Fall semester 2025 to specialize in IT Security and Cloud Computing. The curriculum was hands-on and provided a unique perspective on digital challenges in Southeast Asia. Studying at this Master’s level with international peers was a major asset for my future career in Cyber Strategy.
Socially, making friends was incredibly simple! The Uni Buddy system was a game-changer to help me settle in, and the IT Faculty’s integration day was the perfect ice-breaker. I felt part of the community from day one, connecting effortlessly with both local and international students.
Living in Yogyakarta was an unforgettable adventure. From the vibrant street food culture to the kindness of the locals, I felt welcome from day one. It was also the perfect base to explore the island of Java: I absolutely loved the breathtaking landscapes, and hiking up Mount Bromo remains one of my best memories!
Habibatou Macalou (Mines Saint-Étienne, France)
Master of Information Technology
Department of Electrical Engineering & Information Technology