Hosting the Ed-Tech Podcast for the first time was both thrilling and nerve-wracking for me, especially with two distinguished guests joining from Shaanxi Normal University (SNNU), China — Dr. Qin Wang, a faculty member, and Dr. Cand. Dong Yuhan, a PhD student in Educational Technology. The session turned into an inspiring conversation that blended academic insights with warm, personal stories. We recorded the episode on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in the cozy TV Studio A20 at Universitas Negeri Malang, and I had the privilege of guiding the discussion as the host.
Both guests shared their first impressions of visiting Indonesia, particularly the charming city of Malang. Coming from Xi’an, they were fascinated by Malang’s mild, cool weather, which felt refreshing compared to the hot summers back home. They laughed about adjusting to the sudden rain showers and the tropical sunshine all in one day. The topic of food quickly lit up the conversation — from spicy dishes like sambal and rawon to the abundance of sweet tropical fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and salak, all of which they found both unique and delicious.
We also touched on local clothing styles, with the guests noting how relaxed and comfortable people dress in Malang, often with batik for formal occasions. Dr. Wang was especially charmed by the friendliness and politeness of the locals, while Dong Yuhan admired how people in Malang seemed to balance work, study, and social life with ease. They observed that the cost of living in Malang is much lower compared to Xi’an, which makes it more affordable for students — an important point for anyone considering studying abroad here.
The conversation then shifted to their home institution. They spoke proudly about Shaanxi Normal University, one of the leading universities in Xi’an, known for its Faculty of Education and its strong programs in Educational Technology. They explained how their faculty combines traditional pedagogy with cutting-edge digital learning innovations, preparing graduates to work in both academic and professional sectors. Their stories painted a vivid picture of a campus that blends cultural heritage with modern research facilities.
One of the highlights was when they discussed scholarship opportunities for international students. They encouraged Indonesian students to explore SNNU’s Master’s and PhD programs in Educational Technology, sharing that the university offers generous scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and even living expenses. According to them, SNNU values international collaboration and is keen to welcome more students from Southeast Asia to enrich its multicultural academic community.
After wrapping up the podcast, our collaboration continued with their participation in the International Guest Lecture Series hosted by the Department of Educational Technology (TEP), Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Malang. It was a rewarding day of cultural and academic exchange, where ideas, experiences, and laughter flowed naturally. As my first hosting experience, it was unforgettable — not only for the chance to connect with brilliant educators from another country but also for the shared moments that reminded me why global collaboration in education matters so much.