The Social Welfare Study Program (IKS), Faculty of Da'wah and Communication, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, held an orientation session for the 2024 cohort's Independent Internship Program on Monday (June 29, 2026), from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Room 301 of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication. Carrying the theme Learning Beyond the Classroom, the event brought together 45 students—approximately 39.8 percent of the 113 students in the 2024 cohort—who will undertake internships at 18 partner institutions throughout July and August 2026.

In his opening remarks, Head of the Social Welfare Study Program, Muhammad Izzul Haq, S.Sos., MSc., Ph.D., emphasized that internships provide an authentic learning environment where classroom knowledge is translated into professional practice. He noted that the experience is designed not only to strengthen students' academic and professional competencies but also to cultivate the character and ethical commitment expected of future social welfare professionals.

During the orientation, Izzul outlined ten essential principles that should guide students throughout their internship experience. These included recognizing internships as a bridge to future careers; safeguarding the reputation of themselves, the study program, the faculty, and the university; upholding professional ethics; maintaining an active learning mindset; practicing responsible digital conduct; respecting confidentiality; developing professional communication skills; expanding professional networks; becoming solution-oriented individuals; and engaging in reflective learning after completing the internship.

"An internship is far more than an academic requirement," Izzul said. "It is an opportunity to learn directly from practitioners, understand organizational dynamics, build professional networks, strengthen critical thinking, and make meaningful contributions to society."

Students were also reminded to demonstrate integrity, discipline, accountability, and professionalism in all interactions with institutional leaders, field supervisors, colleagues, and service beneficiaries at their respective placement organizations.

During the same session, Khotibul Umam, M.Si., Secretary of the Social Welfare Study Program, encouraged students to view internships not merely as practical training but also as opportunities to produce scholarly work.

"We hope that the knowledge and experiences students gain during their internships will be developed into academic publications, whether in the form of journal articles or popular writings," he said. "The Social Welfare Study Program is fully committed to mentoring students who wish to transform their internship experiences into scientific publications."

The mentoring initiative is expected to strengthen students' academic culture while enhancing their ability to document field experiences systematically and through evidence-based analysis. Beyond supporting individual competency development, these publications are also expected to contribute to the advancement of social welfare scholarship and professional social work practice in Indonesia.

Through this orientation, the Social Welfare Study Program hopes that every participant will embrace the internship as a meaningful learning journey, broaden professional networks, and create positive impacts for partner institutions and the communities they serve. The spirit of Learning Beyond the Classroom serves as a reminder that education extends far beyond university walls, continuing through real-world experience and professional engagement.