pbi.fsb.ung.ac.id, Gorontalo – The Faculty of Letters and Culture of Universitas Negeri Gorontalo (UNG) is preparing to host the International Virtual Summer Course 2025, scheduled for August 11 to 2. This online academic and cultural program will gather students from across the world to explore the rich and diverse heritage of the Tomini Bay region.

Carrying the theme “Experiencing the Language and Culture of Tomini Bay,” the course will introduce participants to the linguistics, literature, art, and culture of the region through live lectures, virtual tours, and collaborative projects. It is designed not only to deepen students’ cultural literacy and intercultural communication, but also to promote international academic and cultural networking, as well as student participation in cross-cultural exchange as cultural ambassadors.

The presence of international instructor Coleen Alena O’Brien highlights the course’s expanding global engagement and brings valuable perspectives to the intercultural dialogue at the heart of the summer course. Approximately 100 students are expected to join, including participants from international partner institutions and other universities in Indonesia.

Designed to accommodate a diverse range of participants, the program offers both live interaction and flexible learning formats to support meaningful cross-cultural exchange.

By showcasing the literary, artistic, and cultural richness of Tomini Bay and supporting key academic goals such as student mobility and international collaboration, the International Virtual Summer Course 2025 aims to become a vibrant platform for global engagement and creative cultural appreciation.

Dean of the Faculty of Letters and Culture, Prof. Dra. Nonny Basalama, M.A., Ph.D., expressed her hope that this program will not only raise global awareness of Tomini Bay’s cultural identity but also inspire ongoing collaboration between local and international academic communities. “We believe this course will serve as a bridge between cultures, connecting our local heritage with the world,” she stated.