Jambi, -On the evening of September 11, 2026, Universitas Islam Negeri Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi held its first synchronous session of the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program with the University of Wyoming. The class, conducted via Zoom at 9 p.m. Western Indonesia Time — 8 a.m. in Wyoming — marked a new chapter in the university’s international collaboration efforts.

The session brought together 16 students from UIN STS Jambi and 15 students from the University of Wyoming, guided by faculty members Molly Hand of Wyoming and Dr. Tartilla of UIN Jambi. The program was coordinated by Dion Ginanto, who has overseen the initiative since its inception.

The COIL program is a direct outcome of a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year between the two institutions. Its purpose is to foster global dialogue on English language teaching and cultural exchange. For the Wyoming students, their peers in Jambi serve as firsthand sources of insight into Indonesian culture and society.

The evening began with introductions, each participant sharing a personal “fun fact.” Students were then divided into breakout rooms, paired across institutions to exchange stories about unique aspects of their respective cultures.

University leaders underscored the significance of the program.

“This is an excellent initiative that must be sustained,” said Prof. Dr. H. Kasful Anwar, Rector of UIN STS Jambi. “It allows our students to learn directly with international peers and faculty, without incurring any additional costs.”

For Dion Ginanto, the session was the culmination of months of preparation.

“Alhamdulillah, the COIL program we designed has finally begun tonight. We hope our students can share everything they know about Jambi’s culture, so that international students benefit from this exchange,” he said.

Faculty members expressed similar enthusiasm. “We are delighted and proud to start this program. We hope it will continue,” said Dr. Tartilla.

From Wyoming, Molly Hand described the meeting as a promising start.

“This is a strong beginning. Each group will continue discussions asynchronously, using WhatsApp or email, before reconvening on Zoom,” she explained.

The launch of COIL reflects UIN STS Jambi’s broader ambition to position itself as a globally connected institution. By linking students across continents, the program not only enriches classroom learning but also strengthens the university’s vision of becoming a world-class center of education.