Efektivitas Komunikasi Antar Budaya Pada Program Pertukaran Mahasiswa Merdeka 4 Inbound Universitas Jenderal Soedirman Tahun 2024

This research aims to describe and analyze the effectiveness of intercultural communication in the 2024 Inbound Independent Student Exchange Program (PMM 4) at Universitas Jenderal Soedirman. The study focuses on how students from diverse cultural backgrounds interact, adapt, and build relationships within the context of cultural exchange. Employing a qualitative approach with a narrative method, data were collected through in-depth interviews with six key informants (PMM 4 students from different regions), two supporting informants (academic supervisor and liaison officer), and two additional informants (local Unsoed students). The findings indicate that effective intercultural communication in the program is characterized by openness, empathy, cultural awareness, adaptability, and active listening. Despite facing challenges such as stereotypes, language misunderstandings, and value differences, students managed to overcome these obstacles through continuous reflection and self-adjustment. This study emphasizes the importance of intercultural communication competence in ensuring the success of student exchange programs in Indonesia.