On Tuesday, December 6, 2023, Abdullah Sigit Room FIPP UNY became a witness of a study visit conducted by the Undergraduate Study Program of Counseling Guidance (BK) Faculty of Education (FIP) Indonesia University of Education (UPI) to BK Faculty of Education and Psychology (FIPP) Yogyakarta State University (UNY). This activity was also used as a moment to organize a public lecture entitled "Mental Health: Global Issues and the BK Profession in Indonesia."

The public lecture was given by a distinguished speaker, Nanang E. Gunawan, Ph.D., a graduate of Ohio University. He shared insights about mental health, detailed current global issues, and related them to the role of the Counseling Guidance Profession in Indonesia.

In this activity, 170 BK undergraduate students from UPI were also present, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Syamsu Yusuf LN, M.Pd. Prof. Dr. Syamsu Yusuf from UPI delivered a speech, stating that the purpose of this visit was to establish friendships, meet, and discuss. This study visit focused on mental health subjects and is expected to strengthen relationships in both academic and non-academic aspects.

Meanwhile, FIPP UNY was attended by WD (Vice Dean) AKA Dr. Iis Prasetyo, MM, WD PKUSD Dr. Agus Basuki, M.Pd, WD RKSIU Dr. Siti Rohmah Nurhayati, M.Si., Head of the Department of PPB (Educational and Guidance Psychology) Dr. Sigit Sanyata, M.Pd., and several BK lecturers of FIPP UNY.

Dr. Siti Rohmah welcomed the presence of guests from UPI, appreciating the spirit and inspiration brought by Prof. Syamsu. She stated that the two universities are like siblings in the field of counseling, and gave encouragement to further enhance cooperation in the future. Dr. Siti Rohmah also conveyed the importance of comparative studies, sharing knowledge, and experience as the key to facing changing times.

In addition, Dr. Siti Rohmah proposed increasing cooperation through student exchanges for one semester and various other forms of collaboration, such as joint research or Community Service (PPM) activities.

The public lecture delivered by Nanang E. Gunawan, Ph.D., illustrated the importance of understanding mental health in a global context and how the Counseling Guidance profession can play an active role in overcoming this challenge.

This study visit is expected to be the beginning of closer cooperation between the two universities in developing the field of mental health and the Counseling Guidance profession in Indonesia.