The Graduate School of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (GS UNY) once again held a Visiting Professor Program as part of its effort to strengthen international academic networks and enhance the quality of teaching and learning. The three-day program, held from Monday to Wednesday (October 27–29th, 2025), featured Prof. Dr. Phil. Steffen Kersten from the Faculty of Education (Fakultät Erziehungswissenschaften), Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), Germany.

The event was warmly welcomed by the leadership of GS UNY. In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Siswantoyo, M.Kes., AIFO., Director of the GS UNY, emphasized that the Visiting Professor program is an essential component of the university’s internationalization agenda. “Through academic collaborations like this, we not only broaden the perspectives of our students and lecturers but also strengthen UNY’s position as a globally competitive higher education institution,” he stated.

During the program, Prof. Kersten delivered lectures in the course Curriculum and Deep Vocational Learning, attended by students and lecturers from related study programs. The sessions provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and implementation of vocational curricula focused on deep learning and the development of the 21st-century competencies.

Throughout the lectures, Prof. Kersten discussed innovative approaches to vocational curriculum design, emphasizing the integration of theory and practice and teaching strategies that foster learner independence and creativity. He also highlighted the need for vocational education to adapt to global dynamics and technological advancements to ensure graduates are well-prepared for an increasingly complex workforce.

In addition to lectures, Prof. Kersten engaged in discussions with faculty members on curriculum development and potential research collaborations in the field of vocational education between GS UNY and TUD.

The program concluded with a reflection and open discussion session, where students shared their insights and experiences from the international learning engagement. The Visiting Professor initiative is expected to inspire further innovation in vocational learning, making it more relevant, future-oriented, and impactful for the advancement of education in Indonesia.