Students from 10 Countries Join Online Summer School of Psychology: Combining Cultural Wisdom and Digital Innovation for Mental Health
Semarang, 21 July 2025 – The online session of the 7th Psychology International Summer Community Engagement and Visit to Cultural Heritage (PSYCHE) 2025, organized by the Faculty of Psychology, Diponegoro University, was successfully held from 1–21 July 2025. The program carried the theme “Cultural Wisdom and Digital Innovation for Mental Health” and attracted participation from students representing 10 countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, China (including Hong Kong), Burundi, the Czech Republic, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Over three weeks, participants engaged in various synchronous and asynchronous activities that integrated cultural perspectives and technology in promoting mental health. Dr. Elizabeth Drame from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (USA) opened the discussions with a session on Identity, Intersectionality, and Inclusion, highlighting the importance of understanding diverse identities in mental health services. Norhendra Ardhanaputra, S.Psi., M.Psi. from the KPI Institute discussed the use of VR and AR technologies in psychological therapy.
From Undip, YF La Kahija, S.Psi., M.Sc., explored transpersonal approaches in understanding local cultural wisdom for mental well-being. Meanwhile, Dr. Kartika Sari Dewi, S.Psi., M.Psi., and Fika Nadia Tirta Maharani, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist, jointly explained the role of digital innovation in addressing global mental health challenges. A virtual tour of Semarang City also enriched participants’ online cultural experience.
Additionally, students took part in reflective activities such as ethics journals, guided experiments, digital platform evaluations, and the social media challenge #MentalHealthFromMyCulture. Each week concluded with a Weekly Champion & Recap session to celebrate outstanding participant contributions.
This online program not only broadened access to cross-national learning but also fostered collaboration and cross-cultural understanding on global mental health issues. The diversity of participants made PSYCHE 2025 an inclusive, interactive, and inspiring platform for young people from around the world.