At the start of the semester, SAE Indonesia proudly welcomed its newest students with Orientation Days 2026, a vibrant three-day program held from September 9–11 under the theme “Ignite Your Creative Odyssey.” Designed to introduce the new intake to campus life and the wider global SAE network, the event brought an exciting energy that set the tone for the academic journey ahead.
The adventure began on day one as students from all four core departments gathered in the Auditorium. Inspiring welcome sessions led by our Managing Director, Academic Director, Vice Academic Director, and Academic Coordinator introduced students to SAE’s core values, academic integrity, campus guidelines, and the foundations of their learning experience.
A special welcome video from Dirk Terrill, Academic Leader of SAE Australia, further reminded the new cohort that they are now part of an interconnected global creative community.
Later that day, students joined their respective departments: Audio, Film, Animation, and Creative & Entertainment Business, for Department Orientation. Here, they met faculty members, senior students, and alumni in a more relaxed setting, giving them the opportunity to discover their department culture and start building meaningful connections.
Day two, themed “Shoot Your Day!”, expanded the experience beyond academics with campus life activities, mental health awareness, creative workshops, and opportunities to explore SAE’s wider creative culture.
SAE Indonesia was also delighted to welcome Magali McDuffie, Academic Manager of Education Partnerships, as a special guest. Alongside leading an insightful AI Workshop, Magali also inspired students through stories from her remarkable film documentary work with Aboriginal and Indigenous communities in Australia, including projects connected to the Kimberley region. Her experience showed students how creative practice can go beyond technique and technology to become a powerful way of preserving culture, sharing unheard stories, and creating meaningful social impact. Her global insights truly gave students a competitive edge right from day one.
Throughout the day, students came together across disciplines for a dynamic mix of activities, including alumni short film screenings and discussions, an electronic music workshop, and a drawing workshop. They also stepped outside their usual creative fields through fun cross-campus club activities such as Lychee Tea Pong, a Mahjong workshop, and a calming yoga session inside the recording studio.
By bringing students together beyond their individual disciplines, Orientation Days encouraged new friendships, collaboration, and a stronger sense of what it means to be part of the wider SAE Family.
The three-day journey concluded with dedicated administrative help desks and personalised consultations, ensuring every student felt prepared, confident, and ready for the semester ahead.
More than an introduction to campus, Orientation Days 2026 marked the start of a new creative journey, built on community, collaboration, exploration, and the confidence to create what comes next.
