Amid the challenges of globalization and the demands of cross-cultural living, Indonesian adolescents studying abroad often face various psychological pressures. Sekolah Indonesia Jeddah (SIJ), as an educational institution serving Indonesian citizens in Saudi Arabia, provides students with both academic and non-academic learning experiences. Within this environment, students engage in complex social and cultural adjustment processes. Pressures from differing educational systems, parental expectations, and conservative local values make mental toughness a crucial competence that should be developed early.

In response to this need, the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), through the Professor Assignment Program under the community service scheme, organized a Psychological Skills Training Program to Enhance Mental Toughness for students of Sekolah Indonesia-Jeddah. The training was held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the SIJ Auditorium and was attended by 40 high school students from grades 9 to 12. The program was led by Prof. Farida Agus Setiawati, S.Psi., M.Si., with team members A’yunin Akrimni Darojat, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist, and Kumala Windya R., S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist, all faculty members from UNY’s Department of Psychology.

The training content focused on three core components:

Goal orientation and achievement strategies, to help students set realistic academic and future goals;

Realistic optimism and mental imagery, to build a positive mindset connected to success visualization; and

Adaptive coping and mindfulness, to enhance stress and emotion regulation skills through mindful awareness.

The sessions were designed to be interactive, combining group discussions, self-reflection, visualization exercises, and simulated stress management activities. Participants were encouraged not only to understand the concepts but also to practice them directly in a safe and supportive environment. After the training, students reported a better understanding of themselves, their life goals, educational and career aspirations, as well as more effective communication strategies with parents—particularly in navigating differences between their own aspirations and family expectations.

Institutionally, this program also reinforces the Faculty of Psychology UNY’s commitment to the Merdeka Belajar–Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) initiative and strengthens collaboration with international educational institutions. Through this training, UNY Psychology not only delivers contextualized applied psychology knowledge but also builds emotional connections with Indonesian communities abroad.

This activity marks the beginning of a long-term contribution plan. Future initiatives include developing advanced training modules, implementing extended programs with optimal duration, and expanding similar initiatives to other Indonesian Schools (Sekolah Indonesia) across different countries.