Claudia Regina, a student from the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program, class of 2022, successfully participated in the prestigious international student exchange program, the Six University Initiative Japan-Indonesia Service Learning Program (SUIJI). This program involves three universities from Indonesia and three universities from Japan, including Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Ehime University, where Claudia completed her program.
The SUIJI program took place over three weeks, from September 5 to 25, 2024. Designed as a service learning program, it allowed participants not only to attend academic lectures but also to engage directly with local communities. Claudia, along with other participants, learned about the values, culture, and daily practices of the local people, which she found to be both mindful and meaningful. “This experience truly broadened my perspective on how people live simple yet meaningful lives,” Claudia shared.
During the first three days, Claudia stayed in a share house in Matsuyama, Japan, which she described as unique and reminiscent of houses in Japanese cartoons like Doraemon. There, she attended various lectures at Ehime University and prepared for the service learning activities alongside her mentors (sensei). The next phase took Claudia and her fellow participants to Ainan-cho, the main location for their service learning activities. In Ainan-cho, Claudia engaged in several activities, including introducing Indonesian cuisine to Japanese locals and interacting with Indonesian diaspora residing in the area. “It was incredible to share Indonesian culture while learning from them,” she added.
The selection process for this program was challenging. Claudia had to fill out forms, submit her academic transcripts, and undergo interviews with professors and senior lecturers at UGM’s Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP). Although she initially had no high expectations, Claudia felt grateful as the program exceeded her hopes. “I hope more of my peers from UGM’s agro-cluster will take this opportunity, as it can be a great stepping stone for personal development,” she said.
The SUIJI program aligns strongly with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 4: Quality Education – The program provides students with cross-cultural education opportunities that enhance academic skills and global understanding.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Through service learning activities in Ainan-cho, participants gained direct insights into sustainable practices at the community level.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – SUIJI embodies international collaboration between universities in Indonesia and Japan, supporting education and sustainability initiatives.
Claudia hopes her experience will inspire other students to seize international opportunities like SUIJI. Information about this program can be accessed through UGM’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) and various faculty social media channels.
Author: Adhika Hafizh Prasada, S.P.
Admin of the Website for the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM