The Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to encourage students to broaden their academic perspectives, cultural understanding, and international networks through various student mobility programs. One such opportunity is the Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS) Programme, a student exchange initiative under the coordination of SEAMEO RIHED that involves partner universities across Asia, including Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Nabilah Salma Jamaludin, a 2022 student of the Agricultural Microbiology Study Program, had the opportunity to participate in the AIMS Program at Ibaraki University, Japan. The program lasted approximately four months, from mid-September until the end of January. Through this experience, students not only attended academic courses but also gained research experience, cultural adaptation skills, and valuable interactions within an international academic environment.
“Hello, I am Nabilah Salma Jamaludin, an Agricultural Microbiology student from the 2022 cohort. At the end of last year, I had the opportunity to participate in one of the student exchange programs, namely AIMS. The program is coordinated by SEAMEO RIHED and collaborates with several universities in Indonesia, including UGM,” explained Nabilah.
According to Nabilah, students from the Faculty of Agriculture UGM currently have the opportunity to join AIMS programs in Japan and South Korea. In Japan, partner universities include Ibaraki University and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), while in South Korea students may attend Gyeongsang National University (GNU). She emphasized that the AIMS Program provides valuable opportunities for students to develop open-mindedness and broaden their perspectives through exposure to different educational systems, cultures, and academic environments.
During her time at Ibaraki University, Nabilah gained numerous enriching experiences both inside and outside the classroom. She noted that her cohort participated in a variety of activities beyond lectures and laboratory experiments. The AIMS Program also coincided with the Sakura Science Program, creating opportunities for interaction and joint activities between AIMS participants and Sakura Program participants. “My experience with the AIMS Program was truly exciting, especially as I became more familiar with the environment and adapted to life in Japan. Over time, I realized how beneficial student exchange programs can be. Fortunately, our cohort had many activities in addition to lectures and laboratory work,” she said.
One of the most memorable aspects of her experience was working in laboratories equipped with advanced scientific instruments. As an undergraduate student, she considered the opportunity to use sophisticated laboratory equipment to be both exciting and invaluable. She also appreciated the support provided by her supervising professor and laboratory members, who were highly supportive, detailed in their guidance, and always willing to assist students throughout experimental procedures.
“For an undergraduate student, having the chance to use advanced laboratory equipment felt amazing. I often found myself thinking, ‘Can we really use these instruments ourselves?’ My supervising professor was incredibly supportive and very thorough in teaching us. The laboratory members were also always willing to answer questions in detail and help whenever we faced difficulties during experiments,” Nabilah explained. She further observed that the academic and laboratory culture in Japan taught her important lessons about discipline, precision, organization, and time management. Laboratory activities were conducted in a structured and systematic manner, and communication regarding schedules was highly valued. She learned that Japanese society places great importance on punctuality and organization, making clear communication an essential part of academic and professional interactions.
Beyond academics, the exchange experience taught Nabilah valuable lessons in independence, whether in academic responsibilities, financial management, or time management. She also felt that the experience encouraged her to seize opportunities, build new connections, and appreciate the small things in everyday life. “Participating in a student exchange program inevitably teaches you to become more independent, academically, financially, and personally. The experience also changed my mindset. I learned that opportunities should never be wasted. It strengthened my belief in the principle of ‘nothing to lose, let God do the rest,’” she shared.
Nabilah added that the exchange experience extended beyond academic networking. While in Japan, she joined a Muslim women’s community despite having to travel a considerable distance from her dormitory. Through this community, she expanded her network, participated in a Muslimah camp in Yokohama, and engaged in discussions with representatives from AIMS RIHED and Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.
Living far away from her family and familiar surroundings also taught her to be more grateful. The kindness and support she received from people around her became some of the most meaningful aspects of her experience as an exchange student in Japan. Nevertheless, she faced several challenges throughout the program. These included adapting to a different educational system and dealing with occasional schedule changes. She also noted that the limited diversity in some classes was slightly disappointing, as her classes consisted primarily of AIMS participants from Indonesia. In addition, language barriers posed challenges when communicating with local students and community members.
“Language was one of the biggest challenges during my exchange in Japan. Looking back, I should have learned more Japanese before departure because it would have made communication with students and local residents much easier. In the area where I lived, very few people spoke English,” she explained.
For students interested in participating in exchange or international mobility programs, Nabilah advises preparing as early as possible, especially in terms of language skills, cultural understanding, mental readiness, and the courage to seek information and ask questions. She emphasized the importance of having strong motivation, being proactive in building connections, and continuously taking initiative even through small actions.
“If you are planning to join an exchange program and already know your destination country, try to learn some basic vocabulary beforehand. It is also important to understand the local culture, norms, and customs. Don’t be afraid to approach people first because doing so can lead to valuable learning experiences,” she advised. She also emphasized that success in an exchange program depends not only on academic performance but also on the willingness to seek information, build relationships, adapt to new environments, and remain persistent through both effort and prayer. According to her, strong determination and mental preparedness are essential for making the most of an international exchange experience.
The participation of Faculty of Agriculture UGM students in the AIMS Program reflects the university’s commitment to strengthening global competencies, expanding academic horizons, and enhancing international networks among students. Such experiences support the Faculty’s mission to promote quality education, empower future generations, and strengthen international collaboration in education and agriculture.
This activity contributes to the achievement of SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Author: Faeydza Dumyati Ali
Editor: Desi Utami