Twelve students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI) participated in the 2024 International Student Mobility (ISM) program which took place in South Korea from September 30 to October 6, 2024. Through this program, they had the opportunity to broaden their international horizons and deepen their knowledge of the education system and culture in South Korea.
The students who come from various departments in FMIPA UI, namely Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology Geography, and Geosciences, have previously gone through a strict selection process until they were declared to have passed to be able to participate in this activity. The selection consists of two stages, namely file selection and interviews.
At the file selection stage, participants are required to collect a number of administrative documents including transcripts, English language proficiency certificates (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo), CV, motivation letter, medical certificate from a doctor, and a statement letter from parents/guardians.
Of the 48 registered participants, 35 were declared to have passed to take part in the next selection, namely the Interview selection. The interview selection consists of two stages. The first stage is a student interview and an interview in English. From the results of the two stages of selection, 12 participants were selected to take part in this activity.
The twelve students involved in this activity were Adrian AL-Farisi (Geography 2021), Adnan Hasyim Wibowo (Geophysics 2021), Charleeta Tesalonika Unu (Geology 2021), Kezia Aurellia (Chemistry 2021), Khansa Ammara Putri (Biology 2021), Muhammad Badii Irfan (Geology 2021), Nesya Desfarivana Umaya (Geography 2021), Rachelle Melody d'Lyra (Statistics 2022), Rifqi Aditya (Physics 2021), Samuel Christopher (Actuarial Science 2021), Sekar Ayu Diyah Lestari (Chemistry) 2021, and Yazid Al Muntashir (Geography 2021).
The participants' visit to South Korea was accompanied by the Vice Dean for Education, Research and Student Affairs Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Budiawan, Student Affairs Manager Dr. Dewi Susiloningtyas, M.Si., and a supervising lecturer from the Geology Study Program Dr. Twin Hosea W. Kristyanto, M.T., as well as a staff member in the Student Affairs unit Bintang Mahakarya Semahen, S.Si.
At the farewell event for participants held at the Prof. Dr. Ir. Soemantri Brodjonegoro Hall on Friday, September 27, 2024, the Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dede Djuhana, Ph.D. delivered a warm welcome. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of this opportunity to develop oneself, learn from experience, and return with knowledge that can inspire other colleagues.
“South Korea, with its rich culture and advanced education system, offers great opportunities for your self-development. Take full advantage of this opportunity, learn from every experience, and return with knowledge and experience that will inspire your fellow students at FMIPA UI,” said Prof. Dede.
The Dean also expressed his gratitude to all parties who have contributed in organizing this program, from preparation to implementation. He hopes that this activity can run smoothly, and bring many benefits to FMIPA UI in the future.
The group departed for South Korea on Monday (30/9/2024), and arrived in the ginseng country the next day. As the first agenda, the participants explored the interaction between the environment and humans on Nami Island, which is a natural landscape in the form of an island that South Korea has successfully developed into a world tourist destination.
Wednesday (2/10/2024), the participants visited Seoul National University. At Seoul National University they were welcomed by Jaejun Yoo, Vice Dean of the College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University. They also attended a Mini Classroom Lecture themed Observing the Active Earth with Earthquakes by Prof. YongHee Kim, and were provided with materials related to When Protein Met Metal: The Chemical Wonderland of Metalloenzymes. Prof. Woon Ju Song. Participants also had the opportunity to visit the nanoparticle laboratories owned by Seoul National University which have been equipped with the latest instruments and technology.
In this ISM series, Community Service (Pengmas) activities were also held by participants and mentors on Thursday (3/10/2024). This activity was in the form of training on financial literacy for non-profit institutions to improve fund management and accountability provided by Samuel Christopher Khong and Rachelle Melody d'Lyra Soentara. Participants in this community service were administrators and members of the Indonesian Professional Association (IPA). IPA is a non-profit organization that focuses on developing professional networks, careers, and business opportunities.
Next, the FMIPA UI delegates visited Ewha Womans University and received a warm welcome from the dean of the College of Sciences EWHA, Prof. Sang Hyuk-Lee and his staff. As in Seoul National University, they also had the opportunity to see the Ewha Womans University nanoparticle laboratory up close. In addition, they were also invited to tour the campus by the EHWA Campus Leader.
On the same day, after leaving Ewha Womans University, the delegation departed for the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul. The Education and Culture Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, Amaliah Fitriah, Ph.D. warmly welcomed the delegation. She also provided insight and an overview of the education system and job opportunities in South Korea as an Indonesian citizen.
Saturday (5/10/2024) at Ewha Womans University, the FMIPA UI delegation held flood disaster mitigation education using the CREDO-E (Creative Hazard Education) method. The goal is to increase community preparedness for potential disasters. The material was presented by an outstanding student from the University of Indonesia, Adnan Hasyim Wibowo (Geophysics'21). The material presented was developed with a flood model simulation that had been prepared by the FMIPA UI student team. The participants of this activity were EWHAIN (Indonesian Student Association at EWHA).
As the closing of the series of visits to South Korea, on Sunday (6/10/2024), the delegates visited the National Museum of Korea and Gyeongbokgung Palace to explore South Korea's cultural heritage, enriching their knowledge of the country's history and art. The Museum of Korea contains historical relics from the previous kingdoms in South Korea and Gyeongbokgung Palace is a palace that is one of the five great palaces and is the largest built by the Joseon Dynasty.
