One of the Microbiology students from the 2020 cohort had the opportunity to participate in the “Sakura Science Exchange Program”. Arya Dharma Sanjaya, commonly known as Arya, was granted a golden opportunity to join the Sakura Science Exchange Program at Osaka University from October 22nd to October 28th, 2023. According to Arya, this program was not just an ordinary journey but his first trip abroad. The International Center for Biotechnology at Osaka University served as the venue for this adventure. In this program, Arya not only explored the academic world but also interacted with fellow exchange students from various countries. One interesting aspect of Arya’s experience in Osaka was the variety of activities organized. Firstly, there was an orientation session about the campus environment, where Arya was introduced to the advanced learning facilities. The well-organized campus provided an insight into Japan’s excellent higher education system.
However, Arya’s learning experience was not confined to theoretical knowledge alone. Arya also participated in practical sessions on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), a crucial technique in the field of molecular microbiology. This exchange student experience not only enhanced Arya’s laboratory skills but also provided him with profound insights into the scientific approaches to microbiology applied in Japan to address agricultural and environmental issues. Additionally, Arya also had the opportunity to explore the beauty of Japan. A visit to Himeji Castle was one of the highlights, where Arya and his friends could witness the stunning historical heritage with its magnificent architecture.
This synergy is a strong evidence to achieve the goal of SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.