The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan, became the first international journey for Zikra Fathin Nabila. More affectionately known as Zikra, a Agricultural Microbiology student Class of 2021, had the opportunity to participate in a student exchange program at one of Japan’s universities, Ibaraki University, during the last semester of 2023/2024. The AIMS (ASEAN Internal Mobility for Students) program provided Zikra with the opportunity to experience studying abroad in a foreign land.
Countless stories marked the beginning of Zikra’s journey before she could finally qualify as a participant in the AIMS program. Feelings of self-doubt, unworthiness, fear of failure, and fluctuating motivation accompanied her first steps in applying for AIMS. Nevertheless, Zikra attempted to surpass all the challenges and limitations she set for herself. There is no harm in trying; the end result will become a story. Failure will become an experience. Success will become a new challenge that needs to be tackled. With determination and preparation, Zikra attempted to apply. Armed with her CV, TOEFL certificate, motivation letter, transcripts for 4 semesters, and several permission letters, she progressed to the first selection stage. It was beyond her imagination, but she passed and proceeded to the interview stage, eventually becoming an AIMS participant.
During her 4 months in Japan, Zikra learned about many things. Attending international classes in a language she didn’t use daily posed a new challenge for her. However, it was undoubtedly a significant experience to hone and develop her language skills. Engaging in new experiments that she had never done at UGM became her main way of learning about the more advanced research world in Japan. Not only in academics, learning about life and diversity became an equally valuable experience. This brief journey to the Land of the Rising Sun transformed Zikra into a better person. Always spirited in facing the twists and turns of life, appreciating differences, and not afraid to gather many experiences.
This synergy is a strong evidence to achieve the goal of SDG 4: Quality Education.