ENG
INA
A Valuable Experience in Interdisciplinary Learning through the Student Exchange Program in Tourism at Universitas Gadjah Mada
My name is Aurely Pradnya Mozza Irawan. I participated in the Program Mahasiswa Merdeka (PMM) under the Consortium of the Faculty of Humanities (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, during my fifth semester. I am deeply grateful and thankful for this valuable opportunity, as the student exchange program serves as a learning space that extends beyond the classroom, encompassing cross-campus and interdisciplinary experiences. At Universitas Udayana, I am a student of the Japanese Literature Study Program, while during my participation in the student exchange program at Universitas Gadjah Mada, I chose the Tourism Study Program.
My decision to pursue an interdisciplinary field of study was motivated by my strong interest in tourism and my desire to connect the knowledge I have gained in Japanese Literature with tourism studies. I believe that tourism is closely related to language, culture, and intercultural interaction, particularly in the context of international tourism. Therefore, participating in courses within the Tourism Study Program at UGM became an ideal opportunity for me to broaden my academic perspective while developing interests that are relevant to my primary field of study.
Throughout the exchange program, I completed 20 credits, consisting of two first-semester courses and three third-semester courses from the Tourism Study Program, as well as two self-development and cultural courses offered under the Faculty of Humanities at Gadjah Mada University. The courses I took were systematically and practically designed, with assignments that strongly supported student’s understanding of both the concepts and practices of tourism. In addition to in-class learning activities, the Tourism Study Program also organized field trips to tourist destinations, which were subsequently analyzed and compiled into reports or final outputs by students. These activities helped me understand tourism not only from a theoretical perspective but also through direct observation and hands-on experience in the field.
In my opinion, the facilities provided by Gadjah Mada University are highly adequate and supportive of the learning process. I visited Perpustakaan Pusat Universitas Gadjah Mada as well as Pusat Kajian Jawa (FIB UGM Library) several times. The book collections are extensive and highly relevant to academic needs, both for completing coursework and for broadening general knowledge. In addition, the campus canteens across UGM are diverse and available in every faculty. Many students use their break time to eat and interact in the canteens, creating a lively and dynamic campus atmosphere. UGM also provides numerous seating areas and open spaces that students can use to work on assignments, engage in discussions, or simply gather with friends.
The social environment at UGM felt very warm and inclusive. The friends I met were open and welcoming, accepting me wholeheartedly as an exchange student. We frequently discussed academic matters, exchanged perspectives on tourism and culture, and spent time together outside of class hours. These interactions not only expanded my social network but also enhanced my communication skills, adaptability, and ability to collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds.
Overall, this student exchange program provided a highly valuable experience for me, both academically and personally. I gained new knowledge, broader perspectives, and meaningful learning experiences in an academic environment different from my home university. The program also trained me to become more independent, open-minded, and prepared to face future challenges. I hope that more students will have the opportunity to participate in similar programs, as cross-campus learning experiences like this offer significant benefits for personal development, academic insight, and student’s overall readiness for the future.
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UDAYANA UNIVERSITY