Takuma Onose, a student of Department of Biological Production at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), Japan, had never travelled abroad before, including personal trips, as he had always stayed in his home country of Japan. However, motivated by a desire to improve his English skills and witness firsthand the differences between Japan and other countries, he decided to participate in the Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS) program at Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia. During his time at UGM, he took six courses and three practicums to enrich his knowledge, with the Plant Breeding course leaving a strong impression on him.
2024
A student majoring in Agricultural Economics at Gyeoungsang National University, South Korea, Jinwon Gang, participated in Asian International Mobility for Student (AIMS) program at Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Through this program, he experienced unique academic opportunities and immersed himself in a vibrant new culture. His time at UGM became an essential turning point in his life, filled with meaningful learning and personal growth.
Studying at UGM offered him an opportunity to explore a different field beyond his primary major. Specifically, he participated in an Agricultural Microbiology course, which turned out to be both challenging and fascinating. While his background in Agricultural Economics primarily involved data analysis and market trends, UGM introduced him to the microscopic aspects of agriculture, particularly the role of microorganisms in soil health and crop productivity.
Chiharu Soejima, a third-year student at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan, is majoring in Agricultural Environmental Engineering. She is currently studying hydrology, soil mechanics, environmental geotechnics, structural mechanics, surveying, design, and data analysis. Since childhood, Chiharu has been deeply interested in solving global issues such as poverty, war, and inequality. However, as she delved deeper into her studies, she began to question whether her actions could truly address these issues and whether she is capable of making a meaningful contribution to global challenges. Determined to find answers, Chiharu decided to step out of her comfort zone and spend six months in Indonesia through the Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS) program.