Bouakeo Phanthanouvong, known as Keo, is an exchange student from Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry in Vietnam, majoring in Environmental Science and Management. Currently, he is undertaking a six-month exchange program, named Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS) at the Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Indonesia. Keo chose this program upon recommendations from lecturers and friends, who highlighted UGM’s status as one of the top universities in Indonesia. He was encouraged to gain new experiences, expand his knowledge, and going through a transformative journey by studying at a renowned institution.
Throughout his time at UGM, Keo has received encouragement from several people, including his colleagues and instructors. The AIMS program has offered him a platform to cultivate talents and expand his knowledge. Among the lecturers, he especially enjoys those who supervise practicum sessions, which he finds tough but fulfilling. He enjoys the chance to bring back ideas and approaches to his native institution. His choice to engage in this exchange program demonstrates his desire to investigate other lives, customs, and beliefs. He believes that pursuing studies in Indonesia constitutes a significant advancement in his intellectual and personal development.
Keo finds several courses in the Faculty of Agriculture very intriguing, including Plant Breeding, Seed Technology, and Microbial Bioremediation. The first two courses provide a novel viewpoint on plant genetics and laboratory practices, but the final closely corresponds with his major, augmenting his comprehension of environmental remediation via microbial applications. At UGM, he has noted distinctive attributes, like the diligence of both students and instructors, as well as their benevolence, particularly during practicum sessions.
“There are several courses that I enjoy the most, that are Plant Breeding, Seed Technology, and Microbial Bioremediation, which provide a different atmosphere for me to improve my understanding in these areas of study,” Keo added.
During his study process at Faculty of Agriculture UGM, Keo spends much of his time at the Agricultural Learning Center (AGLC) building, where his courses are conducted. He regularly utilizes the discussion room there for studies and loves resting at Karitoru Café, which he describes as inexpensive and conducive to attention. His favorite activities include practicum sessions, where he may participate in hands-on experiments that are inaccessible outside the lab.
Keo began his adventure at UGM on August 12th, taking his first lesson on fermented foods. His training will complete on December 6th, and he will return to Vietnam on December 18th. A noteworthy highlight of his stay at UGM was a field trip to a tea
plantation called Pagilaran, where AIMS students and regular students engaged in numerous activities, making it an enjoyable and instructive experience.
Despite the intellectual intensity, particularly during practical sessions, Keo finds ways to combine his academics with leisure. He typically spends time with other AIMS students and friends, participating in various activities to reduce stress. This remarkable journey of Keo shows how strong the commitment of faculty is in contributing to achieve sustainable development goals, mainly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Editor: Hanita Athasari Zain
Photo: Keo’s documentation