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.
“Initially, I struggled with unfamiliar concepts and terminology, but thanks to the support of professors and fellow students, I gradually became more comfortable and genuinely enjoyed the learning process,” he said.
Outside of academics, Jinwon was deeply impressed by the warm and welcoming culture of Indonesia and the vibrant atmosphere at UGM. The campus was beautifully integrated with nature, and the friendly smiles and greetings from students and staff created a comfortable environment. After classes, he often explored local cuisine with friends or joined various student activities, which allowed him to build meaningful connections and better understand the local culture.
Jinwon shared his one of the most memorable experiences at UGM that was the fieldwork in Pagilaran. This activity brought together numerous students and professors for a hands-on learning experience in a region known for its stunning agricultural landscapes. During the fieldwork, he had the opportunity to interact with practitioners who shared their knowledge and expertise about the region’s agricultural practices. It was an eye-opening experience to see how theories learned in the classroom were applied in real-world agricultural settings. The fieldwork focused on understanding how microorganisms impact soil health and crop productivity, and the discussions with professors and practitioners deepened his understanding of the interconnectedness of agriculture and the environment.
Despite the packed schedule, the day at Pagilaran was incredibly fulfilling. Working alongside peers, sharing laughter, and learning in such a hands-on way made the experience truly unforgettable for Jinwon. It reinforced Jinwon’s appreciation for agriculture as a field that not only produces food, but also shapes lives and environments.
Jinwon added, his exchange experience at UGM went beyond simply acquiring new knowledge—it broadened his perspective on agriculture and strengthened the passion for the field. While there were moments of difficulty, those challenges made the learning process even more rewarding. Experiences like the Pagilaran fieldwork gave Jinwon valuable insights and personal growth that he will carry forward in academic and professional journey. He hopes that more students can have the opportunity to experience the warmth, culture, and academic excellence of UGM, as it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on their lives, just as it has on his.
The remarkable experience of Jinwon shows a successful effort of Faculty of Agriculture UGM to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGS), mainly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Author: Hanita Athasari Zain
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Jinwon’s documentation