Sherly Aurora Cahyadewi, a 2022 student of Agricultural Microbiology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), was selected to participate in the ASEAN International Mobility for Students (AIMS) program at Gyeongsang National University (GNU), South Korea. The one-semester program, held from August to December 2025, provided valuable experiences in both academic development and cross-cultural exchange.
During her time at GNU, Sherly took five courses, including International Cooperation in Agriculture, Comprehensive Crop Science Design, Farm Practice, English Reading and Writing using Media, and Global Business English. The learning system was relatively similar to that of the Faculty of Agriculture at UGM, combining presentations, group discussions, practical activities, and assignments. However, the International Cooperation in Agriculture course offered a unique experience through weekly field trips conducted over half a semester, allowing students to directly observe agricultural practices and management in the field.
Sherly found her cultural experience especially meaningful by meeting friends, lecturers, and seniors from various countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, China, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Korea. These cross-cultural interactions enriched her understanding of tolerance and diversity. In addition, her encounters with local residents in Jinju City, despite limited Korean language skills, provided valuable lessons in sincerity, mutual respect, and intercultural tolerance.
The challenges Sherly faced included differences in living costs, limited access to halal food and places of worship, language barriers, and adapting to the weather. Nevertheless, she felt strong support from the Faculty of Agriculture at UGM, which assisted her in preparing documents, monitoring academic progress, and providing financial support to help sustain her activities in Korea.
“Don’t hesitate to apply, because if it’s meant to be, the opportunity will come. Prepare your essay, English proficiency test, and other requirements thoroughly and avoid last-minute submissions. Learn the language and culture of your destination country to ease adaptation. Set clear goals for what you want to achieve, and make the most of your time to explore both academically and culturally,” Sherly encouraged.
Sherly’s participation in AIMS contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Author: Beny Nabila Happy Fauziah
Editor: Tantriani
Documentation: Sherly Aurora Cahyadewi