The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Jember (FK UNEJ) has once again achieved a remarkable milestone through the participation of two of its students, Rachel Firda Azzuri and Siti Zahra Arfiani, in a student exchange program at Kagoshima University, Japan. The program, which ran from August 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025, was conducted under the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University. This initiative also represents the implementation of a collaboration agreement established in 2023. The program received full support through the JASSO Scholarship and the University of Jember.
Over the course of nearly six months, both students actively engaged in a wide range of academic and cultural activities. Academically, they had the opportunity to participate in discussions and research practices, including topics such as the Cardio Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI), as well as laboratory work such as pipetting and sample collection for the Mercury Study. They were also involved in disaster management simulations and took part in academic visits to several key institutions in Japan, including the National Institute of Minamata Disease, Public Health Centre, and various departments at Kagoshima University, such as Neurosurgery and Gastroenterohepatology.
Beyond academic experiences, Rachel and Zahra also had the opportunity to introduce Indonesian culture on an international stage. They participated in various cultural events, including performing traditional Indonesian dance at the Oharamatsuri Festival, presenting an angklung music performance at the KUFSA International Night, and taking part in a Food Bazaar at the Korimoto Campus Festival. These activities served as important platforms for strengthening cultural diplomacy and fostering connections among students from diverse countries.
The participation of FK UNEJ students in this exchange program demonstrates the University of Jember’s strong commitment to supporting internationalization initiatives. In addition to enhancing students’ academic competencies and cultural experiences, this program also opens broader opportunities to strengthen research collaboration and the advancement of medical science between the University of Jember and Kagoshima University.
Through this valuable experience, it is hoped that FK UNEJ students will bring back new knowledge, skills, and inspiration to be applied in their home country, while also serving as ambassadors who strengthen the University of Jember’s international network in the future.
Author: AKR