For Zuzanna, a third-year Biomedical Sciences student from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, there was no better classroom than the Indonesian archipelago. Driven by a deep love for nature, she chose UGM not only for its prestige as Indonesia’s top university but also for its rich research environment and the country’s status as a global biodiversity hotspot.
Hands-On Learning in Nature’s Backyard
Zuzanna’s academic experience at the Faculty of Biology was defined by inspiration and direct interaction. She was particularly impressed by the professors’ knowledge and their ability to inspire students through their research. Unlike the large-scale lectures in the Netherlands, she found the smaller classes at UGM allowed for a much more individual and personal approach.
Her favorite memories, however, were made outside the classroom during field trips.
“I loved the Marine Ecology field trips to the mangrove forest and the beach. It provided us with hands-on experience in ecological research and we could see directly Indonesian biodiversity hotspots so close to Jogja!”
These trips weren’t just about data; they helped her understand the urgent need for conservation and the practical ways to preserve the environment.
Discovering the “Only in Indonesia” Magic
Though her first impression of Yogyakarta was “chaotic”—especially while learning to navigate the crazy traffic on a scooter—she quickly found beauty in the local culture. She grew to love the vibrant atmosphere of the campus canteen, the beautiful batik worn by her professors, and the kindness of strangers who were always ready to help.
One of her most cherished cultural memories happened in Kalimantan. While searching for dinner, she and her friends were invited to a traditional wedding pre-celebration. They witnessed the couple being bathed in water with flower petals as a blessing from their family—a rare and intimate glimpse into local traditions. For Zuzanna, seeing endemic species like orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears in the wild was a dream come true that she describes as “quite literally—only in Indonesia!”
A Heartfelt Advice: “Just Do It!”
Zuzanna will deeply miss her daily life in Yogyakarta: the 7 AM bike rides to class with Mount Merapi looming in the distance, the taste of fantastic gado-gado for lunch, and the bustle of local markets.
Her advice to future international students is simple and bold: “Just do it! It will be the most incredible adventure of your life.”
Zuzanna describes her UGM journey through three words: Passion, Relax, and Enjoyment. It was a semester that fueled her scientific curiosity while allowing her to enjoy the beautiful pace of Indonesian life.
