For Hilde Aris, a Clinical Sciences student from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Indonesia was more than just an exchange destination—it was a journey of curiosity. Drawn by the country’s diverse culture and nature, she chose UGM and Yogyakarta, a city renowned for its vibrant student life.
A Hands-on Academic Shift
Back in the Netherlands, Hilde’s studies were deeply rooted in human biology. At the UGM Faculty of Biology, her perspective shifted toward nature and biodiversity. She found the “field-based learning” approach particularly refreshing, involving lessons outside the classroom and practical sessions on real-world issues.
Her favorite course, Environmental Pollution and Toxicology, allowed her to compare environmental challenges between the Netherlands and Indonesia. Beyond the curriculum, she appreciated the small, personal class sizes: “It encouraged active participation. I really liked this and enjoyed the classes more because of it.”
Connection Beyond the Classroom
Hilde’s experience was defined by the warmth of the people she met. One of her most cherished memories happened early on when she went to play badminton. She was invited to play by a local couple, Ana and Vino, and they ended up playing together almost every week followed by dinner. “They felt like parental figures to me during my time in Yogyakarta,” Hilde shares.
Another “only in Indonesia” moment that left a lasting impression was the Lustrum Bingo at the faculty, which turned into a massive karaoke session with both students and teachers singing “Aku Cinta Jogja.” Whether it was playing for the UGM hockey team at Pancasila Stadium or joining a neighborhood celebration for Independence Day, Hilde felt an inclusive atmosphere everywhere she went.
Advice for Future Students: “DO DO DO IT”
Hilde’s advice for those considering UGM is simple: put Indonesia at the top of your list. While exchange friends are great, she emphasizes the importance of connecting with locals.
“Really invest time in meeting local people: Indonesian classmates or even people you meet on the street. Everyone is incredibly friendly and wants to share their stories.”
Hilde describes her six months at UGM as “Cinta, Beautiful, and Special.” It wasn’t just an academic semester; it was, as she calls it, the best six months of her life.
Bahasa Indonesia:
Cinta, Beautiful, Special: Perjalanan Hangat Hilde Aris di Biologi UGM
Bagi Hilde Aris, mahasiswa Clinical Sciences dari Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Indonesia bukan sekadar destinasi pertukaran pelajar—ia adalah jawaban atas rasa ingin tahunya. Tertarik dengan keragaman budaya dan alamnya, ia memilih UGM dan Yogyakarta, kota yang dikenal sebagai pusat kehidupan mahasiswa di Indonesia.
Pergeseran Akademik yang Praktis
Di Belanda, studi Hilde sangat berfokus pada biologi manusia. Di Fakultas Biologi UGM, perspektifnya meluas ke arah alam dan keanekaragaman hayati. Ia merasa pendekatan “pembelajaran berbasis lapangan” sangat menyegarkan, melibatkan sesi di luar kelas dan praktikum mengenai isu-isu dunia nyata.
Mata kuliah favoritnya, Pencemaran Lingkungan dan Toksikologi, memungkinkannya membandingkan tantangan lingkungan antara Belanda dan Indonesia. Di luar kurikulum, ia sangat menghargai ukuran kelas yang kecil dan personal: “Hal ini mendorong partisipasi aktif. Saya sangat menyukainya dan menjadi lebih menikmati kelas karena itu.”
Koneksi di Luar Ruang Kelas
Pengalaman Hilde diwarnai oleh kehangatan orang-orang yang ia temui. Salah satu kenangan yang paling ia syukuri terjadi saat ia pergi bermain bulu tangkis. Ia diajak bermain oleh pasangan lokal, Ana dan Vino, yang kemudian menjadi rutin bermain setiap minggu dan makan malam bersama. “Mereka sudah seperti sosok orang tua bagi saya selama di Yogyakarta,” kenang Hilde.
Momen “hanya ada di Indonesia” lainnya yang berkesan adalah acara Bingo Lustrum di fakultas, yang berakhir dengan sesi karaoke bersama antara dosen dan mahasiswa menyanyikan lagu “Aku Cinta Jogja.” Baik saat membela tim hoki UGM di Stadion Pancasila atau ikut merayakan Hari Kemerdekaan di lingkungan rumahnya, Hilde merasakan suasana inklusif di mana pun ia berada.
Pesan untuk Mahasiswa Mendatang: “DO DO DO IT”
Saran Hilde bagi mereka yang mempertimbangkan UGM sangat sederhana: tempatkan Indonesia di urutan teratas daftar Anda. Meski teman-teman sesama mahasiswa pertukaran sangat menyenangkan, ia menekankan pentingnya menjalin hubungan dengan warga lokal.
“Investasikan waktu untuk bertemu orang lokal: teman sekelas orang Indonesia atau bahkan orang yang Anda temui di jalan. Semua orang sangat ramah dan ingin berbagi cerita mereka.”
Hilde menggambarkan enam bulannya di UGM dengan tiga kata: “Cinta, Beautiful, dan Special.” Baginya, ini bukan sekadar semester akademik, melainkan enam bulan terbaik dalam hidupnya.
