From Zimbabwe to Yogyakarta: Ruru’s First Steps Toward a Master’s Degree in Biology at UGM

When Ruvarashe Rambwawasvika—known to friends as “Ruru”—arrived in Yogyakarta at the end of October last year, she carried with her not only a suitcase but also a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future. The 26-year-old master’s student from Zimbabwe is now charting her academic path at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), supported by the prestigious Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) scholarship.

Ruru earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Zimbabwe, later serving as a Biosafety Officer at the National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe for nearly two years. This role deepened her commitment to safeguarding public health and reinforced her desire to specialize further.

The KNB scholarship offered her both tuition and living support, along with a mandatory period of Indonesian language and cultural immersion. Before beginning her master’s program, she participated in orientation sessions organized by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, which paired her with Indonesian speakers to help navigate daily life—from shopping to understanding everyday terms.

Ruru’s decision to study at UGM was shaped by both research and recommendation. “I considered other Indonesian universities through friends and social media,” she recalls, “but UGM’s strong biology department stood out.” Encouragement from peers about Indonesia’s peaceful atmosphere and supportive academic environment helped seal her decision.

Moving from a country with four distinct seasons to Indonesia’s warm, tropical climate required some adjustment, but Ruru has embraced the change. She praises the kindness of the local community and the willingness of people to help.

Language posed its own challenges—lectures are largely in Bahasa Indonesia—but her professors have been flexible, allowing her to complete assignments and exams in English. The gradual pace of language instruction has also eased the transition.

Food has been both a comfort and an adventure. Back home, maize-based fufu (sadza) is a staple, and while sourcing white maize in Yogyakarta is expensive and infrequent, she occasionally receives supplies through contacts in Malang. She enjoys cooking with her Malawian roommate but also appreciates campus lunches and Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng. While the sweeter flavor profile was unfamiliar at first, she has grown fond of it over time.

Ruru’s academic interests lie in parasitology with a biomedical focus. Her undergraduate research examined the prevalence of Babesia canis and Ehrlichia canis, two canine blood parasites. She has observed that, compared to the focus on viruses, bacteria, and fungi, parasitology—especially related to blood and waterborne parasites—remains underexplored.

Over the next two years, she aims to sharpen her skills in biochemistry and molecular laboratory methods, using Indonesia’s biodiversity as a comparative research context with Zimbabwe. She appreciates UGM’s access to parasitology experts, sequencing facilities, and visiting professors from countries like Japan, China, or European countries, which could open pathways for her eventual PhD.

Like many international students, Ruru faced moments of homesickness, but strong community support and a steady daily routine helped her settle in. Her best memories so far are of inclusivity and the consistent support she has received from both peers and faculty.

After completing her master’s degree, Ruru plans to return to Zimbabwe to work as a researcher and lecturer—ideally at her alma mater. She hopes to contribute to her department’s growth, advance environmental management practices, and collaborate with organizations like the Environmental Management Agency of Zimbabwe.

Her journey is a testament to the power of academic exchange, cultural adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose. As she navigates the laboratories and lecture halls of UGM, Ruru is not only building her own future but also paving the way for stronger scientific collaboration between Zimbabwe and Indonesia.>