The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) recently hosted Adéla Straková, an undergraduate student in Biomedical Sciences from Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Adéla chose UGM as her first choice for an exchange, driven by the desire for a completely different cultural experience on the other side of the world, coupled with UGM’s good reputation and the promise of Indonesia’s amazing nature and people.
Navigating a New Academic Structure
Adéla described her overall academic experience at the Faculty of Biology as “very positive,” though she noted that some differences required adjustment. She cited the mandatory attendance in lectures and the initial challenges in scheduling subjects as practices new to her, accustomed to the standards of her home university.
She also mentioned that classes were often rescheduled or cancelled at the last minute, making the semester feel “a little bit rocky” at first. However, she emphasized that the faculty did their best to accommodate the exchange students’ needs.
Despite these adjustments, Adéla found significant value in her coursework, particularly enjoying classes that allowed for debate and sharing perspectives.
“I think I most enjoyed the classes where we were able to debate with others and share our points of view. I learned the most about Indonesian economical, political and ecological background through that and am very grateful for classes like Environmental Pollution and Toxicology and the students and teachers in that class!”
A Personal Approach to Learning
Adéla noticed distinct differences in the teaching style. The biggest difference was the personal approach and the close relationships formed with lecturers, contrasting sharply with the large lectures (often over a hundred students) at her home university. The significantly smaller class sizes at UGM allowed for closer relationships, debates, and listening to diverse cultural perspectives.
She noted: “Generally, I would say the focus of education here is not much on memorizing material but more debating and gaining knowledge by interactions with others.”
Another unique aspect was communicating with lecturers via WhatsApp, which, though initially strange, helped “break down some barriers” and made communication more natural and comfortable, sparking future conversations.
Embracing the “Slow Life” of Yogyakarta
Adéla’s first impression of Yogyakarta was a mix of confusion and fear, but the city quickly “grew on me like no other.” She discovered that while it might not be a typical tourist destination, living there was “one of the best experiences of my life.” Her initial impression of UGM was the sheer size of the campus, though she rarely ventured outside the Faculty of Biology area.
What left a strong cultural impression was the Indonesian ability “to just sit back and enjoy life without rushing off anywhere”—a slower pace she is still trying to embrace. She also loved the food and how much of the food culture aligns with nature.
A Powerful Lesson in Kindness
When asked about an “only in Indonesia” moment, Adéla shared a memorable incident when her scooter broke down in the middle of the street. Before she could even process what happened, “there were suddenly at least three people helping me out.”
“They quickly helped me fix the scooter and only smiled when I was thanking them. I think this kindness and helping others without expecting anything in return is what makes Indonesia so special, and more people and cultures could learn a thing or two.”
Outside the classroom, Adéla was fortunate to travel extensively, noting that every corner of Indonesia is beautiful and that the diversity—of nature, religion, and cultures—never stops amazing her.
Advice for Future Students
Adéla’s advice for future international students joining the UGM exchange program is centered on patience and interaction:
- Take things slow, focus on the positives, and embrace the slow life culture.
- Understand that while not everything is 100% efficient, “that doesn’t mean it is worse.”
- Learn as much Bahasa Indonesia as you can and don’t be afraid to interact with local people, who are “the nicest and friendliest people.”
- Always be respectful, recognizing the opportunity to witness the actual day-to-day life of the people here.
Adéla Straková summarizes her time at UGM with three words: “Chaotic, transforming, unforgettable.”
