For Alex, an Environmental Science student from the University of Melbourne, the decision to join the exchange program at UGM was a leap of faith. Drawn by the beautiful campus photos and the proximity to Australia, Alex traded the massive lecture halls of Melbourne for the intimate, “laid-back” classrooms of the Faculty of Biology at UGM.
A More Personal Way of Learning
Alex noticed a significant shift in the academic atmosphere upon arriving at UGM. Unlike the large classes at his home university, UGM offered smaller groups and much more interaction with lecturers. “I found the academic environment great,” Alex shares, noting that courses like Environmental Science, Toxicology, and Plant Anatomy were perfect for expanding his knowledge in his core field.
The teaching style, which he described as more self-managed, proved beneficial. It allowed him to balance his studies with his desire to explore the city and build deeper connections with fellow students.
Beyond Bali: Discovering the Heart of Jogja
While many Australians are familiar with Bali, Alex discovered a different side of Indonesia in Yogyakarta. His first impression was the “relaxed vibe” of the city and the surprising friendliness of the staff and students. One cultural highlight that left a lasting mark wasn’t a grand monument, but a local snack: Chicken Teriyaki Cireng Isi at the Sunmor market. “The crispy, chewy texture was so good that I’d always try to find cireng on every menu after that!”
However, the most unique aspect of Jogja for Alex was the people. Coming from a city where people can be “largely unfriendly in public,” he was moved by the spontaneous smiles, nods of acknowledgment, and conversations that started out of nowhere.
Overcoming Anxiety and Finding Perspective
One of Alex’s most “real” memories happened outside the classroom during a trip to Merapi. When a friend’s bike broke down in Kaliurang, the day turned into a surreal adventure involving an impromptu coffee shop visit and a Grab driver towing the bike all the way back to UGM.
Reflecting on his journey, Alex admits he was initially anxious about moving to an unknown country. His advice to future students is to push through that fear:
“Whatever image of Indonesia you have is almost certainly wrong—there is so much diversity and complexity. Go into it ready to have your preconceptions challenged. I can’t imagine my life if I had backed out.”
Alex summarizes his experience with three powerful words: Learning, Understanding, and Real. For him, the exchange was a reminder that despite our different backgrounds, at a fundamental level, we are all very similar.
