In an academic context, it is necessary to convey the initial findings of our research. This approach is implemented by the segregation of master’s and PhD students. In addition, our presentation was complemented by a presentation delivered by their students in support of the defense research proposal. The process of asking several questions enables us to acquire fresh insights and information. The academic benefits we obtained from the programme were remarkable. One notable aspect of our interaction was the campus tour, where we engaged with local students, fostering informal discussions about academic and cultural interests. A particularly memorable experience was when one student accompanied us on a tour outside the campus, creating a conducive environment for knowledge exchange. These conversations covered a range of topics, including postgraduate studies and healthcare systems, providing a platform for sharing experiences and gaining insights into each other’s educational backgrounds.
During visits to the clinic (PUSKESMAS), the presence of numerous postgraduate students from Universitas Indonesia allowed for more relaxed and open knowledge exchange. These encounters led to the exchange of contact information and social media connections, enhancing our understanding of each other. Sessions with the Student Representative Council further facilitated engaging discussions about society activities, fostering collaboration. Reflecting on our experiences, similarities between our nursing programs became evident, emphasizing a shared commitment to producing skilled healthcare professionals with a passion for nursing. However, differences emerged in program nuances influenced by unique cultural and healthcare contexts. Understanding these distinctions not only deepened our academic insights but also broadened our perspectives on nursing education and practice, leaving a lasting impact on my personal and academic growth.
There are few challenges we encountered throughout the programme. One of the issues includes the lodging offered was less conducive. As a consequence, the students had to search for and relocate to other accommodations multiple times throughout the programme due to a lack of available rooms during that period. Additionally, they had to split into two groups due to the lack of available lodging to accommodate every student at a single location. The lodging issues have a direct impact on transportation. The van driver is required to make multiple stops to collect up and drop off students at various locations, which impacts punctuality. Other than that, the time difference between Malaysia and Indonesia poses a challenge for students in adjusting and effectively managing their time, particularly during the initial stages. It also impacts the punctuality of the students throughout the program.
Overall, having a mobility program is one of the most memorable and precious experiences we have ever had. Learning about a new culture, being in a new environment and meeting new people while living and travelling in a different country has given us a more mature and a different way of seeing life. We are extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to be able to join this outbound program. In our opinion, it has always been a goal of us to be able to experience different foreign cultures throughout our academic life. Traveling is a rewarding experience that not only offers a change of scenery but also challenges and opportunities for personal growth.
This program is indeed a very good program to build an independent and outstanding student. This program should be done more often in the future as this can help our students to be more open-minded and confident to meet foreign people. Due to differences in learning cultures, we hope that we can learn understanding the method of online learning by other universities in the future. It will help us understand more about the world and think with different perspectives.
