IDFinal Day of Cologne Summer School: A Valuable Experience for Indonesian Students
Bintaro, South Tangerang, 02/10/2024 – The Cologne Summer School 2024 officially ended on August 29, 2024. Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) students, who participated in the program, concluded their last day with meaningful activities and reflection.
The day began with a discussion and reflection session where participants shared their impressions and experiences during their time in Germany. They expressed gratitude for the warm welcome they received and how they felt comfortable despite being far from home. Putri Ines Salsabilla, one of the Summer School participants, said, “Stepping into another country is not just a matter of changing places, but entering a new world with a different culture. We learned how cultures are formed and how to adapt to the differences that exist.”
These feelings deepened as the participants received their certificates of participation, marking the end of the summer school program. The moment was emotional for many, as it also meant their last day in Germany, a country that had provided them with such valuable experiences.
The next session featured a presentation by Indonesian students, Fiona, Zahra, and Rakai, who discussed sustainability in Indonesia with a focus on the endangered status of the Irrawaddy dolphin. Although the discussion on this topic was brief due to time constraints, the presentation provided important insights into environmental conservation efforts in Indonesia.
Following this, participants were divided into three groups by program coordinator Mark to discuss the potential benefits for both Indonesia and Germany from participating in the Cologne Summer School. Topics discussed included the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the German-Indonesian youth academic club, and environmental awareness related to waste disposal.
“We hope there will be more events that strengthen the relationship between the two countries so that friendships and learning can continue,” said Rakai Michelia Devan, a Communication Studies student, as he concluded the presentation session.
The day ended with an emotional farewell at the airport, where the Indonesian students were seen off by their new friends from Germany. Although some students could not hold back their tears, the atmosphere was warm and full of affection. Participants expressed their hopes to reunite in the future, either when their German friends visit Indonesia or when they return to Germany for further studies or work.
Participating in the Cologne Summer School not only opened new perspectives for UPJ students but also unlocked many future opportunities. This experience became a significant milestone in their academic and professional journeys.
With the chance to network and learn at the international level, the students hope that the relationship between Indonesia and Germany will grow stronger in the future, contributing to closer collaboration in various fields.
