The UGM Faculty of Animal Science (Animal Science UGM) has sent four students to participate in the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) internship program at Sumiyoshi Livestock Science Station, Miyazaki, Japan.
The selected students are In’am Salsabila Ramadhani, Fathin Imaduddin Hilmi, Muhammad Raffa Avriza Danurwendo, and Kayla Arisanti Azzah. The internship runs from Sep. 17 to Nov. 28, 2024.
Kayla, one of the internship participants, expressed her excitement about this opportunity, especially because it takes place at a Wagyu cattle breeding station.
“We are very excited because this internship includes working with Wagyu cattle, an opportunity we wouldn’t get in Indonesia. Moreover, not all students can experience this,” Kayla told reporters on Wednesday (Oct. 2).
According to Kayla, to be selected for the internship program, she and her peers had to undergo a selection process, which included submitting documents such as a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts in English, an application letter, and a recommendation letter from the UGM Faculty of Animal Science.
“There wasn’t any special test, but English proficiency was one of the important criteria in the selection,” she said.
During the internship, Kayla explained that she would learn about livestock management systems, including feed management, maintenance systems, housing systems, and biosecurity. Additionally, they will study livestock commodities such as Wagyu cattle, dairy cattle, and pigs.
For Kayla, interning at Sumiyoshi Field aligns perfectly with her major and the knowledge she has gained during her studies.
“What we previously learned only in theory, we can now apply directly in the field,” she explained.
She also finds the internship experience in Japan highly enriching, especially since it allows her to become more familiar with the local culture and learn specific techniques for raising Wagyu cattle.
Before their departure, the students received guidance from program leaders and academic advisors.
One of the advisors, Tristianto Nugroho, mentioned that this internship program provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge they have learned, broadens their understanding of international livestock practices, and helps them develop relevant skills for the future.
He hopes the students will use their time in Japan to hone their skills.
“While theory remains important, students should also refine their practical skills during the internship in Japan and build connections with new friends,” he said.
Author: Rahma
Editor: Gusti Grehenson