Ibaraki, August 29, 2024 – Two students from the Master in Biotechnology Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Class of 2021, Finandya Fatihasari and Klara Kharisma Bunga Chandra, have successfully completed their master’s degrees at Ibaraki University, Japan, as part of the Double Degree Program supported by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) scholarship. The students completed their master’s program in 1.5 years, following the resumption of the program after the COVID-19 pandemic.
This Double Degree Program is the result of a long-standing strategic collaboration between Ibaraki University and the Master in Biotechnology Study Program at UGM. The program, which was temporarily suspended due to the pandemic, has now resumed, offering students the opportunity to pursue applied sciences through the Asia Applied Agriculture Course, conducted entirely in English.
The selection process for the program began in 2021, with the final selections announced in early 2022. In 2023, the Biotechnology Study Program at UGM selected its top two students to attend the College of Agriculture at Ibaraki University (IUCA) as part of the program. During their time in Japan, the students engaged in rigorous coursework and research, which were required for obtaining degrees from both universities.
Beyond their academic endeavors, the students actively participated as tutors in an international exchange promotion program that fosters interaction between international and Japanese students at Ibaraki University. They also served as Goodwill Ambassadors, an initiative organized by the Ibaraki Prefectural Culture Center, where they had the opportunity to introduce Indonesian culture at various events in Japan. Their experiences were further enriched by their participation in cultural exchange activities throughout their studies in Japan.