A Day of Learning and Discovery at Sukabumi Campus


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   On my fifth day as an exchange student in Indonesia, I had one of the most thrilling and enriching experiences so far. It was a day full of learning, cultural discovery, and hands-on activities that made me appreciate the beauty of education and entrepreneurship in a new setting.


     We woke up early that day, as we were required to be at school by 5:00 in the morning. Together with Miss Dian, we headed to the Sukabumi Campus in Babakan, which is part of the IPB (Institut Pertanian Bogor). After a 1-hour and 32-minute drive, we finally arrived. Miss Dian introduced us to Miss Ima, the instructor of the Aquatic Entrepreneurship class we were joining.


     Before class started, we still had time for breakfast, as the session officially began at 7:00 AM. I noticed right away how strict and disciplined the students at IPB were. After grabbing some food from a vendor in front of the campus, we proceeded to our classroom on the fourth floor. The Sukabumi campus consists of only two buildings, each with four floors. Despite its small size, the view from the top floor was breathtaking—the scenery was calming and the air was cold and fresh, as the campus is located near the mountains.


     We joined the Aquatic Entrepreneurship class, which started with a prayer, followed by a lecture on the role of the digital world in modern business. The instructor discussed how digital platforms have become essential, especially during the pandemic, when many businesses were forced to close. This shift led to the rise of online stores offering food, health, and beauty products—opening up countless new opportunities.


     We learned about the advantages and disadvantages of digital marketing, strategies for effective marketing, and how students at IPB are already applying these concepts to their own businesses. I was amazed at how mindful and creative they were. They carefully considered how to manage expenses, produce goods, and market them effectively.



     After the lecture, each group presented their business setups. We were truly impressed by their entrepreneurial mindset. Some of the groups even gave us samples of their products, such as fish skin crackers and live fish (which we’re still unsure how to bring back to the Philippines!).


     Following the presentations, we were given a tour of their fish production and hatchery facility, where they cultivate fish for sale, educational purposes and consumption. One of the highlights was feeding large koi fish by hand—an experience that was both fun and memorable.



     My day at Sukabumi Campus reminded me a lot of home, yet it offered experiences that were entirely new and exciting. It allowed me to do things I don’t usually do back in the Philippines, such as participating in an entrepreneurship class with such advanced, real-world application and touring an active aquaculture facility. It was truly a thrilling and eye-opening day—one that I’ll always remember from my exchange journey in Indonesia.


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