Cameron Stone is a 2019 New Colombo Plan mobility grant recipient from The University of Western Australia. Cameron undertook the Agriculture Semester Program at Bogor Agricultural University in Semester 1, 2019.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Agriculture Semester Program (ASP)?
From the moment I found out about student exchange I had always wanted to undertake it in some form. After much thought, I decided that it was something I would commit to upon completing my undergraduate degree. Upon doing some research into different programs and hearing stories from other students, lecturers and seeing on-campus advertising I was enticed to undertake my exchange with ACICIS.
Q: What classes/units are you currently enrolled in?
- Principles of Horticulture: a unit consisting of in-class lectures and practical work such as growing and maintaining horticultural products.
- Principles of Plant Protection: a unit consisting of in-class lectures and lab work identifying different plant pests and diseases.
- Ornamental plants and Floriculture: a unit consisting of in-class lectures and field work with various types of of ornamental plants.
- Rural and Urban Biodiversity: an international student unit consisting of in-class lectures with a range of different topics as well field trips and some lab work.
Q: Are you involved in any clubs/societies at the university?
I wasn’t involved in many clubs or societies at the university, but I did join the English Month Forum, which was an event hosted by students in the Human Ecology faculty.
Q: How was your experience studying at IPB?
I think IPB was very accommodating. Overall, I got to meet some amazing students, participate in events like OMI and learnt about the education of another country. However, from my own experiences and that of others there was sometimes a lack of information from IPB. I was hoping to do more exploring in my free time but due to constant schedule changes with classes or field trips it was sometimes challenging to do so. I also think that there could have been an opportunity for other international students to meet each other early on in the semester. If there had been a group orientation event or a welcome event, It could’ve helped break the ice and help us build better networks with other students.
Q: How has your study in Indonesia influenced your understanding of Agriculture or Food Security in the region?
I think the units that I studied increased my understanding of the past, present and future dynamics of Indonesia’s agricultural sector. It has provided me with knowledge into some of the key future challenges of a country with such a high population density.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Bogor?
Most of my spare time was spent socialising with other international students and some Indonesian students. I managed to make some good friends during my time at IPB and spent a lot of my free time with them. I also would often join some other like-minded students and explore Bogor and visit its many malls and bars.
Q: Are you undertaking an internship while in Indonesia?
Yes, I am undertaking an internship at the company AUSTREX which is the biggest live export company in Indonesia.
Q: Favourite Indonesian food:
Nasi Padang
Q: Favourite place to eat:
What we called the “Green Room” on Bara street.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Semangat!
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your semester so far?
I have visited the Thousand Islands, Bandung and its surrounding areas, Yogyakarta, Jakarta and Tangerang.