Jessica Campion is a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient from Western Sydney University. Jessica is studying a Bachelor of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security. Jessica completed the Agriculture Semester Program at Bogor Agricultural University in Semester 1, 2018.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Agriculture Semester Program?
I was offered the opportunity from my home university to study at Bogor. I was already interested in doing a semester abroad in Asia, and after doing some research on Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), it looked like a perfect match for me. I hope to work abroad in South East Asia in the agricultural field after I graduate, so I think that doing a semester abroad will help me to achieve this goal. I also wanted to experience life in a new country and culture.
Q: What classes were you enrolled in at Bogor Agricultural University (IPB)?
Bahasa Indonesia – this is a basic Indonesian language class.
Food Processing Technology – in this class we learned about factory-scale processing techniques of different types of processed foods.
Principles of Crop Protection- in this unit we learned about plant diseases and crop pests in Indonesia.
Dynamics of Agribusiness- in this unit we discussed marketing in agricultural businesses and products.
Q: How has your study in Indonesia influenced your understanding of Agriculture or Food Security in the region?
Studying at IPB and living in Bogor has given me first-hand insight in to agriculture in Indonesia, which is very different to Australia. Both through attending classes and living in Bogor I have a much deeper understanding of food security in Indonesia and in Bogor. It has been such a valuable experience for me, and I have learnt so much both in and out of the university.
Q: How was your experience at IPB?
IPB is a world class agricultural university. I loved my time here. The classes are engaging, the lecturers are passionate and genuinely interested in the lives and success of their students, the other students are all friendly, approachable and helpful. The campus itself is beautiful. I will really miss IPB.
Q: What did you like to do in your spare time in Bogor?
I enjoyed exploring the area, visiting the nearby attractions, and hiking in the nearby mountains. I also go to yoga every day. I loved exploring the city and finding new places to eat.
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian food?
It’s an even tie between gado-gado and martabak.
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian word or phrase?
Hati-Hati!
Q: Did you undertake an internship while in Indonesia?
Yes I undertook an internship with Bogor Life Science and Technology. Here I worked in their retail stores, as well as seeing how products are made for their retail store in their on-site factory.
Q: What places in Indonesia did you visit during your Semester?
Jakarta, Cimaja, Yogyakarta, Bali (Canggu, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua), Lombok (Kuta and Sengiggi), Gili Trawangan, West Kalimantan.