My name is Novita Maharani, a student of the Physics Education Study Program Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. From March to June 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Student Mobility Program at Prince of Songkla University. Under the guidance of Asst. Prof. Dr. Helmut Duerrast, an expert in geophysics, geology, and geohazards, this experience has been one of the most memorable and transformative chapters of my academic journey.

During the program, I was primarily focused on studying geophysics and geology. Although the program took place during the university’s semester break, I had two important meetings with fellow students. Most of my time was spent working closely with my supervisor in the laboratory, where I delved into both theoretical concepts and practical experiments. I learned how to read and process data, and I was responsible for compiling reports based on the findings. I also had the chance to contribute to a research project led by my supervisor, and later, I presented the results. It was such a rewarding experience, as it not only expanded my knowledge but also gave me the confidence to share my work with others.

One of the most exciting parts of the program was the opportunity to teach. Together with my supervisor, I had the chance to visit a junior high school, where we introduced students to science, physics, and geology. It was amazing to explain these subjects to younger students and see their curiosity spark. Teaching them also helped me improve my communication skills and allowed me to share the knowledge I had gained during my studies.

Another highlight was the field trips and fieldwork. I traveled to various provinces as part of a research project, and it was an invaluable experience. The fieldwork allowed me to apply what I had learned in a real-world setting, and it truly deepened my understanding of geophysics and geology. I felt like I was part of something much bigger than myself, contributing to meaningful research while learning from experts in the field.

Looking back, there are so many moments I will never forget. Teaching at the junior high school with my supervisor was a standout experience. The sense of accomplishment I felt when presenting my work in Songkhla was also unforgettable. These experiences not only shaped my academic growth but also gave me a sense of purpose and motivation to continue learning.

Of course, like any experience abroad, there were challenges. One of the main hurdles for me was my English proficiency. While I was confident in reading and writing, speaking in English was something I struggled with at first. But over time, I became more comfortable, and I pushed myself to communicate better, even when I felt unsure. Another challenge was the need to be flexible and always prepared to take on new tasks, which kept me on my toes throughout the program.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of the program far outweighed the difficulties. It increased my knowledge in my field, gave me the invaluable experience of studying abroad, and allowed me to gain teaching experience. Most importantly, this opportunity gave me a huge boost in confidence. I now feel more capable and motivated to continue pursuing my dreams in geophysics and geology.

This experience was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am incredibly grateful for everything I learned. It pushed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I will carry these lessons with me as I continue my studies at UIN Sunan Kalijaga. Thanks to the support of my supervisor and the inspiring experiences I had, I feel more ready than ever to face the future and contribute to the fields I’m passionate about.