Studying abroad is an enriching and enjoyable experience for those who decide to participate. While all good things do eventually come to an end, the conclusion of a study abroad program means the start of innumerable paths forward. After hearing about their paths to Kobe University and their experiences as international students, a group of five Indonesian students at the Graduate School of Medicine gave us insight into what’s next for their careers after they complete their studies.
Hifdza is in an agreement to return to Indonesia after her time at Kobe University. “I’m a general practitioner now, so when I return to Indonesia, I’ll take up a residence in ophthalmology.” On top of her work with patients, she’ll also be lecturing and performing research based on the experience she acquired during her time at Kobe University. “I’ll be doing triple,” she laughed.
Delis also plans to head back to Indonesia after completing her studies. “I want to continue my studies in Indonesia as a pharmacist and apply the knowledge I gained in Japan.” Her time in Japan has also given her new perspectives on her research: “My friends here have taught me to find a new solution if something doesn’t work, which has changed my mindset. It’s really working.” She continued, “Even if it's impossible to apply my research in Indonesia, we have to find another alternative solution to make things possible.”
Japan is home for Aulia for at least a little while longer, she tells us. “I want to pursue postdoc, maybe in Japan, so I can strengthen the fundamental research and science here and continue drug discoveries and everything else.” But her eventual plans have her connecting back with her home country: “Once I find that I’ve built a solid foundation, I want to do collaborative research with Indonesia.”
Fransisca’s plans have her headed back to Indonesia as well: “My future plan is to become a lecturer because my background is as a biology teacher.” But she’s got more in store than just lecturing. “Alongside my focus on education and research, I’d also love to keep time for my passion for baking.”
While Safira sees herself headed outside of Japan once she’s finished her studies, rather than head back to Indonesia, she’s looking to travel off into the world. “I really want to do postdoctoral research maybe outside of Asia. I want to perform international research and become an advocate for ‘one health,’ which integrates animal health, environmental health and human health. My field is in veterinary medicine, but people taking leadership roles from this field are still limited.”
Though their paths from Kobe University are just as diverse as their paths to it, this group of students will surely carry both the knowledge and experience they gained at the university for the rest of their lives. We at Kobe University would like to thank them for sitting down to talk with us, and we wish them success in whatever awaits them in their careers to come.
