Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh – September 15, 2023
Embarking on a journey to expand academic horizons, a student from the Graduate Program in Disaster Science at Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) shares a transformative experience participating in the Research Attachment program at Kobe University, Japan.
Expressing a keen interest in furthering academic pursuits, the student chose the Disaster Science Master’s Program at USK due to its unique double-degree offering. While the double-degree program was not yet available for the 2022/2023 academic year, alternative avenues were explored to gain exposure to international research experiences through collaborative initiatives such as joint supervision, joint publications, and the Research Attachment program.
At the end of the first semester, students were encouraged to submit research proposals to secure funding for their master’s thesis projects. Although the initial proposal submitted for university funding did not succeed, the student persevered and re-applied for a grant provided by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Culture, Republic of Indonesia (DRTPM-Kemendikbud RI). The second attempt proved successful, securing the student as one of the recipients of the Master’s Thesis Research Grant (PTM). This grant supports various aspects of the research process, including journal publication expenses and intellectual property management.
Throughout the master’s thesis research journey, the student received guidance from Dr. Rina Suryani Oktari, S.Kep., M.Si from Universitas Syiah Kuala and Mizan Bustanul Fuady Bisri, PhD from Kobe University. In an effort to broaden the understanding and research capabilities in disaster science, the Disaster Science Master’s Program at USK facilitated the student’s participation in the collaborative program with Kobe University through the Research Attachment initiative. This program took place from August 27 to September 10, 2023, providing an opportunity for the student to engage in in-depth research development under the supervision of Dr. Mizan Bustanul Fuady Bisri.
During the Research Attachment program, the student not only dedicated time to their research but also had the chance to visit various disaster-related museums and other knowledge-enriched institutions. This holistic approach aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of disaster science beyond the academic realm.
The Graduate Program in Disaster Science at Universitas Syiah Kuala aspires to foster academic networks and deepen understanding in the field of disaster science through collaborative initiatives like the Research Attachment program. For the participating student, this experience has proven invaluable in their academic journey, serving as a catalyst for pursuing higher aspirations, including the dream of further education at international institutions.
