SAKURA SCIENCE SCHOOL IS A DO’A COME TRUE
By Naili Afwillah
In July 2023, two UPI chemistry education master’s students, Naili Afwillah and Sadilla Muhreni Kastro Simanjuntak, participated in the Sakura Science School activity which took place at Chiba University, Japan. There were many interesting activities that they participated in there. Here are the notes of their exciting trip.
“Every time we speak, we are prophesying our future”
July 22nd, 2023
One of my best friend finished her master at UPI. She will go to work in Japan. I made an instagram story to congratulate her and put a little wish “Hope that I have the chance to follow her to go to Japan”.
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November 24th, 2023
I got a message from my lecturer, Mrs. Tuszie. She told me that there is a chance to go to a study exchange in Japan and ask if I am willing to join. Of course I said YES!
Two programs will be held, Sakura Science and TWINCLE. I will join the Sakura Science Program because I am majoring in science. Meanwhile, the TWINCLE program prepared for the engineering student major.
Since that day, I have prepared all the documents needed such as passport, visa, journal article, etc. I also browse things to prepare to go to Japan. Alhamdulillah, it is still winter in Japan in February. Another dream came true, alhamdulillah.
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Japan, February 6th-13th, 2024
In my very first step in Japan, I am so surprised and amazed about the weather. I could feel the excitement every second of my time in Japan. I have the chance to experience Japan for a week. I learned a lot of things here. Started from the culture, character of the people, academic knowledge (especially in science) and many more. It is a new experience for me where everything in Japan is integrated with technology and almost all of the services are self-service. Buying train tickets, top up the Suica balance, give cash and take cashback for shopping and even package our shopping into plastic/shopping bags.
First thing that I learned in Japan is that Japanese have high discipline and highly respect for their teachers. These seven days are valuable and memorable experiences. When we arrived at the university, we were asked to make a spaghetti tower with marshmallow on the top. And… here we are THE WINNER, the highest spaghetti tower!
Inside the laboratory was arranged to learn about science. We had a basic genetic engineering experiment with Prof. Tsuji and also a biology experiment about gene with Prof. Yamato. There are a lot of experimental equipment that is so fascinating.
Chiba University as the host of these programs arranged other fun learning activities in the gym. Prof. Shimo led activities where we experienced paralympic sport. We learn how to use segway, how to run in blind, and also learn soccer for people with special needs. Due to good cooperative skill, I am in the winning team, AGAIN and we got snacks from Prof. Shimo.
The most important agenda in these programs is The Research Presentation. Both TWINCLE and Sakura Science Programs had this agenda which was divided into three main agenda: The Annual Meeting, The Research Presentation, and SDGs Workshop. Representative lecturers from each university joined in this program presented their recent research about safety at school in The Annual Meeting agenda. The Research presentation refers to research conducted by the representative student who participated and also some high school students from all over Japan. In SDGs workshop, we discussed SDGs goals no.4 about equality education and present the poster we made based on our discussion result. It is amazing because the SDGs workshop integrated people to a varying degree. The supervisor is a lecturer (PhD level), the facilitator is master degree student in Chiba, and the participants are vary from high school, undergraduate and master degree student.
Besides all of the academic experience, Sakura Science also introduces us to the culture of Japan. We learn how to write calligraphy of Kanji, go to The Samurai House, and also visit The National Museum. Another thing to be grateful for is that I made a lot of new friends during this program. However, it is a delightful and unforgettable moment to remember. Thank you UPI, Twincle office and Chiba University for the opportunity. To the infinity and beyond!
Sakura Science School and Twincle Program
Spring 2024
Chiba, Japan