UNAIR NEWS – The Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program has served as a gateway for Nicholas Winston Ong, a student from Universitas Airlangga’s (UNAIR) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, to expand his academic horizons. This prestigious initiative enabled him to study at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada.
Known as Winston, he chose UBC to further his commitment to enhancing Indonesia’s natural ecosystems by specializing in forestry at one of the world’s premier institutions in the field. “I selected the University of British Columbia because I am deeply committed to advancing Indonesia’s natural ecosystems. UBC, with its globally renowned forestry research, aligns perfectly with this vision,” Winston explained.
Role as educator at Biodiversity Museum
In addition to attending lectures, Winston was honored to serve as an educator at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum. He described this opportunity as transformative, significantly improving his communication skills. “Working as an educator at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum was an unforgettable experience. It allowed me to enhance my communication abilities while engaging in discussions with experts in animal science, a field closely related to my studies,” he said.
Winston acknowledged the rigorous academic environment at UBC, noting the university’s reputation as Canada’s largest research institution. He described UBC students as highly competitive, with coursework often centered on critical reasoning and case studies. “The learning process often integrates general knowledge, logical analysis, and subject mastery. To navigate these challenges, I maximized my study time and regularly sought guidance from professors and teaching assistants during office hours,” Winston elaborated.
Building foundation for the future
Winston expressed his gratitude for the opportunities provided by IISMA, noting its significant impact on his personal and professional growth. “Mentally, I feel better prepared to live and learn abroad. From a career perspective, my role as a museum educator and my interactions with professors at UBC have equipped me with invaluable skills for my future as a veterinarian,” he stated.
Winston hopes that his experiences through IISMA will enable him to contribute more substantially to Indonesia’s development. He aspires to use his academic and professional journey to advance the nation and serve as a dedicated scholar. “To fellow students, don’t hesitate to apply for programs like IISMA. And always remember to pray, as our life paths are guided by a Higher Power,” he concluded with enthusiasm.
Author: Hana Mufidatuz Zuhrah
Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin
