UNAIR NEWS – Students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), participated in the 2026 International Summer School at Van Lang University in Vietnam. Held from 24 to 31 July 2026, the programme aimed to broaden participants’ academic perspectives while strengthening international networks in the fields of veterinary medicine and aquaculture
The participating students were Eka Rizki Abelia, Arina Bintang Qolbiy, Adelia Sutiyo Rabbani, Siti Nur Rohmawatil Ula, Tsalasani Zuhroh, and Belva Denta Agyasari S. Throughout the programme, participants were provided with accommodation, meals, and local transportation for the duration of the activities.
Preparing for the programme
Abelia explained that information about the programme was shared by a lecturer at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UNAIR. The selection process required applicants to submit administrative documents, including a curriculum vitae (CV) and a passport.
“We had prepared all the required documents in advance. So when the opportunity to join this programme came up, the application process was much smoother,” Abelia said
Learning about aquaculture technologies for shrimp farming
During the summer school, participants studied a range of topics related to shrimp aquaculture and the One Health approach. They were introduced to artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies used to monitor shrimp growth, including population size, body dimensions, weight, and feed conditions within the digestive tract.
Participants also learned how to assess water quality by measuring pH levels and took part in practical sessions on shrimp disease diagnosis using hepatopancreas samples. “Through these practical sessions, we learned how to detect shrimp diseases using rapid test kits. The experience helped me realise that veterinarians also play an important role in advancing the One Health approach,” Abelia explained.
Memorable experiences and reflections
Beyond the academic programme, Abelia shared that the cultural experience in Vietnam was equally memorable. He described the local community as warm and welcoming, although the participants encountered several challenges, including the limited availability of halal food and differences in local traffic conditions.
Abelia encouraged fellow students who are interested in joining similar programmes to actively seek opportunities and build strong relationships with their lecturers. “Don’t hesitate to pursue international opportunities. Keep an eye on announcements from Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE), prepare your documents well in advance, and maintain good communication with your lecturers, as they can open the door to many valuable opportunities,” Abelia concluded.
Author: Maulya Afifah Zahra
Editor : Khefti Al Mawalia
