UNAIR NEWS – “Nice to know you,” Nadia Thabet said while shaking hand with a representative of UNAIR NEWS at Campus B Universitas Airlangga. Her western and middle eastern face looked even more beautiful with her shoulder-length curly hair.  The French student from Le Havre was participating in Academic Mobility Exchange for Undergraduate at Airlangga (AMERTA) Universitas Airlangga.

At first, she was not confident to follow the program. However, with her strong intention to gain new knowledge, Nadia ventured to set foot in Indonesia. All her fears about Indonesia disappeared when she first met and communicated directly with the local people who directly offered her help.

“Indonesians are very friendly. I’m very happy. I feel at home, “she said.

Although she only stayed for half a year in Indonesia, Nadia has traveled to several areas in East Java, accompanied by her buddy. She did not want to lose any moments to enjoy the warmth of Surabaya people around her, Nadia always took time to tour around the campus after her class.

“Although I’ve just been here for a while, I’ve been to Malang, Batu, and Blitar. It’s very good, ” she said happily.

Nadia is still undergoing Amerta program for six more months. She had planned more trips around Indonesia. Most important thing for Nadia, she did not want to lose a single moment in UNAIR. She did not feel awkward anymore to join a chat although she was not very familiar with Indonesian.

“In fact, she is close to lecturers and other students, even the staffs as well. UNAIR is like a second home for me, “said Nadia.

Asked about possibility of continuing her study at UNAIR, after finishing her study in France, Nadia wanted to continue her studies at UNAIR. Nadia had already fallen in love with the university.

“I’m sure Universitas Airlangga can reach Top 500 world universities with its discipline and persistence,” she said. (*)

Author: Faridah Hari

Editor: Feri Fenoria