Integrating Culture and Sustainability: Summer Holiday Experience through UNESA Summer Camp, NUNI Student Camp, and ITroSCo 2025
This experience was written by Thrya, a student from Yemen who joined IPC UII batch 2024. During the last semester break, she participated in an inspiring activity.
During my university holiday, I decided to spend my time differently by joining several international short courses that offered not only learning experiences but also meaningful connections. I participated in the NUNI Presidential Forum & Student Camp 2025 at Universitas Andalas in Padang, the UNESA Summer Camp 2025 in Surabaya, and the ITroSCo 2025 (International Tropical Summer Course) in Jepara. Each program had its own uniqueness, but all shared one common goal, which is promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encouraging youth to take part in creating a better and more sustainable world.
The first program I joined was the NUNI Student Camp, which focused on innovation in food and agriculture, health and medicine, advanced materials and AI, and disaster risk mitigation to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. I was honored to receive the Best Student Category Award during the Bridging Inauguration Night, an achievement that deeply motivated me to continue learning and sharing ideas with others. Throughout the camp, I collaborated with students from various Indonesian universities to discuss how young people can actively contribute to sustainability efforts. It was eye-opening to see how interdisciplinary collaboration can turn global goals into actionable ideas. I learned that meaningful change starts from our immediate environment and that youth engagement plays a vital role in making sustainability a shared responsibility.
Next, I joined the UNESA Summer Camp, a seven-day cultural and educational program designed to immerse international students in Indonesia’s cultural legacy and inclusivity. The program included exciting activities such as learning Bahasa Indonesia and local languages, inclusive education (including sign language), traditional sports and games, cooking Indonesian dishes, and city tours.
Beyond cultural exploration, the camp subtly linked every activity with values of inclusivity and sustainability. It was inspiring to see how cultural exchange can foster global understanding. I truly enjoyed meeting participants from diverse countries and backgrounds, which helped me appreciate how different cultures can unite under shared global missions.
The final program I joined was the International Tropical Summer Course (ITroSCo 2025) organized by Universitas Diponegoro. This program focused on Sustainable Aquaculture and Coastal Ecosystems — addressing environmental challenges while highlighting the importance of marine conservation and sustainable resource management. I had the chance to learn directly from experts and collaborate with international peers. The experience allowed me to see how local practices in coastal cities can connect with global efforts to protect our planet. It strengthened my passion for learning how environmental sustainability is being implemented in Indonesia and inspired me to explore how similar approaches could be applied in my own country.
Reflecting on these experiences, I feel grateful for the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. Each short course taught me valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, cultural understanding, and sustainability. What inspired me the most was seeing how Indonesia integrates the SDGs into higher education and youth programs, showing that universities play a crucial role in shaping global-minded, socially responsible youth. These experiences also deepened my passion for learning how other countries address global issues and how they connect local culture and innovation with sustainability in everyday life.
These short courses did more than just teach me about the SDGs; they showed me what it means to live them. They reminded me that every small action, when shared and multiplied, can create a lasting impact. I will carry these lessons with me as I continue to grow, connect, and contribute to a more sustainable and united world.
