The Faculty of Public Health (FPH) at Universitas Indonesia (UI) is committed to enhancing the quality of education and international experiences for its students. One flagship initiative supporting this goal is the student exchange program. Through this program, FPH UI students have the opportunity to study at leading universities abroad, broaden their perspectives, and delve into global health issues with different approaches.
Four students from the Bachelor of Public Health program at FPH UI successfully completed an exchange program at Mahidol University, Thailand. The Student Mobility program “Health Issues & Health System in Thailand” was held from March 15–26, 2025, in Bangkok. This exchange allowed participants to enrich their understanding of global health challenges, study Thailand’s health system, and experience local cultural practices related to public health. The students involved were Adia Reza Khaleda, Maria Angelika, Putri Ayu, and Zaky Ramdhan Lesmana.
Adia shared that her decision to join the program stemmed from a strong desire to expand her knowledge, especially in public health. “I wanted to learn how other countries, particularly Thailand, manage health issues and how their innovative solutions are applied to address existing problems,” said Adia, one of the exchange participants. Mahidol University is renowned for its excellence in public health, making this a valuable opportunity for Adia to gain deeper insights into Thailand’s health management and compare it with the Indonesian system.
The selection process for this program was highly competitive. Students underwent several stages of evaluation by FPH UI, including submission of transcripts, curriculum vitae (CV), and other documents. After a rigorous internal review, Adia and her three peers were chosen to participate. “I am very grateful to have passed the selection and to be given this opportunity. The program offered me numerous learning experiences, both academically and in daily life,” Adia remarked.
During the program, participants attended courses covering topics such as Universal Health Coverage in Thailand, Health System, Emerging Environmental Health Issues, and Health and Well-being in Thailand. They also took part in field visits to historical and cultural sites (e.g., Ayutthaya and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and institutional visits to organizations like the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the Lifestyle Medicine Department. At the end of the program, each student presented a project comparing the health system of their home country with Thailand’s. “This visit was incredibly meaningful because I could see firsthand how the policies and systems we studied are applied in the field,” Adia explained.
Although the program lasted only ten days, it was intensive. Participants had to adapt quickly to the packed schedule and multicultural environment. “It was challenging at first, especially since I was observing Ramadan at the time. But my curiosity and eagerness to learn kept me fully engaged in all activities,” Adia said. Language barriers also posed a challenge: while lectures were in English, most locals preferred speaking Thai. However, students saw this as an opportunity to learn basic Thai phrases.
FPH UI students felt strongly supported by the faculty, particularly by their two academic mentors, Prof. Dr. Robiana Modjo, S.K.M., M.Kes., and Prof. Dr. Indri Hapsari Susilowati, S.K.M., M.K.K.K., who provided guidance throughout the program. FPH UI also assisted with logistics, transportation funding, and pre-departure academic and mental preparation. Additionally, students received presentation training from their supervisor, dr. Fathimah Sulistyowati Sigit, M.Res., Ph.D., which boosted their confidence in delivering presentations to an international audience.
Adia also shared a message for other FPH UI students interested in similar programs: “Don’t hesitate to try! If you feel lacking in confidence or not fully prepared, that’s okay. It’s this process that makes us grow. Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone!” Her experience exemplifies how FPH UI not only excels academically but actively paves the way for its students to explore the world, gain global perspectives, and become agents of change in public health.