Empowering Growth Through Study Excursions to Bridge Knowledge, Community, and Professional Development

by Novinta Nurulsari

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in the study excursion organized by the Faculty of Education at UIII. This program was not only complimentary, but it was also incredibly beneficial for us as students. The agenda was thoughtfully designed to enhance our academic and professional growth, leaving me with lasting impressions and valuable insights.

Two key aspects of the study excursion stood out to me. First, the visit to Telkom University was an exceptional experience. I had the chance to attend a short one-meeting course titled Harnessing Big Data for Transformative Education, Administration, and Management, delivered by Dr. Djaja Achmad Sardjana, S.T., M.M. His lecture was insightful and highly relevant, especially regarding the practical application of Python, which piqued my interest. Previously, I had encountered a 2022 article on Design Thinking, a topic closely related to my dissertation, and the article presented fascinating data visualizations created using Python. I tried to explore this tool and ask for some support and guidance, but none of my colleagues had any experience with this tool. I felt so grateful when the Faculty of Education organized this study excursion. I can learn directly from the lecturer and gain a deeper understanding of Big Data and Data-Driven Decision Making, which are crucial in showcasing evidence in our analysis. I also learned about Power BI (Business Intelligence), a tool I had never used before. The entire learning experience was amazing and eye-opening! This exposure to advanced technologies is invaluable for those of us in the educational field. It empowers us to better integrate technology into our work, whether for research or professional development.

The second aspect that impressed me was the community service activity at SMPN 13 Bandung. This activity allowed all the students participating in the excursion to engage directly with the students and school members at that school. It provided us an experience to interact and communicate with the students so we could learn about the characteristics of the students. This interaction, especially with international students from FoE UIII, also benefited the school, where the students could learn new things from us. It also boosted their enthusiasm for continuing their study. The school’s warm reception further added to the significance of this experience, and it was a mutually enriching interaction for both the students and the school. 

Moreover, this study excursion significantly strengthened the bonds between students and faculty members beyond the academic and community engagement aspects. This program allowed us to build stronger connections and communication within activites. We also developed our collaboration skills to do every program through teamwork. This make the overall experience even more rewarding. 

In conclusion, the study excursion was an invaluable experience, filled with opportunities for academic learning, meaningful engagement with the community, and the deepening of interpersonal relationships. It provided me with the tools and motivation to further my professional and educational journey, and I am deeply appreciative.