UNAIR NEWS – Kholidah Febriani, a student at Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) had the opportunity to take part in research at Hoshi University, Japan for one month. Starting from July to August, she shared her experience with UNAIR NEWS.
“I did my research about orthodox coumar compound and its modification. In essence, trying to react compounds to find new drugs, “he said.
While in Japan, Kholidah conducted research and received assistance from Hoshi University laboratory staff. She got a lot of new knowledge, despite having to spend time in the laboratory until the evening.
“I’m very grateful to have the opportunity in this research because indeed I’m interested in this field,” Kholidah said.
“Besides that, I also got a lot of new skills that are very useful in research. In fact, I had an opportunity to operate Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), ” she continued.
According to her, people in Japan are organized in terms of laboratory equipment and very clean.
“There are several differences between Japan and Indonesia, especially for tools and technology. How the mechanism in washing tools and others is also quite different, “she commented.
Living in Japan, there was quite a challenge in communication; she was very grateful that there are several phone application to help her communicate with others.
“Food is also one of the challenges that I faced during my research in there. Halal food restaurant is quite far from where I live,” he said.
She also explained that transportation in Indonesia is easier with online transportation system, but she has to walk in Japan.
“In here, people like to walk. They will use public transportation if the distance is far away and public transportation there is very convenient, and the citizens are very orderly so they can enjoy the trip too, “he said.
At the end of the interview, Kholidah gave tips for fellow students who were interested in doing research abroad, especially in Japan. She advised that for students who want to do research abroad to conduct research related to their destination country.
“The important thing is that we have to find information about the country. Starting from the culture, climate, transportation, and food. Everything must be considered properly “he said.
She invited students to think positively, being patient, and open to more unexpected opportunities. (*)
Author: Sukma Cindra Pratiwi
Editor: Binti Q Masruroh
