Polije and Jiangsu Resume Student Exchange Program After Pandemic Pause

The student exchange program between Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije), Indonesia, and Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, China, has officially resumed in-person after being halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This marks a new chapter in the partnership that has been ongoing since 2016.

Eight students from Jiangsu—four male and four female—arrived at Polije to study for a full semester, accompanied by a professor who will also stay on campus. One participant, Ma Rui, expressed her excitement about joining the program. “I am very happy because the food here is delicious, even though the weather is very hot. The Polije campus is also beautiful,” she said with a smile.

Professor Wang Li Hong, who accompanied the delegation, highlighted the significance of the program. “This exchange provides students with opportunities to learn knowledge, technology, and practical skills, especially in animal husbandry and construction,” he noted. The program not only enriches academic experience but also fosters intercultural understanding between Chinese and Indonesian students.

Agung Wahyono, S.P., M.Si., Ph.D., Deputy Director for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems at Polije, explained that the program had continued online during the pandemic through Online Exchange Learning. “Starting in 2025, we are pleased to once again conduct the program face-to-face,” he said.

Over the semester, Jiangsu students will participate in academic courses and hands-on vocational training in fields such as livestock production, agriculture, and applied technology. In return, Polije plans to send its own students from the Animal Production program to Jiangsu next year. This initiative not only strengthens bilateral academic cooperation but also contributes to global efforts in enhancing vocational education, a sector increasingly vital for addressing workforce challenges in both developing and developed economies.