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Schedule a meeting now! Get advice from our admission expert Katharina. Request a spot in our meeting hub and we will call you back!
Refer a friend - Save 100€! Refer a friend, enroll together for this summer school, and save both 100 Euro! Refer a friend!
Schedule a meeting now! Get advice from our admission expert Katharina. Request a spot in our meeting hub and we will call you back!
Refer a friend - Save 100€! Refer a friend, enroll together for this summer school, and save both 100 Euro! Refer a friend!
A Journey of Exploration and Connection
Upskill Post Graduate Program Welcome Week winter Semester 2023
Thrilled to welcome upskill's postgraduate students ofTropical Coastal Ecology & Community Based Management program. For a total of four days starting from September 7- 10th 2023 (and campus orientation on August 31st), our team and the students had a remarkable time embracing the beauty of academia and the splendors of Balinese culture, uniting ocean and nature lovers.
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Campus Orientation (August 31st, 2023)
The week commenced with an air of anticipation as students gathered at Udayana University's Sudirman campus. Professor Ir. Ida Ayu Astarini, the esteemed head of Upskill’s postgraduate program, set the tone for an exciting journey ahead. The day was filled with orientation sessions and engaging meetings with the upskill team, which provided a comprehensive welcome checklist to ensure a smooth transition into the semester.
As the day progressed, laughter and chatter filled the air as the students shared their excitement and expectations for the upcoming days. The promise of adventure and exploration had everyone looking forward to the adventures that lay ahead. This batch, consisting of participants from two distinguished universities, Heinrich Heine University in Germany and the University of Innsbruck in Austria, were all alumni of Upskill's 2019 bachelor program in Tropical Biology and Conservation. Their shared passion for the ocean, love of nature, and avid enthusiasm for sports, particularly surfing, added a special dynamic to the group. The promise of adventure and exploration had everyone looking forward to the adventures that lay ahead.
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Day 1: Stand Up Paddle Surf Course and Sunset Dinner (September 7th, 2023)
Following an engaging campus orientation, the following week, we took the students to the turquoise waves of Kelan Beach with the amazing Priority Stand Up Paddle team. The excitement was palpable as we geared up for an exhilarating Stand Up Paddle Surf Course. Under the Bali sky, with the sun painting the horizon in hues of orange and pink, the students embraced the challenge of paddling through the tranquil waters. Priority SUP Team, Jackie, led our sunset tour session from the beautiful calm pantai Kelan to the area of Rock Bar Jimbaran to paddle and enjoy the perfect sunset that day.
The breathtaking views and shared experiences on the paddle boards created an instant camaraderie among everyone. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we conclude our day one sunset session standup paddle with a beachfront dinner prepared by the local seafood warung, Black Pearl, adding a perfect end to a day filled with adventure and bonding.
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Day 2: Cooking Class (September 8th, 2023)
Culinary delight and cultural exploration took center stage on the second day of our postgrad winter semester welcome week. The students ventured to Chef Mudana's residence in Sanur for a cooking class. Amidst the sizzle of pans and the aromatic scent of Balinese spices, we were introduced and guided to the intricacies of Balinese and Indonesian cuisine.
Chef Mudana's expertise and the students' enthusiasm turned the cooking class into an interactive and educational experience. The delicious feast that followed showcased their newfound culinary skills and left everyone yearning for more. During the cooking class we were all successfully learned how to cook the Balinese famous dish Ayam Betutu, Sup Ikan, Sayur Urap, Sate Lilit, Sambal Matah and the delicious Dadar Gulung as a dessert. Everything was delicious and memorable, thank you Chef!
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Day 3 Coral Workshop and Discovery Scuba Dive (September 9th 2023)
In the latter half of the welcome week, the students were taken on a transformative journey to Pemuteran. Here, they joined hands with Yayasan Karang Lestari, a pioneer in coral rehabilitation and education. The long drive to Pemuteran was filled with anticipation and lively discussions about the ecological wonders they were about to witness.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed by Yayasan Karang Lestari's partner, Bali Ocean Reef, by both Mr. Komang and Mr. Edi. We were given introduced to the wonders of coral restoration through workshops and exciting scuba dives. Prior to the discovery scuba dive experience, we were getting an insightful presentation from Mr. Komang explaining what Yayasan Karang Lestari has been doing the past over two decades in their initiations and struggle to preserve and conserve the coral life of Pemuteran ocean. He also gives a deep explanation about what Biorock technology is and how it has been successfully help significantly and environmental friendly to restore the damage corals and how the technology help the new ones to grow.
The serenity of the ocean and the vibrant coral structures left an indelible mark on everyone, reminding all of us the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.
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After quite an intense 10 meters discovery scuba dive with Mr. Komang and Mr. Edi, we took an hour break before continuing our next adventure hunting for Pemuteran's best sunset point in Bukit Kursi. The hill is located 10 minutes drive from the Biorock station and we all hopped in Bali Ocean Reef's van and climb the hills to enjoy the calmness and breathtaking sunset view.
After a fulfilling sunset with the crew, we closed the day with Balinese style of dining, Megibung. Mr. Komang and his team prepared what we agreed on labeling, the best dining experience of the year. Megibung is a traditional communal dining practice in Bali, Indonesia, where people share a meal from a common platter. Megibung is not just about food; it's a cultural practice that embodies the values of community, equality, spirituality, and tradition in Balinese society.
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Day 4: Cultural Workshop and Cleansing (September 10th, 2023)
The next morning, our final day in Pemuteran, we were welcomed to Pemuteran Templefor a cleansing ceremonies called Melukat.Melukat is a traditional Balinese Hindu purification ritual that involves cleansing the body and soul through a ceremonial bathing process. This ritual is an integral part of Balinese culture and Hindu religious practices. There are various reasons why Melukat is performed including spiritual purification, healing, protection from negative influences, and restoring harmony. We experienced Melukat as a sign of cleansing ourselves from negative influences and restoring harmony.
Our welcome week journey concluded with heartfelt farewells, promising to stay connected to the environment and the community.
By Billy Bagus
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