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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!
Study in Bali ! See our latest Sport Short Courses Programs
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!
Study in Bali ! See our latest Sport Short Courses Programs
Students Interview
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Tobias’s Journey: Studying Biology and Marine Ecology Abroad in Udayana Bali
When Tobias, a Biology student from Paris Lodron University Salzburg in Austria, boarded his flight to Indonesia, he wasn’t only traveling to a new country. He was stepping into a new way of learning, one that combined classroom theory with field-based practice, cultural immersion, and personal discovery. His destination: the Upskill Udayana Semester Program in Tropical Coastal Ecology & Community-Based Management.
“Adventures, joyful and spiritual.”
That’s how Tobias now describes his semester abroad in Bali.
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Choosing to Study Abroad in Bali
The decision to study abroad often begins with curiosity, and for Tobias it started with a conversation. While working at a zoo in Salzburg, he met a fellow student who had already studied in Bali. Her experience sparked his interest.
“I was really lucky she recommended the program. I looked up the Upskill Study website, explored the Udayana Semester Program, and saw courses on coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, and community management. As someone passionate about marine biology, I knew it was exactly the kind of program I was looking for.”
Before enrolling, Tobias worked with his professors in Austria to confirm that the courses offered by the Udayana International Program would be credited back home. The process was straightforward, and with full support from his university, Tobias decided to commit to four months of studying abroad in Bali.
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Life as a Student in Bali
Studying at Udayana University gave Tobias an academic foundation while living in Bali provided him with an environment unlike any he had experienced before. Classes began in the morning and ran through the early afternoon. Subjects included:
Marine biology and tropical coastal ecology: focusing on coral reefs, seagrass & seaweed, and mangrove ecosystems.
Community-based management: learning about sustainable development and local participation in conservation.
Bahasa Indonesia: enabling students to communicate and connect with the local community.
The mix of classroom instruction and field lectures gave a rhythm to daily life. Tobias explains:
“For me, as a Biology student, learning about marine organisms was the best part. Bali’s position in the Coral Triangle means biodiversity is extremely high. After lectures, I often went to the beach, surfing or diving, which gave me a different way to experience the same ecosystems I was studying in class.”
This balance of theory and practice is what makes the Udayana Semester Program distinctive. Students don’t just read about ecosystems they see, touch, and study them firsthand.
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Field Excursions: Learning Beyond the Classroom
A defining aspect of the Upskill Udayana International Program is its emphasis on field-based learning. Tobias and his classmates joined numerous excursions that connected academic concepts to real-world sites.
Some highlights included:
Exploring mangrove forests and learning their role in coastal protection.
Diving to observe coral reef biodiversity up close.
Visiting community-led conservation projects in villages around Bali.
Understanding the links between tourism, ecology, and sustainable livelihoods.
Each excursion reinforced classroom theory, allowing students to witness ecological principles in action.
“We saw so many beautiful landscapes and projects. To study tropical coastal ecology in Bali means you’re constantly moving between theory and practice. It’s not just reading about mangroves or corals; it’s standing in the middle of them.”
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Independent Research and Academic Growth
One of the most important academic components of the semester is the student research project. Tobias took this opportunity to design and conduct his own study.
“It was really inspiring and helpful because maybe in the future I want to be a scientist. Learning how to conduct a research project — from design to data collection — gave me experience I couldn’t get from textbooks alone.”
This project not only deepened his understanding of marine biology but also strengthened his academic confidence. For many students, this independent research becomes a highlight of their time abroad and a strong addition to their academic portfolio.
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Cultural Immersion and Daily Life
Beyond academics, studying in Bali offered Tobias the chance to immerse himself in a new culture. The Bahasa Indonesia language classes helped him engage with local communities, while everyday experience, from traditional meals to religious ceremonies added to his understanding of Balinese life.
“The people here are very welcoming and happy. It’s easy to connect, and you quickly feel at home. Traveling alone at first can feel intimidating, but the support from the Upskill team and the friendliness of the Balinese made the transition smooth.”
Afternoons were often spent by the ocean, whether diving to explore marine life or surfing Bali’s famous waves. This blend of study, culture, and lifestyle created a holistic experience one that Tobias says he will carry with him for a lifetime.
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Lasting Impact and Personal Reflection
Looking back on his four months in Bali, Tobias carries not only academic knowledge but also personal growth.
“I experienced so many memorable moments that I’ll keep in my mind for my whole life. This program gave me valuable academic experiences, but also shaped me as a person. I would recommend it to anyone interested in biology, ecology, or even sustainability and community development.”
His advice to future students: don’t hesitate.
“Just do it. It might feel challenging to study abroad and to travel on your own, but you will learn and grow so much. The opportunities are worth it.”
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Why Choose the Upskill Udayana Semester Program?
For students like Tobias, the program offers a rare combination: academic depth, real-world application, and cultural immersion.
Key benefits include:
Specialized courses in biology, tropical coastal ecology, and marine science.
Accredited credits recognized by home universities.
Field excursions across Bali to learn directly from ecosystems and communities.
Independent research projects with academic supervision.
Cultural immersion through local language and community engagement.
Whether your interest lies in marine biology, ecology, sustainability, or environmental management, studying abroad in Bali through the Udayana International Program offers more than education. It offers a new perspective on the world and your place within it.
Take the next step. If you are ready to challenge yourself academically, grow personally, and experience Bali not just as a destination but as a classroom, explore the Upskill Udayana Semester Program today.
By LK
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