The opening ceremony began with a warm welcome from Ida Ayu Astarini, our head study program, who expressed her excitement about hosting the international students. She emphasized the program's aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of tropical ecology, the unique environment of Bali, and the importance of community-based conservation. Astarini encouraged the students to not only focus on their studies but also to explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of Bali and the surrounding islands, including Yogyakarta in Java.

The students then introduced themselves, sharing their motivations for joining the program. Tobias a biology bachelor's student from Paris Lodron University Salzburg, expressed his desire to specialize in marine biology and gain practical field experience. Marijke from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, specializing in International Development Management with a focus on Disaster Risk Management, aimed to apply her knowledge to future work in tropical coastal regions. Chris, also from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, with a Bachelor of Science in International Development Management, shared his interest in sustainable small-scale fisheries and community-based conservation in Oceania.

Following the student introductions, the lecturers provided insights into their areas of expertise. A.A. Gede Raka Dalem, from the biology department, highlighted his work in sustainability, ecotourism, local wisdom, and biodiversity, emphasizing his competency in mangrove and ecotourism. Tri Komala Sari, with a background in veterinary medicine and virology, discussed her interest in community-based disease surveillance and animal health. Ni Made Ernawati, from the Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, shared her expertise in mangrove ecology, inviting students to share their knowledge of marine biology from their respective countries.

Deny S Yusup, specializing in marine ecology with a focus on seagrass ecosystems and marine aquaculture, spoke about his affiliation with Seagrass Watch Australia and Seagrass Net USA, offering students opportunities to learn about seagrass conservation. Ni Made Utami Dwipayanti, an aspiring ecologist and marine biologist, discussed her work in environmental health, focusing on community-based initiatives for water, sanitation, and hygiene in rural Bali. I.K. Putra Juliantara, from the biology department, introduced himself as the students' buddy and Bahasa Indonesia instructor, promising to accompany them on excursions.

The lecturers emphasized the program's flexibility, noting that the schedule might change to accommodate various learning opportunities and field trips. They highlighted the importance of exploring not only coastal areas but also mountainous regions like MuntiGunung and Batur Geopark, providing a holistic understanding of Bali's diverse ecosystems.

Ida Ayu Astarini concluded the ceremony by inviting students to share any concerns or feedback, reinforcing a supportive and enriching learning environment. She highlighted the program’s dedication to balancing academic rigor with practical experience, enabling students to explore the complexities of tropical coastal ecology and community-based management. In closing, Laura Korwa, the Program Manager of Upskill Study and moderator of the Opening Ceremony, encouraged participants to engage in conversations, connect, and get to know one another better.

The Tropical Coastal Ecology & Community Based Management program's opening ceremony marked the beginning of a meaningful journey for international students from Europe. Through Upskill Study, they traveled to Bali to deepen their understanding of tropical ecosystems and contribute to sustainable conservation efforts. The program offers a transformative experience, combining academic learning with hands-on applications. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship.