Opening with Gratitude

The morning began with heartfelt opening remarks from Dr. I Gusti Agung Raka Dalem, Head of the Upskill Summer Course on Sustainable Development and Ecotourism. With sincerity and warmth, he reflected on the past seven years of partnership between Upskill and Udayana University and expressed his deep appreciation to everyone who made this year’s program possible: the dedicated postgraduate team, passionate lecturers, our Upskill organizers, and above all, the students.

Dr. Raka shared how meaningful it has been to see academic knowledge transform into personal growth for each participant. His gratitude echoed throughout the room, setting a warm and reflective tone for the rest of the event.

A Note from the Upskill Team

Representing the organizing team, Laura Korwa, from the Upskill Study Program, followed with her own words of thanks. She extended deep appreciation to Dr. Raka and Dr. Adiartha Griadhi (whose absence was noted with gratitude for his ongoing leadership behind the scenes), crediting their vision and mentorship for the success and academic excellence of this year’s summer courses.

Laura also thanked the postgraduate committee, the tireless Upskill team, and most importantly the students. “You are the reason why we do what we do,” she shared, reflecting on the overwhelmingly positive feedback gathered throughout the course, alongside constructive input that will help make future programs even better.

Student Speeches: From Bali to the World

The ceremony continued with moving student reflections, beginning with Natu, from IST University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Representing the Sustainable Development and Ecotourism cohort, Natu spoke about how deeply she connected with the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana the harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. With a touch of humor and a lot of heart, she even shared her dream of one day opening her own THK Center in Switzerland.

Next came Zany, from University of Kent, representing the Sport and Environment students. With contagious energy, he described his past four weeks as transformative “like being a child again.” From the physical challenges to the cultural discoveries, Zaney expressed how every activity sparked joy, curiosity, and a renewed passion for learning.

Closing with Song (and Nasi Tumpeng!)

Prof. Ida Ayu Astarini, M.Sc., Ph.D., closed the ceremony with grace and strength. She thanked every corner of the room, her postgraduate colleagues, the organizing teams, the dedicated lecturers, and the spirited students. Her message was clear: real education lives beyond books, and Bali has once again proven to be a powerful classroom for addressing global issues like climate change, sustainability, cultural preservation, and wellness.

The celebration wrapped up with a festive lunch featuring nasi tumpeng, a traditional cone-shaped rice dish symbolizing gratitude and unity perfect for closing such a meaningful journey. As the plates emptied, the karaoke machine came to life. Laughter, songs, and heartfelt goodbyes filled the room as one last reminder: learning can be joyful, meaningful, and unforgettable.

At Upskill, we believe that education should never be passive. Through our summer courses in Bali, we aim to inspire students to study abroad in Indonesia in a way that’s holistic, interactive, and deeply connected to place and people.

Whether you're interested in sustainable development, ecotourism, sport and environmental science, or intercultural communication, our programs are designed to help students retain knowledge not just through lectures, but through action, embodiment, and shared experience.

Every day in Bali offers a new lesson, and every student who joins us becomes part of a growing global community committed to creating change.

See you in 2026!