My experience in Surabaya 2025
By Miriam
After a 35-hour journey, I finally arrived in Surabaya. At my accommodation, a cozy
student dormitory, I was warmly welcomed. The next day was already my first day at
the hospital. Ozora, the local LEO, welcomed me at the entrance and showed me the
place where I had to meet my superviser. We waited together for my supervisor, Dr.
Yunus. When he arrived, he gave me a tour of the hospital and introduced me to all his
colleagues. Then, I joined a doctor in the orthopedic outpatient clinic along with some
local students. I was very grateful that they translated almost everything into English
and patiently answered all my questions about the patients. After lunch, were I tried
‘Soto’, I was able to join the students for a small lecture, which was very interesting.
During the following weeks, a typical hospital day started around 8 AM. I had the option
to either go to the outpatient clinic or join a doctor in the operating theatre. The
atmosphere in the operating room was very friendly, and I was usually allowed to
assist, so I was able to learn a lot.
On the first Friday, the medical students organized a welcoming party for the incoming
students. They invited us to a beautiful house where I also met my buddy, Nayyara, for
the first time. After a short round of introductions, there was an amazing buffet full of
traditional Indonesian dishes. Everything was explained to us, and then we ate
together the delicious food and had great conversations while getting to know each
other. After dinner, we also received an ‘Upon Arrival’ training session led by Ozora,
which was very interesting and helpful.
During the next week, two more welcoming events took place. The first was a hospital
orientation given by the Head of Academics at Rumah Sakit Universitas Airlangga. She
presented information about the hospital with a focus on its international
collaborations. The second event was a welcome ceremony organized by the Office of
International Affairs at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga.
During the weekends, I had some time off. The first weekend, I stayed in Surabaya and
accompanied a student to a basketball match (thank you again for taking me with
you!). It was a big annual competition where doctors and students played against each
other. It was an exciting event.
The second weekend, I traveled to Yogyakarta by train. I really enjoyed my time there
— I visited the Borobudur and Prambanan temples, both of which were incredibly
impressive. I learned a lot about the history and the different religions. I also explored
the Jomblang Cave and the Pindul Cave, absolutely beautiful! I really enjoyed the
atmosphere of Yogyakarta.

On my third weekend, I traveled to Mount Bromo to see the sunrise — it was the most
breathtaking natural spectacle I have ever seen.
The local students also organized a social program in Surabaya. We visited the two
Museums and created own batik. It was a lot of fun, it was a great day.
I am truly glad and grateful that I had the opportunity to gain all these experiences.
I would like to thank everyone who this possible, In particular, I would like to thank my
buddy, Nayyara, and Ozora for always helping me whenever I needed assistance.
Terima kasih!