A Foreign Student from Liberia Who is Very Fond of Batik and Fried Rice
The successful implementation of Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) as high learning institute that specifically explores agriculture attracts foreign students to come and study in this university. Such experience was the case with IPB students from Liberia, West Africa, Allen Johnny Borlay, who will be graduated today, Wednesday, 26 July 2017. Allen had been registered as the graduate student of IPB, in Biotechnological Study Program. Allen acknowledged that when he first started in Indonesia, she found it difficult to speak Indonesian. "I finally had been given opportunity to learn Indonesian language for one year," he said.
For him, IPB is a very good campus especially in terms of human resources. "The lecturers here have been so nice and kind. Especially the time when I had just arrived in Indonesia and I studied Indonesian, I had good experience to meet IPB lecturers who sometime adjusted their thought to us when they communicating with me, they and even allow me to take exam in English," he explained.
Allen is the student of School of Graduate Studies of Bogor Agricultural University, and he has been funded by Kerjasama Negara Berkembang (KNB Developing Country Cooperation) Scholarships under the Kemenristekdikti RI. He chose Biotechnology Department because he wanted to develop agriculture in his country, Liberia. "Currently biotechnology experts in Liberia are very rare, especially in agriculture, this the reason why I take Biotechnology Department, majoring in Plant Biotechnology. When I go back to my country I want to develop agriculture there," Allen said.
Indonesia is unique country, and love this uniqueness – particularly Indonesian people who are friendly. "Mostly Indonesians are friendly, they often give smile. The Indonesian people still smile despite the problems they have in their life," he added.
The man who was born in 1988 also expressed he is very fond of batik and fried rice. While he has been pursuing his master degree program in IPB, Allen participated in various activities, one of which was the Forum Wacana the Student Executive Board at the Graduate level. "I am also active in various seminars or conferences, in addition I also active as instructor for foreigners to learn Indonesian," he said.
Allen planned to return home to her country in Liberia to develop an agricultural education there. "To start I will first become an assistant lecturer because my plan will also continue my education to S3 level," she concluded. (Wied)
