Surabaya, 2025 — In April 2025, three exchange students from France; Arthur, Odhin, and Noam are currently enriching their academic and cultural horizons at Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya (PENS) under the International Student Exchange Program.
From the moment they landed in Surabaya, the trio was struck by the warmth and hospitality of the local community. “Everyone was incredibly welcoming; I even received food from kindhearted locals,” they shared. Unlike their experiences back home, this genuine generosity made a strong impression.
Before arriving here, Arthur had only known Jakarta and Bali. But during his time in Surabaya, he discovered a vibrant academic environment and a rich urban culture. He highlighted the advanced practical learning opportunities available at PENS, especially in robotics, AR, and
VR which are far less common in his home institution in France. “In France, we attend lectures from morning until evening. But at PENS, we gain so much more through hands-on projects and collaboration,” Arthur explained.
On the academic front, Odhin and Noam teamed up on a rice-planting robot project guided by PENS lecturer Pak Endro Pitowarno. Meanwhile, Arthur participated in an AR-based robotics project under the supervision of Bu Hesti, highlighting PENS strong emphasis on collaborative, practice-oriented education.
Although the students prioritize academic commitments, they still find occasional time to stroll through the city center, explore local malls, or relax in their apartments. While they have mastered basic Bahasa Indonesia, they’ve also picked up a few Javanese expressions from friendly peers.
Indonesian cuisine, with its bold flavors, differs significantly from French cuisine especially for those unaccustomed to spicy dishes. Nonetheless, the students have enthusiastically tried dishes such as rawon, soto, sate, bakso, and honey-sauce chicken at the PENS canteen.
Outside the campus atmosphere, Lombok emerged as their favorite destination in Indonesia. Describing it as peaceful and stunning, they said they would “definitely take friends and family there” to experience its beauty firsthand. Their travels also included visits to Mount Bromo, Bali, Yogyakarta, and Karimun Jawa.
For Odhin and Noam, both practicing Muslims, Indonesia has proven exceptionally accommodating. They appreciate the ease of accessing halal food and the freedom to wear a jubah for prayers at the mosque without drawing unwelcome attention from others.