For many students, learning usually takes place in lecture halls, internships, or competitions. But sometimes, the most meaningful lessons come from stepping outside familiar environments and experiencing the world firsthand.
Programs like the outgoing Global Volunteer (oGV), an exchange initiative organized by AIESEC, give students the opportunity to do exactly that while contributing to real communities around the world.
Learning beyond the classroom
One inspiring story comes from Nickholas Pratama Rusli, an Accounting undergraduate from Universitas Airlangga. Driven by curiosity to explore beyond campus life, he spent 42 days joining a volunteer exchange project in Yilan County, Taiwan.
The project aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8.9 through the “On the Map” program, which focuses on promoting sustainable tourism that supports local economic growth and creates decent work opportunities.
In Yilan, Nickholas volunteered at a countryside mini farm that also serves as an educational tourism site. The place resembles a small open-air zoo, where visitors can interact with animals such as capybaras, llamas, and kangaroos while learning about nature and rural life.
Nickholas’ interest in finance shaped the way he viewed the experience. He saw it as an opportunity to understand how a small tourism business creates economic value in an international context.
Together with other international volunteers, he helped prepare food for the animals, maintained the farm environment, and interacted with visitors exploring the site. Through these simple but meaningful routines, volunteers were able to observe how a local tourism business operates and contributes to the surrounding community’s economy.
Gaining perspective through global exchange
However, for Nickholas, the most valuable part was not only the work itself. Living abroad for more than a month allowed him to experience cultural exchange firsthand. Meeting people from different countries and adapting to a new environment helped him see the world from a broader perspective.
“When we see the world directly, we learn many things we never imagined before.”
According to him, experiences such as competitions or internships in one’s home country remain important. Yet international exposure can open new perspectives, global friendships, and opportunities that may not always be found locally.
The outgoing Global Volunteer (oGV) program itself offers a wide range of projects across different sectors and countries. From education and environmental initiatives to tourism and community development, students can choose projects that match their interests while contributing to meaningful social impact.
During his 42 days in Taiwan, Nickholas not only gained practical experience but also built friendships with people from around the world that continue even today.
Before ending his story, he shared one message for students who may still hesitate to take the first step:
“Do you want to take this opportunity now, or regret it later because you never tried?”
For students who want to gain international exposure, expand their network, and explore opportunities abroad, the Global Volunteer exchange program through AIESEC in Surabaya can be a meaningful place to start.
To learn more, visit AIESEC.org or check the official Instagram of AIESEC in Surabaya (@aiesecsurabaya) and discover where your global journey could begin.
Experience the world through volunteering with AIESEC!
