AJCUI Hosts UIC for NUTRIA Phase 3: A Week of Academic and Cultural Immersion
4/5/2025 12:00:00 AM
Jakarta, April 5–12, 2025 – Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia (AJCUI) successfully hosted the third and final phase of the NUTRIA Program (Nutrition, Universal Training, and Research for International Advancement), in close collaboration with the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), Philippines. This in-person exchange was a continuation of the earlier virtual and outbound activities held in January and February, and brought together 12 UIC students and 2 faculty members, led by Dr. Nelca Stephany U. Amatong and Prof. Florence S. Suarez, both from UIC’s Nutrition and Dietetics program. The week-long program was coordinated by AJCUI’s School of Bioscience, Technology, and Innovation (SBTI) and the International Office, and was designed to provide a holistic academic, professional, and cultural immersion experience.
NUTRIA Phase 3 opened with a warm welcome at AJCUI’s BSD Campus, where participants were greeted by AJCUI leadership and faculty members. After a campus tour and orientation, the delegation began a series of academic lectures and practical workshops on food science, public health, and Indonesian nutrition practices. Among the highlights were the tempeh- and tapai-making workshops, where students learned about Indonesia’s heritage in food fermentation and its role in local nutrition. UIC lecturers also delivered guest sessions open to AJCUI students. Prof. Suarez presented on “Food Intake and Physical Activity and Its Effect on Mental Health”, while Dr. Amatong discussed “Combating Stress Eating: Student’s Edition.” These sessions sparked engaging conversations and peer learning across both student bodies, enriching the overall academic exchange.
The week’s itinerary also included a visit to PT Sasa Inti, a leading Indonesian food company, where students explored the production of food seasoning and corporate nutrition strategies. This industry visit bridged academic concepts with real-world applications, helping students better understand how nutrition education intersects with the food industry.
A Fitting Conclusion to a Three-Phase Journey
NUTRIA is not just an academic program, but a vehicle for cultural diplomacy and student mobility. The UIC delegation engaged in traditional dance workshops in collaboration with the Jakarta Provincial Culture Office, participated in a city tour of Jakarta’s heritage site, Kota Tua, and explored Indonesian cuisine through informal culinary sessions. These intercultural experiences allowed students to appreciate Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity and compare perspectives with their own backgrounds in Davao.
The program concluded on April 12 with a farewell and certificate ceremony, followed by a friendly closing lunch hosted by AJCUI. During the closing, heartfelt reflections were shared by participants and faculty alike, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality, the learning opportunities, and the lifelong friendships built throughout the exchange. The successful implementation of NUTRIA Phase 3 is a testament to the strong academic bond between AJCUI and UIC. Through this program, both institutions have not only enhanced their curriculum in nutrition and dietetics, but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations in community-based health, cross-cultural research, and international learning mobility. (RBA)
