Surabaya – The 2026 Join International Class (JIC) at Universitas Airlangga provided a cross-border learning experience for eight participants from Indonesia, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Malaysia, and Timor-Leste. Under the theme “Connecting Global Minds Through Collaborative Learning,” the program, held from 10–13 August 2026, featured the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK) UNAIR as one of its learning spaces on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.
Exploring Fish Beyond Common Understanding
As part of the program, participants attended a session entitled “Know Your Fish, Know Your State,” delivered by Dr. Veryl Hasan, S.Pi., M.Si. Through the session, participants were encouraged to reconsider their basic understanding of fish. Common characteristics, such as living in water, having scales, and possessing fins, were introduced as a starting point before participants explored how these characteristics do not necessarily apply to all fish species.
One fascinating example was the mudskipper, a fish capable of climbing trees. This fact demonstrated that fish possess far more diverse abilities and characteristics than the common perception of aquatic life. The discussion was further expanded to explore the diversity of fish in terms of size, body shape, characteristics, and economic value, ranging from food commodities to high-value ornamental fish.
Expanding Learning Through Fish Exploration
Dr. Veryl also emphasized that studying fish provides broad opportunities for learning, ranging from laboratory research and field activities to community engagement and the use of computer technology. This knowledge can be further developed through research, community service, ecotourism, fish photography, and the exploration of species that have yet to be scientifically described.
As part of the learning activity, participants were assigned to observe fish around the campus, document their findings, and compile them into a catalogue based on their observations. The activity encouraged participants to strengthen their observation skills while recognizing their surrounding environment as an accessible and meaningful learning space.
Supporting Quality Education and Global Partnerships
The activity aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting learning experiences that foster observation skills, critical thinking, and contextual learning. Meanwhile, the participation of students from different countries contributed to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by creating opportunities for knowledge and experience exchange through collaborative learning.
Writer: Alejandro Ahmad Zuhayr
Editor : TPA
