The 4th TALENTA-Agricultural Summer Course 2026 series at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU), provided a cross-cultural academic experience for international students. Participants from the Undergraduate Program in Agrotechnology and the Undergraduate Program in Food Technology had the opportunity to visit the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory as part of the Summer Course agenda. Their visit provided an opportunity to directly observe academic and research activities taking place in the laboratory environment.
At the laboratory, participants were introduced to various activities related to plant biotechnology and its utilization in supporting the development of agriculture and food. Interaction with the research environment provided an overview of the application of science and technology in producing innovations relevant to the needs of the agricultural sector. This experience also complemented the materials obtained by participants throughout the Summer Course series.
Interactions throughout the Summer Course series also created an interactive and collaborative learning atmosphere. The exchange of knowledge and experiences provided new perspectives on the utilization of plant biotechnology in supporting agriculture and food. This experience formed part of the learning process that broadened participants' knowledge while strengthening academic networks.
For FP USU, the involvement of international students in academic activities is one form of strengthening the internationalization of higher education. The Summer Course not only introduced participants to the academic environment at USU but also opened opportunities for the establishment of networks and collaborative relationships among academic communities from various countries. This step supports the creation of an educational ecosystem that is open to knowledge exchange and global cooperation.
The 4th TALENTA-Agricultural Summer Course 2026 series also contributes to the achievement of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). These goals are reflected through strengthening knowledge in the fields of agriculture and food, providing experiential learning, and developing international networks. Through the spirit of “Connecting Minds, Growing Futures,” FP USU continues to promote academic experiences that connect knowledge, diversity, and collaboration for the future of sustainable agriculture.