Beyond the Conference Hall: Memories and Lessons from ICOSS
Attending ICOSS 2025 in Bangkok was one of the most exciting and memorable experiences during my master’s study. As a student from Indonesia, I was nervous and excited at the same time because I was like, “Oh God, people there are much smarter than me and come from diverse backgrounds, but I can still present my paper.”
At first, I thought the conference would feel very formal and intimidating. But once the sessions started, I realized how welcoming and supportive the environment was. Let me acknowledge the committee members who helped me a lot before and during the conference. Everyone was open to discussion, sharing ideas, and learning from each other. It did not feel like people were competing academically but rather growing together through conversation and collaboration.
One of the most unforgettable parts of ICOSS was meeting the keynote speakers and researchers and having a discussion with them. For me, it felt surreal to sit in the same room, listen to their insights directly, and even have the opportunity to talk with them after the sessions. As a student, those small discussions meant a lot to me because I could ask questions, hear their perspectives, and learn how experienced scientists think about research and real-world problems.
During the conference, I presented my research about ENSO and inflation dynamics in Southeast Asia. I was quite nervous before presenting because I worried about my English and whether my research would be interesting enough. However, the audience was very encouraging. Instead of feeling judged, I felt supported. The feedback I received actually helped me see my research from a broader perspective and gave me new ideas for improving my analysis.
Beyond the presentations, I also enjoyed talking with participants from different countries and backgrounds which were still connected with one of them until now. Even though we came from different places, it was interesting to see how social science connects many similar issues across countries.
Another thing I appreciated about ICOSS was how it helped me grow personally. Before joining the conference, I often doubted myself and questioned whether I was capable enough to present internationally. But after finishing my presentation and interacting with other participants, I felt much more confident. The experience reminded me that academic conferences are not only about the results of my research, but also about learning, improving, and stepping outside of our comfort zones.
Of course, the memories were not only inside the conference hall, especially since it was my first time visiting Thailand. Exploring Bangkok, trying local food, and spending time with new friends made the experience even more meaningful. Those moments created a balance between academic learning and personal connection, which made the conference feel warm and memorable rather than stressful.
Looking back, I feel truly grateful to have been part of ICOSS 2025. It was more than just a Conference on Social Sciences for me. It became a place where I learned, reflected, built confidence, and met inspiring people who genuinely care about research and society.
For future participants, especially students who may feel nervous about joining an international conference, I would say: just take the opportunity. You may arrive feeling anxious, but you will leave with new knowledge, new connections, and memories that stay with you far beyond the conference itself.
Cheers,
Panca Rahadi Mulyo
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pancarahadi