Studying abroad has always been my dream since I was in highschool. When I heard there is this program called Indonesian International Student Mobility Award known as IISMA, I feel like this is the one for me, and finally, I got the opportunity to be an IISMA Awardee at Coventry University!
Studying at Coventry University is a very new experience for me! Not only gaining new courses, but I also experience a lot of new cultural experiences. It is 4 months full of happiness for me. Additionally, as a media production management student, I feel that all the skills that I already have are being utilised well during my studies in Coventry University. I hope that by participating in IISMA, it will open many new opportunities for me in the future.
Daffa Dhiya Ulhaq. IISMA 2023 Awardee at Coventry University, United Kingdom.
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you, you can’t do something, not even me. Alright? You dream, you gotta protect it. If you want something, go get it. Period.” – Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness. Feeling inspired by Chris Gardner’s powerful words, I’ve really grasped the importance of determination and hard work in chasing your dreams. Choosing to study abroad with the Indonesian International Student Mobility Award (IISMAVO) is the result of lots of effort and sticking with it. I truly believe that with dedication and hustle, you can make your dreams happen. That’s what keeps me going, striving to make my dreams a reality. Being at Arts University Bournemouth is a big move for me, a bold step towards honing my creativity. Every day here is a step closer to reaching those dreams I hold close. Each piece of work I create is a sign of my imagination and dedication. And as an IISMAVO awardee, I’ve learned it’s not just about academics—it’s more than that. I’ve gained a broader perspective and had some unexpected experiences that have shaped me into someone who’s all about making positive changes on this journey called life.
Muhamad Nujjiya Zhahirin. IISMAvo (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards Vocational Edition) awardee Arts University Bournemouth, United Kingdom 2023.
I’m eternally thankful for this life-changing opportunity. As the first member of my family to earn a government scholarship to study overseas, I struggled to find words to fully convey my joy and gratitude. My initial goal was merely to get a scholarship. However, God provided more than I asked for and sent me far away from Indonesia to be an International Student Mobility Awardee in Taiwan.
This scholarship was not earned exclusively through my efforts; it is a gift. By studying Business Management and 9 amazing courses, this will certainly equip me to enter the workforce after I graduate from Media Production Management. Even though living as an international student has proven to be more complicated than I had anticipated, I am convinced that this deep experience signals the start of an even more spectacular future: it will not be in vain. All for His glory.
Irna Herawati. IISMA (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards) awardee at the National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taiwan 2023.
I am Irene Anastasya, an IISMAVO awardee at the University of Pécs, Hungary. I never stop dreaming that there will be an opportunity to study abroad. And when that dream came true, a thousand words could not express how valuable this life-changing experience was. I have finished my student exchange program at the University of Pécs, Hungary.
I studied Community Development in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. I had the opportunity to do an internship at the Pecs Community Foundation, a non-governmental organization, for 4 months. It was an incredible and valuable experience that changed my life. I also had the chance to meet new people with different backgrounds, experience new cultures, and travel to Europe while studying and exploring the world through cross-cultural experiences. I’m happy to share my experience during my study abroad.
“Use your losses as a blocks to build yourself stairs leading up. Think about it. Now, You’ve got the highest staircase. Take your time to climb it and take whatever you want.” Having a dream to study abroad has been my dream since I was a kid, when I was selected as one of the awardees, there was a greater sense than just being happy. There was a huge impact on my life, I came to believe that I was able and worthy to feel this all.
Participating in this program not only gains new experiences, but also meets new people which I eventually call family. seeing another world with a new perspective, is something I might not be able to get again. Studying different subjects also made me get new things and also enriched my skills. I hope my experience can be an inspiration for other students to pursue their dreams.
Jemima Audrey. IISMAVO (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards Vocational Edition) awardee at the La Trobe University, Australia 2022
Being an IISMAVO awardee from the University of Pécs is the greatest accomplishment of my life. Having the opportunity to live and continue my studies in Hungary, a country located in central Europe, provided me with experiences and encounters with stories and wonderful people. Going abroad and being away from my family for the first time was both a challenge and never-ending blessing for me. About how I pursued a major Community Development education through a classroom plus industrial experience scheme, about adapting to a foreign environment, and being able to exploring Europian countries. Being surrounded by an international environment is an opportunity for my friends and I to be able to introduce Indonesia more broadly to the world.
Life as a Pecs awardee is not that easy as I thought, but I do believe this once in a lifetime experience will shape me into an extraordinary person for the future. “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney. I always remember that this whole incredible story was started with a dream. Sharfina Annisa Salsabila. IISMAVO (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards Vocational Edition) awardee at the University of Pécs, Hungary, 2022.
“Studying abroad is about experiencing a foreign country — and the most beautiful, important part of a country’s culture is its people.” – Alexander Kolker
Becoming one of the awardees for student exchanges to South Korea has been my dream since junior high school and by participating in the Ajou University Spring Exchange program, I can make this dream come true. For 6 months that I couldn’t forget, I felt what it was like to be a student in South Korea. At Ajou University, I studied Digital Media. It was an amazing experience because in addition to learning about academics, I also had the opportunity to learn culture and meet new friends from different countries. Raditha Angelica Ratanakirey. Ajou University Spring Exchange Program 2022 at Ajou University, South Korea.
Despite all the differences I have to face, in the end I was grateful to be able to experience this opportunity. It is not hard to adapt to the new environment because the people welcomed me well. I will always hold dear the things that I have received and learned. Studying abroad was such a new and different experience for me. I have always wanted to see the world and wonder what will the world look like from the other side of it. The fact that the world is vast means there are many things to learn and explore. I always thought it would be great if I could do that, learning many things as far as I could across the world. With that in mind, I finished my 4 months exchange at La Trobe College Australia.
Ghaniya Alifa Chairani. IISMAVO (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards Vocational Edition) awardee at the La Trobe University, Australia 2022.
Cornelia Ardine. IISMA (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards) awardee at the Korea University, 2021