Looking back, the experience was far more than just academic. Living and learning in a new country challenged me in ways I had never imagined — it pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a space of deep personal and professional growth.
My time at the University of Pécs taught me that community development is not just about theory or policy — it’s about people. It’s about listening, collaborating, and understanding the roots of social issues in order to create meaningful change. I saw how different cultures approached these challenges, and it broadened my perspective on what it truly means to serve a community.
To those aspiring to make a difference: know that opportunities like this can shape your future in ways you can’t yet imagine. Believe in your vision, stay open to growth, and never stop learning.
I am forever grateful to IISMA for making this journey possible, to the University of Pécs for the unforgettable learning environment, and to everyone who supported me along the way.
Dynasmara Volanza Devi, IISMA 2024 Awardee at University of Pécs, Hungary.
At first, I signed up for IISMA just for fun. I really didn’t expect anything serious to come out of it. But it turns out that my little “just for fun” moment ended up teaching me some of the most valuable lessons in my life. I honestly didn’t expect that studying at Phoenix Academy would change such a big part of me.
During my time in Australia, I realized how big the world actually is and how much I still don’t know. It really opened my eyes. I got to experience different cultures, new ways of learning, and even learned how to survive on my own in a totally new environment. And honestly, a lot of those lessons are things I believe we should bring back and apply in Indonesia too.
Studying at Phoenix Academy wasn’t just about classes, it was about growing, making friends, and seeing the world in a whole new way.
I’m so grateful for this experience, and I really hope that more Indonesian students can get a chance to experience something like this too. Sometimes, the things we do without thinking too much end up being the ones that change our lives the most.
Audrey Sabila Andrea, Awardee of the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards at Phoenix Academy 2024, Australia.
Joining a student exchange program had never crossed my mind before, until I came across the IISMA program and decided to apply but not expect anything. And finally, I got the opportunity as one of the IISMAVO 2024 awardees at Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand.
Spending 4 months on a student exchange was one of the most valuable and unforgettable experiences of my life. I met new friends from different backgrounds and countries, tried many new things, and improved many skills while living abroad. I’m very grateful for this opportunity—not everyone gets the chance—and I truly thank my university, study program, and everyone involved.
Amanda Putri Julianti, IISMAVO 2024 Awardee at Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand.
Joining the IISMA program and studying at Phoenix Academy through the Diploma of Business course has been a dream come true. Ever since I was a little, I’ve always dreamed of studying abroad, not just to experience a new culture, but to challenge myself and grow beyond the classroom.
One of the most impactful parts of the program was the Capstone project, where I had the opportunity to work in a team to develop a comprehensive business plan from market research to execution strategy. This hands-on experience sharpened my leadership, critical thinking, and project management skills, which are highly relevant to my field in Media Production Management.
Working closely with peers from different cultural and academic backgrounds during the Capstone project also taught me the value of collaboration, adaptability, and clear communication in achieving shared goals.
More than just academic growth, IISMA gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone, build lifelong friendships, and return home with a renewed passion to contribute meaningfully to Indonesia’s creative and business industries.
Winda Syifa Sahira, Awardee of the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards at Phoenix Academy 2024, Western Australia.
When I was a teenager, I often imagined how happy I would be if I could one day visit Hanyang University. At the very least, I dreamed of taking a photo there.
Honestly, at that time, my dream didn’t go beyond that. But God, with His perfect plans, answered my prayers in ways I never expected.
I didn’t just visit, I lived and grew in the Hanyang University for six months. During that time, I learned many new things, made friends from various backgrounds, and even had the opportunity to intern at Fast campus, Day1 Company, the number one K-Edutech company in South Korea as a Social Media Marketing.
I am deeply grateful for all these experiences, which I received as an Awardee of the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) 2024. When I return to Indonesia, I hope these experiences can bring broader benefits to others.
Aisyah Islamiati, Awardee of the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards at Hanyang University 2024, South Korea.
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