Unesa.ac.id, SURABAYA - There are many scholarship programs that can be used to continue higher education abroad. Of course there are conditions that must be met and follow a series of selections that are quite competitive. Well, for those who are interested in studying the scholarship route, of course, they need to prepare themselves and be able to 'learn' from the experiences of those who have passed, such as Syifaa Khoirunnisaa for example.
Syifaa is a student of the S-1 English Literature study program, Faculty of Language and Arts (FBS), Surabaya State University (UNESA) who received the 2022 Indonesian Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) scholarship at Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic. He is one of three students who received the same scholarship this year.
Two other students, namely Dara Nabila Salsabyla from S-1 Communication Studies received scholarships to Universidad de Granada or University of Granada (UGR), Spain. 2) Daffa Putra Amrullah Sigit from S-1 English Education received a scholarship to the University of California-Davis (UC Davis), United States.
To the PR team, the woman who is familiarly called Syifa shared her experiences and tips on applying for the scholarship.
1. Foreign Language Certificate
Syifa explained that the main requirement for pursuing scholarships abroad, for example to Europe, is having the ability to speak foreign languages, especially English. Therefore, preparations must be made in advance, namely learning English, it can be in the community or it can be through courses.
While studying, you can also practice answering English test questions, for example those used in the TOEFL or IELTS. In addition, it is also necessary to occasionally take the test directly until the score or score obtained is above the minimum standard to apply for a scholarship to an outside campus. In learning English, of course you must have a plan and a target. "This English certificate is what we have to pocket first. That's what I did, so thank God I was able to pass the IISMA scholarship," he said.
2. Quality Essays
IISMA scholarship requirements, participants must also prepare an essay. It seems that this also applies to the LPDP program and other scholarships. For Syifa, writing an essay cannot be arbitrary. Essays must be well designed to be of high quality. Experiences and achievements as outlined in the essay must be accompanied by different explanations and perspectives. For example, achievement is not only a matter of competition, but how the process, experience and impact are.
“For example, we want to take part in a competition, if possible, not because we want to win or to participate in a scholarship. Just intend to learn and gain experience while improving yourself. From that competition, we can proceed, test ideas and works, then we can learn valuable lessons and experiences from it," he explained.
3. Set Goals
An important part that needs to be done in applying for a scholarship is to determine the goals. For Syifa, it is very important to determine that goal. From that goal, steps can be planned and targets can be determined. At least with a plan and a target, the preparation process can be clearer and more focused. In addition, goals can be motivation when tired.
“We are human, especially when we are young, of course there are many distractions that distract from our goals. Then, of course, you must be tired too, especially if you have studied English and tested many times, but the score is still not low, right? Now, by remembering the goal earlier, the intention was, it makes the spirit and can rise again, "he said.
4. Interview Preparation
Interviews are quite stressful for many people. However, if you have previously practiced, of course it can make it easier. Shiva proves it. Long ago, he had practiced answering the questions that usually appeared in the interview session. Speaking skills are very necessary at this stage.
“For example, when asked about ourselves or our weaknesses and strengths, of course, we can't just explain. We talk and explain to the selection team in a systematic way. We must be honest, what are our weaknesses and strengths. It's normal for everyone to have it. However, how to address the weaknesses and strengths, "he explained.
5. Never Give Up
Syra realized that every goal and ideal requires a process and struggle. Therefore, as long as you struggle and learn to prepare yourself, of course there will be failures or results that are not as expected. This can sometimes make you mentally down and want to despair. “I had failed in the first batch selection and it made me want to give up. However, by remembering my initial ideals, I can be excited again. Rise again," he said.
He found out the cause of his failure in the first batch. One of them is because the English certificate has not been renewed. Since then, he's decided to take the Duolingo test. As it turned out, during the preparation for the duolingo test, batch 2 was opened, so he immediately registered again and actually passed.
“From there, I feel that if you fail at something, don't give up first because there is always a way for those who try. The point is that God has a plan for everyone. My job and all of us, don't stop trying. This is a lesson for me for the future,” he said.
What is the purpose of studying at an overseas campus? Syifa wants to add insight and experience. In addition, he also has the determination to complete a paper on language development. Previously, he explained, it was stopped due to limited information. Because of that, he wanted to meet one of the professors at Palacky University.
In addition, he is also interested in studying the culture of other countries. “I'm also looking for a culture exchange, so I can introduce Indonesian culture and learn about other countries' cultures. Besides that, what's interesting about IISMA is that we can cross majors, so I can take communication, culture, history and psychology studies, so I can study freely," he explained. So, is there anyone who wants to follow in Syifa's footsteps? [UNESA PR]
Author: Muhammad Azhar Adi Mas'ud
Editor: @zam*
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