Unesa.ac.id, SURABAYA-Being able to study at one of the universities abroad is the dream of many people. However, not all of them got the opportunity, because they had to go through a series of selection processes and intense competition. Three students of the State University of Surabaya (UNESA) were able to prove it. They have just passed the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) 2022 scholarship program and will study at a foreign university for one semester. Some went to Spain, the USA and the Czech Republic.
The three students in question, namely, 1) Dara Nabila Salsabyla from S-1 Communication Studies received a scholarship to the 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. 3) Syifaa Khairunnisa from S-1 English Literature has the opportunity to study at Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic.
To the PR team, Daffa Putra Amrullah Sigit admitted that he was happy to have the opportunity to go abroad. Moreover, the college where he was accepted was one of the best campuses in the United States. "Of course this is the best opportunity for me and I will take full advantage of it so that I will return home with something valuable for myself, my alma mater and the country," he said.
Daffa said that the opportunity started with information about the IISMA program from one of her lecturers and asked her to prepare herself. Daffa and her friends immediately rushed to find information about the program on the official website or social media. To facilitate coordination, those who are interested in the program immediately create a WA group, called IISMA Seekers.
With full hope, Daffa will not only prepare in terms of language skills such as IELTS/TOEFL/DET. But also looking for international relations, seeking information and experiences of others studying abroad and trying to understand the cycle and culture of studying abroad. After preparing all the specified requirements, Daffa took part in the UNESA internal selection and was successful, then received a letter of recommendation from the Academic Sector (Vice Chancellor 1).
After program registration was opened, Daffa then registered and chose two destination campuses, namely the University of California-Davis, US and the University of Sussex, UK. The student from Surabaya chose the two campuses because of their reputation and big name. "After all, the UK and America are among the countries that have a good education system, that's why I went there," he explained.
He revealed that during the essay selection and interview process, he did not give the best. Moreover, the minimum DET score at the University of California-Davis, USA is 105, the list of competitors is also many and includes competent students so Daffa feels pessimistic. Because of the support of all parties, he chose to fight maximally and managed to maintain his DET with a value of 140.
In the essay stage, Daffa is faced with 4 questions that must be answered in a maximum of 350 words. The first question is about academic and non-academic achievements so far and the process of getting them. The second question is about the plan to 'engage' the international community and in order to introduce Indonesia in the eyes of the world. The third question describes the hurdles/challenges/difficulties experienced during the lecture and how to overcome them.
While the fourth, regarding the condition of physical & mental health and how to maintain the two health. He succeeded and proceeded to the interview stage which outlines the contents of the essay written and introduces himself.
Daffa and her two friends will leave at the end of July or early August to take courses in Critical Reasoning, Introduction to Mass Communication, Introduction to Film Studies, and Self & Society at the University of California-Davis, USA. It is hoped that when participating in the program, Daffa will not only want to gain experience but also contribute to Unesa and for Indonesia. "I hope that the contribution can be in the form of providing relations, insights, and new innovations, especially in the field of my own department and study program," hoped the student who was born in 2002.
There are several tips Daffa in getting the scholarship. First you have to set goals and strengthen your willpower. Second, determine future targets. That way learning and preparation can be focused. Third, hard, intelligent and sincere efforts, including in increasing international relations. "Of course it's also important to continue to improve your skills, especially in English language skills, because you don't only compete at the university level but with participants from all over Indonesia," he said.
For information, the IISMA 2022 program is one of the flagship programs of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) which aims to provide rights and opportunities for students to develop competence and knowledge, as well as provide study experiences at independent universities abroad. Scholarship recipients will study directly at the selected university for 1 (one) semester which can be equivalent to up to 20 credits. [UNESA PR]
Author : Esti
Editor: @zam*
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