The Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program has become a dream for many Indonesian students who want to study abroad. To prepare its students for IISMA, the Faculty of Economics and Business of Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), through a collaboration between the Career and Development Unit (CSDU) and the Global Leadership Forum (GLF UGM), organized a talk show at the Beyond Borders 2024 event.
The talk show, titled “Bridging Global Opportunities: Preparing Aspiring Leaders for International Exchange Success, featured several IISMA alumni who shared their exchange experiences across continents, including Australia, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. This event was held on Friday, November 8, 2024, in the Learning Building Corridor of the FEB UGM.
Setting Goals and Choosing a Host University
Sulthan Hanief Afiin, a 2023 IISMA awardee from Hanyang University and a 2021 Management student, shared his experiences and tips for success in IISMA, especially for those aspiring to study abroad.
“Setting clear goals before participating in IISMA or any other international program is important. This experience is about academics, broadening horizons, and meeting people from different cultural backgrounds,” he said on Friday (11/8).
Sulthan explained why he chose Hanyang University as his host institution. He was drawn to Hanyang because it is one of the top ten universities in Korea. In addition, the university offers several management-related majors, making it easier for him to fit in. Another factor that attracted him to Hanyang was its unique courses, such as Behavioral Economics, which examines human behavior from an economic perspective.
When asked why he chose South Korea for his international experience, Sulthan explained his interest in Korean culture and his desire to learn about the country’s rapid development into a leading nation. He was amazed by South Korea’s progress over the past 3-4 decades, going from one of the poorest countries in the world after World War II to a prosperous nation.
IELTS preparation for IISMA
Sulthan emphasized the importance of having adequate English language skills. When preparing for IELTS, he stressed the need for self-assessment to understand one’s strengths and weaknesses. The test consists of four sections: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. “To identify your weaknesses, take a practice test to determine your current level and set a realistic goal within a certain time frame,” he explained.
In addition to studying, he stressed that practice is the key to overcoming the challenging IELTS test. He recommended preparing well for optimal results and reminded participants to rest enough to avoid fatigue. To monitor progress, he suggested taking a course or finding a mentor.
Strategies for Writing an Essay and Handling Interviews
Sulthan emphasized the importance of a focused, concise essay in the statement of purpose. He advised that the essay convey a genuine desire to study at the chosen university. A well-written essay can demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to the IISMA program. “Avoid unnecessary fluff and check your grammar with tools like Grammarly or by asking for feedback from more experienced friends,” he suggested.
One phrase that helped Sulthan confidently approach interviews was that an interview is an affirmation, not an interrogation. Interview questions typically revolve around the submitted essay, so it is crucial to understand your essay thoroughly. He also stressed the importance of making a positive first impression by being polite, avoiding arrogance, and acknowledging personal weaknesses with solutions.
Study Experience in South Korea
While in South Korea, Sulthan experienced an engaging academic environment where he collaborated with peers from different countries. This broadened his knowledge and enriched his perspective on problem-solving. He found the learning environment very supportive and inclusive, as professors respected all students regardless of their backgrounds.
Although South Korea is part of Asia, the language barrier was a significant challenge. Most public signs are in Hangul (Korean alphabet); only some people outside the campus speak English. Therefore, Sulthan recommended that future exchange students prepare by learning to read the Korean alphabet for more effortless adjustment. For Muslim students, he suggested visiting the Itaewon area to find halal food and praying at the largest mosque in South Korea.
For Sulthan, the experience he gained through IISMA was about learning in the classroom, understanding the culture, building networks, and becoming more independent abroad. He described it as a valuable experience that enriches understanding and builds international connections. “Don’t just focus on academics; make the most of your time by participating in activities such as hiking, volunteering, or cultural exchanges,” he concluded.
Reportage: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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