International academic experiences are one way to broaden horizons and build intercultural skills. The Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Gadjah Mada offers its students the opportunity to gain global experience through the International Exposure Program.
Sekar Pramesti Ratri Maheswari, a student in the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) in Management, had the opportunity to participate in the International Exposure Program. She shared her inspiring story of participating in the Winter Short Program at Toulouse Business School, France, for two weeks in January 2024. “I participated in this program because the content was fresh and relevant to my field of study. I took the Cross-Cultural and Global HR course because it aligned with the FEB UGM curriculum and could be converted into credits,” she explained in the latest Let’s Go Around the World (LGAW) podcast.
Key steps
In preparing to apply for the program, Sekar had to gather several administrative documents required by the program. These documents included a motivation letter/cover letter, resume/CV, English proficiency test results, academic transcript, and passport scan. The document submission process was done through the official Toulouse Business School platform. Sekar mentioned that there was no further interview stage, so writing a strong motivation letter was key to being accepted into the program.
Regarding facilities, Toulouse Business School offers several amenities, including accommodation close to campus and affordable access to public transportation. They also have an initiative to improve teaching methods by organizing free study tours to enrich the learning experience.
Valuable Experience
Sekar shared that the experience was valuable for her because it taught her to interact and work with friends from different countries. “It was also challenging because we had to understand each other and adapt to an environment with different backgrounds and ways of thinking,” she said.
Not only did she gain academic experience on campus, but Sekar also experienced firsthand what it’s like to adjust to life as an international student. For example, when looking for food that suited her taste as an Indonesian, she would go to Turkish or Indian restaurants known for their intense spice flavors.
“I gained many different perspectives and had to adapt to the environment. But the experience was invaluable because it taught me tolerance,” she recalls.
During the program, Sekar admitted to facing several challenges, one of which was language-related. She had to think harder in class because the professors used a Peruvian accent.
Sekar admitted that she gained many positive experiences from the program. She felt that her soft skills improved, making her more adaptable, better at problem-solving, and better at understanding situational contexts.
At the end of the discussion, Sekar also shared tips on surviving in a foreign country. One of her suggestions is to have an open mind to become more critical. “Be more curious and research! It’s better to find out what you will study on campus. It’s also a good idea to research the country you’re going to, its culture, and current issues,” she advised.
Reporter: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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