“Proud and Overjoyed!” This is the word that keeps echoing at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara. Successfully passing the strict selection of the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) 2023 program, 20 Universitas Multimedia Nusantara’s students have the opportunity to study at the world’s top universities for 4-6 months.
Since 2021, the IISMA program has been a flagship program of the Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Not only is it a great opportunity for students to learn and interact across cultures, but it also serves as the initial gateway for universities to establish international collaborations.
In the IISMA 2023 program, the Visual Communication Design (VCD) program at UMN managed to have 3 students pass the selection to participate in this program. This represents an improvement from the previous year’s IISMA program. With different backgrounds, motivations, and goals, Ellen, Nicolas, and Belinda share their successful experiences in participating in the IISMA selection process.
One Step Closer to a Dream Through IISMA, Ellen Viola Sugiharto, a 2020 UMN VCD student, has successfully obtained the opportunity to study Sports and Learning in Australian Culture and Learning in Outdoor Education at the University of Sydney. Although Ellen failed in the previous year, it didn’t discourage her from trying again and giving her best in the selection stages. In the interview, Ellen revealed the key to her success in participating in IISMA: knowing yourself better, understanding your dreams, what you want to be in 5 years, your potentials and weaknesses, and lastly to never give up.
Starting out as a casual endeavor, Nicolas Wijaya, who initially participated in IISMA out of curiosity after being invited by a friend, eventually had the chance to study Advertising and International Business at Hanyang University in Korea. With thorough preparation and hopes of gaining new experiences, connections, knowledge, and skills, this 2021 VCD UMN student succeeded in the selection process. In the interview, Nico advised to seize the opportunities in front of you, even if success is not guaranteed.
Belinda Rosalyn, a 2020 VCD UMN student, seized the opportunity to study Humanity at the University of Rome. Belinda shared her difficulties and journey during the selection stages, from preparing for English tests and writing essays to the nervousness she felt during the English-language interview. Stepping out of her comfort zone and engaging in international communities are among Belinda’s hopes for her cross-country learning experience. At the end of the interview, Belinda gave a message to friends who intend to participate in IISMA in the future, “If you have clear goals and the intention, just give it a try, even if there are many uncertainties. It’s called a process, whether you’re accepted or not, there will definitely be lessons to learn from it.”