The last three years, University Al-Azhar Indonesia (UAI) has been actively taking part in Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA). After being successful with two of the students who selected to be the awardees at University of Limerick, Ireland and Daugavpils University (DU), Latvia, this year UAI has committed to improve in preparing as well as assisting the students who aspire to seize their study abroad opportunity and explore the world beyond border with their potentials.
After filtering many applicants from all the study programs in UAI, 10 students have been selected to participate in the preparation for IISMA 2023. They are Rayhan Achmad Triputro (International Relations 2021), Shafal Abdul Raafi Jaya (International Relations 2020), Kariza Audiel Bintang Akbar (Industrial Engineering 2020), Salsabila Putri (English Language and Culture 2021), Haekal Dean Otamar (English Language and Culture 2020), Layla Miryam Faiza (International Relations 2020), Aini Nur Rachimah Stirman (Electrical Engineering 2020), Ghunyatullaami’ah Akbar (Industrial Engineering 2021), Anndita Denissa .P (Management 2020), and Rizky Sepa Phalosa Ady (Arab Language and Culture 2020).
To meet their objectives, the Office of International of UAI has designed the preparation into several classes with night sections. The first section was started by the class of Introduction to IISMA 2023 and its Technical Regulations. The speaker was Muhammad Fadli, S.E., M.H., Head of Administrative Services Division, Scholarship, Internship, Mobilization and General Affairs. During the class, the selected participants were introduced to IISMA by him. He explained first that the situation currently is getting better so the chance of studying abroad is very possible. He also elaborated that it is important for the student to be an adaptable individual. It is needed since wherever they will be studying later; they need to adjust to other countries’ regulations, cultures, values, and so on. On the other Hand, Mr. Fadli used a pen to illustrate each candidate’s motivation and the other must repeat what was said. This is such an effective strategy where everyone was involved to express their thoughts. The purpose is to make sure whether they are understanding or feeling unsure they must communicate. As a result, this made the communication more effective and it will benefit them when studying abroad.
In the same way, Mr. Fadli added the future awardee of IISMA will be the ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia as well as UAI. They will gain lots of advantage by being able to get about 20 credits of courses in top universities, new learning methods, multidisciplinary experiences, cross cultural understandings, careers, and especially networks. It is a crucial aspect that is highlighted in many top universities worldwide such as Harvard University, Cambridge University, and so forth. It can also connect individuals and institutions to collaborate. As an example of an alumna of IISMA 2021 was being used, Ms. Amel was initially connecting UAI and DU to have a collaboration as well as being hired by top companies as she could show her capability during those times.
The second section was about Application Tips to IISMA 2023. It was delivered by Syarifah Ida Farida, S.E., M.M. as the Head of “Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka” Independent Technical Implementation Unit. She showed the students all the requirements that they need to fulfil as well as the eligibility for the candidate for IISMA 2023. At the same time, she also gave a brief tutor on how to apply for IISMA directly from its website. She said that the students must choose the university based on their purpose regardless of the popularity. She also introduced to the students about the official office of the Independent Technical Implementation Unit where they can visit whenever they want to get consultation from her.
At the end, the two sections were a good beginning to the candidates. The insights and information that were given by Mr. Fadly and Mrs. Farida hopefully will be a foundation to them to start their million journeys ahead (TSH).