The International Office of Diponegoro University (IO UNDIP) held a series of events related to the IISMA (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards) program, which is currently in the preparation phase for the IISMA Awardees of 2024. The event “IISMA Pre-Departure Checklist: Navigating Cultures and Living Abroad Essentials” was held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Grand Candi Hotel Semarang with the aim of preparing IISMA Awardees physically, mentally, and spiritually. 56 UNDIP students will be studying at foreign universities, whose process is managed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia.
Prof. Dr. Eng. Agus Setyawan, S.Si., M.Si., the Deputy Director of Academics at UNDIP, congratulated the 56 IISMA Awardees who succeeded in obtaining the opportunity to study abroad. “Learn knowledge in foreign countries and bring back the good cultures, leave behind the bad ones,” he advised.
Pulung Widhi Hari Hananto, S.H., M.H., L.L.M., the Head of IO UNDIP, mentioned that the number of IISMA Awardees from UNDIP has been increasing every year. He encouraged students to continually hone their skills and mentality, “Prepare yourself well, take advantage of the networks and experiences available. Uphold UNDIP’s good name out there.”
The event featured speakers such as Prof. Dian Ratna Sawitri, S.Psi., M.Si., Ph.D. (Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UNDIP), Abdul Rohman, S.Hum. (Deputy Head of IO UNDIP), and two IISMA Awardees, Faalih Asyrof (IISMAVO Awardee 2023) and Meyndi Christy Ofeelia (IISMA Awardee 2023).
The discussion session began with sharing sessions from the 2023 IISMA Awardees. Faalih Asyrof shared his experiences studying at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan. He mentioned that upon arrival, people generally experience cultural shock due to language barriers, food, and cultural adjustments. The sharing session continued with Meyndi Christy Ofeelia, who shared her experiences in the Netherlands. She provided tips on document preparation and how to navigate the IISMA programs based on her experiences as an IISMA Awardee at Radboud University, Netherlands.
Next, Abdul Rohman, S.Hum., the Deputy Head of IO UNDIP, presented on “The Administration of IISMA Diponegoro Reports.” He explained in detail the preparation of all departure documents and report documents. He also advised the IISMA Awardees to maintain communication with the university through IO UNDIP to avoid miscommunication.
The peak of the event was a discussion with Prof. Dian Ratna Sawitri, S.Psi., M.Si., Ph.D., the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UNDIP, on the theme “How to Build Resilience When You Are Living Abroad.” She emphasized the importance of research before traveling to a new place, as it helps one understand the new environment and oneself better. Prof. Dian Ratna Sawitri advised IISMA Awardees to adapt by ‘living like locals’ before directly adjusting to the host country. “Unlike Indonesia, which has a collective culture, the countries we are heading to may adhere to individualistic cultures, so we need to get used to doing things independently from now on. Also, prepare physically for long journeys. The important thing is to learn agility and know what to do when you don’t know what to do,” she explained.
Through this event, IISMA Awardees can gain more tips and prepare themselves thoroughly before their departure to their respective countries. The IISMA program will enable students to learn both academically and culturally with enjoyable experiences. (Titis-Public Relations)
