Another brilliant achievement was achieved by Tadulako University (Untad) students. Two students from the 2019 batch, namely Gita Cahyani, a student majoring in Management, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Untad and Dian Septiawati, a student majoring in Public Health, Faculty of Public Health (FKM) successfully passed the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program in 2022.

This IISMA program is part of the Independent Learning Independent Campus of Untad on the Independent Campus of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) to provide opportunities for students to continue studying at foreign universities for one semester. The IISMA 2022 program was attended by approximately 7.501 students from all over Indonesia, of which 1.155 were declared to have passed until the end, including two of them were Untad students.

In an interview on Tuesday (5/17), the two students shared their experiences and tips to be able to pass the IISMA program. Gita and Dian stated that at first they did not believe that they would be able to graduate in one of these highly prestigious programs.

“Initially we felt insecure because our competitors were from all over Indonesia, but with the support of friends, lecturers, and also the International Office of Untad, we were finally able to reach this chance.” they said.

Both have long wanted to have a study abroad experience. For them, the opportunity to study abroad can provide many benefits in self-development as students.

“In addition to adding insight, the academic atmosphere abroad is certainly different, we also get the opportunity to discuss with outsiders, exchange ideas and can see things from a different perspective,” said Dian.

Even they have to compete with thousands of students from all over Indonesia, Gita and Dian are not afraid and never give up. They had prepared themselves well even since the previous year. These preparations include the preparation of documents such as personal data (cv) and English language skills, because the IISMA program requires English language skills as evidenced by certificates such as TOEFL IBt, IELTS or Duolingo. The selection process consists of file selection, national insight test and interviews.

“In the document selection process, there are 4 essays that must be filled out, these essays must be filled briefly but must be impactful, the questions are related to achievements and leadership experiences,” said Gita.

According to Gita, who currently serves as Coordinator of the English Language Institute at Untad Faculty of Economics, it is important for students who want to register for IISMA to enrich their organizational and leadership experiences.

When asked about the destination university, Gita Cahyani chose Palacky University Olomouc in the Czech Republic as her choice of study. He plans to major in psychology.

“In marketing we need an understanding of human psychology. For example, for personal branding, for example, we must understand people’s behavior which is of course related to their psychology,” said Gita, who aspires to be an entrepreneur.

Different with Gita, Dian who graduated from the University of Szeged, Hungary explained that she chose the University of Szeged campus because the university is famous for its Department of Public Health and Economics. Dian has chosen courses that match her interests, such as Health Promotion, Public Speaking and presentation Skills, and Environmental Economy. He hopes that in the future he can use the knowledge he gained in Hungary to achieve his dream as a researcher in order to build and improve the quality of health in Central Sulawesi.

At the end of the interview, both of them advised the students, especially Tadulako University students not to hesitate to try and always take the opportunity.

“While we are young, still in college, we must take advantage of the opportunities and opportunities that exist, maximize our potential, don’t hesitate to try and don’t be afraid to fail, if you fail at least you have tried, don’t regret it in your old age,” said Dian who is also the Regional Head Young Researchers Association.

In addition, Gita added that the IISMA scholarship does not always look for those who have the highest GPA or outstanding academic achievements, but IISMA looks for students who are in accordance with the objectives of the Merdeka Learning program itself, students who have a high willingness to learn and have an impact. positive to society.

“IISMA is not only looking for smart students but they are looking for unique students, so be yourself, besides that students must also know what they want to do in the future, have an impact and be useful, also have problem solving skills, that’s what they want” . Gita said.
One more thing to note is that they should never underestimate the power of prayer.

“Keep praying, maximize your efforts, God willing, our dreams will come true,” said Gita and Dian at the end of the interview.
It is planned that these two students will start their studies in September 2022. Previously they would take part in Pre Departure Training virtually or face to face with the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Untad Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ir Mahfudz MP, appreciated the achievements of the Untad students. He hopes that the opportunity to study abroad will be used by both of them as well as possible. As ambassadors for Tadulako University, both of them are expected to bring Untad’s good name to the international community.

“This is your chance to learn. There you are expected to see, observe and take lessons from the experience. So that later when you come back, you can take opportunities for your future. Show that Tadulako University students can appear in the international world,” said Prof. Mahfudz.

As an appreciation for their achievements, both of them will be exempted from paying the Single Tuition Fee (UKT). The Chancellor of Untad also hopes that in the future many Untad students can participate in this program soon.