In an interview with the uns.ac.id team on Monday (19/12/2022), Sherley recounted that her opportunity to take courses at the University of Sussex was obtained through the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) 2022.

The IISMA is one of the eight flagship programs under the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Program, initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) in collaboration with Educational Fund Management Institution (LPDP) Ministry of Finance Indonesia. IISMA aims to bring opportunities for students to take development programs in the best global universities.

“My reason to apply for IISMA is mainly because I was always interested in studying abroad, even since I was a little girl, but there are still some concerns remain. I consider IISMA as a trial for me to learn the gist of studying abroad as a student,” Sherley said.

Sherley also conveys that she loves learning and direct in-class study session becomes her energy resource. However, the transition from in-class learning to online classes due to the Covid-19 pandemic brought a challenge for her to maintain her persistence in studying.

“Motivated by this pandemic situation, I think IISMA can help me in recovering my already depleted passion for studying, at the same time filling my experience and focus, which was hampered by Covid-19,” she added.

For administrative purposes, Sherley admits that there were considerable documents to be prepared since these documents are required for the IISMA application. She also prepared for the Duolingo test, where she was sponsored by UNS International Partnership and Service UPT.

“I also prepared my essay quality well, a piece that needed a week for me to write, starting from the brainstorming process to completion. I also seek proofreading services from some people I trust. Other than an essay, I also prepared for the interview process and explored some probable questions,” Sherley explains.

Moreover, Sherley also said that there are some of her friends who also applied to the 2022 IISMA, thus, she was thrilled to support each other in the process. Even if the process is lengthy and exhausting, Sherley enjoys the IISMA application process since it helps her to understand herself better.

“Our struggle together becomes more meaningful. The only negative aspect is the extended anxiety during all the process because there are preparations to complete early. I need to prepare for either mental preparation, academic, or equipment,” she added.

Sherley hopes that after joining this IISMA program, her interest, curiosity, and passion for studying, especially in the development field, can be a favorable preparation for her future endeavor.

“Personally, I also hope that I can apply all knowledge and skills I gained at the University of Sussex continuously, both for myself and the community. I also hope that next year there will be more fellow UNS students who can pass the IISMA selection. At the same time, those who have joined the program previously can establish a noble vision to carry our critical thinking, ideas, and empathy,” said Sherley. Humas UNS

Reporter: Erliska Yuniar Purbayani
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post Check Out Sherley’s Story, FISIP UNS Students Who Passed IISMA 2022 to the University of Sussex appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

A similar message was delivered by the UNS Vice-Rector for Planning, Partnership, Business, and Information, Prof. Sajidan, “You are representing UNS in a foreign country, please keep on your study and hard work to implement the program flawlessly. Other than learning new knowledge, you can also learn the culture and how the people in developed countries work, thus, you can advance the work culture at your home institution and for your personal development.”

The Head of International Office UNS, Rino Ardhian N., Ph.D., reveals a significant increase in the IISMA 2022 applicants. “This year, UNS successfully deployed more than 20 delegates to various universities and countries, such as the US, Chili, Europe, UK, Hungaria, and Asia. Congratulation to all selected students, I hope you can contribute to the UNS honor,” said Rino Ardhian N., Ph.D.

Besides the increase in the number of delegations, the applicants’ enthusiasm also increased significantly. On the 2021 IISMA, there were only 60 applicants, but this year there were more than 100 applicants from various faculties in UNS. However, the level of competition on the national stage must be harder since there will be more applicants from other universities. To ensure the quality of applicants, the UNS International Office UPT also conducted grade classification for the UNS applicants prior to their application submission to the ‘Kampus Merdeka’ website. “Grade A are those who fulfilled all requirements without language assistance, Grade B is for students who need language assistance from the Language UPT, and the rest fell to the Grade C,” he added.

Other than collaborating with the Technical Implementational Unit of Language (Language UPT) in foreign language training, the UNS International Office also held essay writing assistance. “We also reviewed the applicants’ university selection by considering their GPA, language proficiency, and selected university. Those with excellent language proficiency will be recommended to developed countries such as the US, UK, or other European countries, while those with limited English proficiency will be recommended to choose Asian or Latin American countries,” explained Rino.

Furthermore, Rino reveals that one of the challenges faced by students is language proficiency and university selection, which will significantly affect the decision. He hopes the 23 UNS delegations can study well and establish favorable networking with local residents and international students. “Thus, opening collaboration opportunities between host university and home university,” he concluded. Humas UNS

Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post UNS Deployed 23 Student Delegations in IISMA Program appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

This event invited Abdul Basith Fithroni, a master’s student in the Department of Cell Chemistry, Okayama University; Prof. Ying Chen from the Tohoku University School of Engineering; Junko Obayashi from Okayama University; Muhammad Salman Al Farisi, Asst. Prof. Hiroshima City University; and Muhammad Izzat Nugraha, an alumnus of Biological Oceanography Laboratory, Tohoku University.

Also attending the event was the Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs UNS, Prof. Ahmad Yunus; Head of the Japanese PPI for Research and Education Department, Mercy Bientri Yunindanova, M.Sc.; Head of International Office UNS, Rino Ardhian Nugroho, Ph.D.; and Head of PSJ UNS, Dr. Eng Kusumaningdyah N. Handayani.

In her remarks, Mercy Bientri Yunindanova, M.Sc., who is also a lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture (FP) UNS, said that this activity is one of the special moments for uniting three institutions in a collaboration.

“This special event will provide a lot of insight about studies in Japan, such as through the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemdikbudristek). Then also for students who will continue their master’s and doctoral studies in Japan. I believe that this activity will bring many benefits to all parties,” Mercy said.

Meanwhile, Rino Ardhian Nugroho, Ph.D., also hopes that this activity can help students plan their studies in Japan according to the invited speakers’ academic experience. “Hopefully, we can also build a good partnership with Tohoku University and Okayama University. There are numerous Japan University graduates currently holding strategic positions in UNS. Further, hopefully, this activity can increase international academic activities among these three universities,” Rino said.

Prof. Ahmad Yunus also hopes that this activity can help introduce the culture and academic climate in Japanese universities. “There are several programs available for students to study in Japan. One of them is IISMA that open to undergraduate students in Indonesia. Through this program, students have the opportunity to study for a semester there. There are many Japanese campuses available as UNS partners university, including Tohoku University and Okayama University. I hope that this activity can inspire and give insight to the younger generation,” said Prof. Yunus.

After the remarks, the activity was followed by the presentation of material by all speakers. The materials presented include university introductions, inbound program, culture, academic activities, and life in Japan. Humas UNS

Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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When the IISMA program first opened, 22 students from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta were successfully selected as a delegation in this program. One of them is a Faculty of Medicine (FK) UNS student, Medicine Education Study Program (Prodi), Anis Sofia Harjanti. Anis was selected for a semester program at the University of Edinburgh (UoE), Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. She becomes a visiting student at the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and the School of Health in Social Science.

Anis’s desire to be able to gain experience abroad, she admitted, has existed since 2020. She had tried her luck by participating in various kinds of activities at the international level. Although several times she had failed, departure cancelation and selection cancellation notice, all of that did not discourage Anis from trying.

“In 2021, I saw the IISMA program at MBKM. Afterward, I searched for more information and found out the program details. I need to admit that I was amazed that the opportunities provided through this program exceeded my expectations. I think IISMA is one whole package for all student exchange programs. Because of this, I cannot hold myself to not trying to register for IISMA,” said Anis, Tuesday (8/3/2022).

Anis revealed that after the IISMA program was launched, she immediately prepared the necessary application requirements. Anis acknowledged the difficulty due to the limited circulation of information in advance and the absence of detailed information from the previous batch. This situation happened because, at that time, Anis became the First Batch awardee of the IISMA program.

“So, I can only rely on IISMA official information channels. I have quite a few unnerving matters. Sometimes the information is disclosed suddenly and often changing,” Anis continued.

Anis’ Tips on Passing IISMA Selection
According to Anis, the first thing to be prepared for is to do extensive research about the IISMA program. Because this is the essential step to get to know more about IISMA, then prepare all requirements carefully to be an IISMA awardee. Give your best efforts and prepare more for every application you sign up for.

“Especially one that is quite difficult in the essay section. As much as possible, you need to know your personal purpose for participating in IISMA and then link it to the objective of IISMA itself. There must be a connection to why you are a suitable candidate for the IISMA program. In your essay, you can write down all of the real-life cases you’ve experienced, the challenges, and how you deal with them. Or write down how IISMA can support you in your post-university education competition. Basically, craft your essay well,” Anis explained.

Anis added that because there has been the first batch of IISMA awardees, you can learn from them (the previous IISMA awardee). Find a mentor or someone who can be your role model. Ask them about our community apps because their input is precious and can be helpful reflection material. Also, don’t forget to continue to hone your English skills, both spoken and written.

“For those who are still hesitant or afraid to register for IISMA, the key is to try first. Because in my opinion, if we don’t try, we’ll have a 0% chance of success. Whereas when we dare to try, we will have a 50% chance of success and a 50% chance of failure. And it is okay if, in the end, we get the chance to fail because failure will always be there. The point is, what important are the things that can be learned during the process, whether it works or not. I myself have experienced rejection. The plan I have made must be cancelled, or the plan is not going according to what I expected, and that is really fine. That lesson helped me prepare for something else better in the future. Do your best and let God do the rest,” Anis explained.

Meanwhile, during her one semester at the UoE, there are many things that Anis can learn. She learned a lot about applying a work-life balance, where students must work and study earnestly but can still enjoy life. Then there is the learning environment in the UoE that trains students to be independent. “Here, the system does not allow the material to be taught directly to students. Before each class session, the lecturer or teacher gives reading material, and then we discuss the material in the classroom. I think this is one way that students can keep up with their learning materials because studying is not just for exams but also for learning to understand. Examination at the UoE is also not limited to the reading material, or knowledge learned in class. Sometimes exams are carried out in the form of essays, and it teaches me how to consider some expert opinions I found,” Anis concluded.

Anis’s message to the future IISMA 2022 awardee, each future endeavor may not be as smooth as imagined. There must be a challenge to face. But you must be able to find a solution to the challenge. Because the IISMA awardee must be able to deal with it. Humas UNS

Reporter: Lina Khoirun Nisa
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post Anis Story, an FK UNS Student Selected as First Batch IISMA Delegation to University of Edinburgh appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

Dr. Eng. Rachmat IISMA stated that IISMA is a scholarship granted by the Indonesian Government for undergraduate students from all universities in Indonesia under the Directorate General of Higher Education (Ditjen Dikti). Through the IISMA program, students could learn for one semester in a leading global university that provides an opportunity for students to learn abroad.

The info session program was opened with an opening remark from the Director of Partnership, Development, and Internationalization, Prof. Irwan Trinugroho, who hoped that the program could provide a comprehensive picture for students regarding the IISMA program. “The Rector also hopes that this year UNS could send three times more students to participate in the IISMA program,” he added.

The key information was shared by Dr. Eng. Rachmat A Sriwijaya mentioned that students have complete discretion to select any programs they would like to study. Since IISMA aims to equip students will additional knowledge for their study, there should be no discrimination over the difference between student’s program at their home university and the one they are applying for.

“Students targeted by IISMA are those who have the ability to interact with other people, have an open personality, are able to collaborate, and are willing to contribute for the nation,” Dr. Rachmat added.

The second session shared the mechanism of registration for IISMA assistance in UNS by Student Advisor IISMA UNS, Dr. Anif Jamaluddin. In his explanation, DR. Anif stated that the pre-selection process in UNS would be held from 1 to 28 February 2022.

The Chief Operation Officer IISMA UNS, Dr. Dimas Rahadian Aji Muhammad, added that UNS students who are interested in participating in the IISMA program could check the @internationalofficeuns Instagram account. “Hopefully, through IISMA 2022 Program, UNS could send many of its brightest students,” Dr. Dimas concluded. Humas UNS

Reporter: Lina Khoirun Nisa
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post UNS International Office Held Info Session on IISMA 2022 Program Registration appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

Rino Ardhian Nugroho, Ph.D., the Head of UPT KLI UNS, mentioned that the event would be started with information dissemination by Junaidi, MA. “The Series of IISMA 2022 Info Session started with dissemination by Junaidi, MA as the Chair of the International Mobility Sub Working Group (Sub-Pokja) for the Directorate General of Higher Education Kemendikbudristek. After the dissemination, there will be UNS IISMA awardees’ experience sharing through social media Instagram at @internationalofficeuns,” explained Rino in his report, which was delivered at the beginning of the event.

In his remarks, the Director of Partnership, Development, and Internationalization UNS, Irwan Trinugroho, Ph.D., expressed his pride in the IISMA awardees. He hopes that next year there will be more UNS students who get the opportunity to take part in the IISMA program. “I wish for more UNS students to be dispatched next year and have the opportunity to learn internationally within the world’s top 100 universities, either through the IISMA program or other programs,” he said.

This IISMA program, as the first mobility program, is fully funded by the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP), which covers the departure process, tuition fees, living expenses during the study period at the destination university and until the process of the return journey. Dr. Irwan added that UNS would hold an internal selection and briefing for students who wish to take part in this program. “UNS through the UPT KLI will hold an internal selection, as well as a briefing for students who will take part in this program,” said Irwan.

Junaidi, MA., in his presentation, conveyed some of the main requirements to take part in the IISMA 2022 program. The requirements are, among other, student must be an Indonesian citizen, enrolled in Bachelor Degree program on their 4th-6th semester with active participation in academic events and registered at PD Dikti, holding an English proficiency certificate according to the criteria required by the destination university and a minimum GPA of 3.00.

The dissemination activity, which was available in a hybrid system, was attended by approximately 290 participants consisting of the Faculties’ Vice-Dean for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs, the Head of the Study Programs,’ and UNS students. Humas UNS

Reporter: Zalfaa Azalia Pursita
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post UNS Prepares Students to Participate in the 2022 IISMA Program appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

IISMA Program is opened for students at the undergraduate level at the 4th to 7th semester in the universities at Ditjen Dikti Kemendikbud, including Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta. In the 1st Batch of IISMA, three UNS students were selected to participate in an exchange program to the Palacky University Olomouc, Czech, for 16 weeks. These students are Elys Putri Karismawati, Muliawan Prasetya Utama, and Zahira Fala Yusuf, all from the English Language Education Program Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) UNS.

To uns.ac.id team, Elys Putri shared the reasons she and her other two friends selected Palacky University Olomouc for their one-semester exchange program target. She stated that it is her long dream to be a scholar learning in European universities, besides the program offered by Palacky University Olomouc. “Although I take several courses that I had never learned before, such as European History,” Elys said (24/11/2021).

To achieve her dream, Elys went through the IISMA selection process that started with administrative requirements including Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 (minimum), recommendation letter from campus, and English proficiency test result (IELTS 6.0, TOEFL ITP 550, TOEFL IBT 78, Duolingo 100). The administrative selection was followed by the essay writing assessment and interview session, which all she passed well.

“It was a mixed feeling, surprised, did not expect, and grateful to be a part of IISMA batch 1. The process was quite struggling, in my opinion, and quite long. After the announcement that I was accepted, I was glad. My struggle during the selection process brought a result,” Elys described her feeling upon the announcement.

During their now two-month stay in the Czech, Elys said that there was no difficulty in adaptation, although she experienced culture shock due to the weather, foods, and the culture at first. She enjoys the life in Czech that is eased by technology and application development that allows them to pay for almost all life activities using an application. In terms of transportation, the cost is low, and most people walk to reach their destination. Their stay is also made easier by the program in the Department of Asian Studies that study Indonesian’s culture and invited them as native speaker guest in Bahasa Indonesia class.

“The is a special program that studies the Indonesian language and culture. So, when we arrived here, we were welcomed warmly by the local students in that department. They could speak Indonesia and are very friendly,” Elys said.

Elys also stated that a warm welcome was also observed from the local people and that people should not be worried about racism. “The local people are used to differences. Never once did I feel intimidated here,” she said. In the university, she also met with international students who are mostly the awardees of the Erasmus+ program. Thus, the IISMA program provides not only the opportunity to learn at the academic courses but also the experience to build networking with diverse international students that grow tolerance on cultural, race, ethnicity, language, and religious diversity.

“Do not be reluctant to apply, my fellow. This program is fully funded for one semester and recognized as 20 credits at home university,” Elys said.

The registration for Batch 2 is opened in November 2021 with detailed information in kampusmerdeka.kemdikbud.go.id and @iisma_ri Instagram account. Humas UNS

Reporter: Alinda Hardiantoro
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post Passed IISMA Program Batch 1, Three FKIP UNS Students Have an Opportunity to Study at Palacky University Olomouc appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

IISMA is one of the programs under the Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka Program, which provides learning opportunities in global universities. This preparation was conducted in conjunction with the pre-departure program for those leaving for Poland (25 students) and Italy (64 students).

In his welcoming remark, the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho congratulate and expressed his admiration for the IISMA awardee. The awardee will join the student exchange program in the UK for one semester. “Other than studying, the awardee must open their mind to mingle with other students from numerous countries,” Prof. Jamal states.

Meanwhile, the Educational and Cultural Attache of the Indonesian Embassy in London, Dr. Muhammad Arif Rokhman hopes that the IISMA awardee can adapt to the learning pattern in the UK. “Adaptation is crucial to achieving satisfactory results during this one semester of learning. We hope the students will maintain intensive communication with the Indonesian Embassy in London and the Indonesia Student Association in their respective universities,” Dr. Arif wishes.

One of the IISMA awardees from UNS, Anis Sofia Harjanti, expresses her gratitude for this achievement. The strenuous process starts with an internal selection in UNS, followed by a national selection, preparing the required documents, and deployment in September. Anis also asks for blessings so that she can follow the lecture well and return to Indonesia healthily.

At the end of the meeting, Junaidi, as the Head of Subpokja IISMA, advised students always to take care of their health either before they departed, during their trip, and after arriving in the UK. Students are suggested to implement health protocol to avoid Covid-19 infection. Even though the UK has no longer implement the mask usage policy in public spaces, for this program, UNS will deploy 1 (one) student to Lancaster University, 2 (two) students to Newcastle University, and 1 (one) student to the University of Edinburgh. Humas UNS

Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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