UIII’s FoE Students Jet Off to Australia for International Learning Voyage

In a groundbreaking move, the Faculty of Education (FoE) at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) sent off three top achievers among the first batch of its MA students on an international learning voyage to Deakin University, Australia.

This fully funded program spanning from May 7 to 20, 2023, was aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding and exposing the students to international standards of education, whilst also become part their thesis writing journey.

Reflecting on the program, Prof. Nina Nurmila, the Dean of FoE, emphasized the comprehensive selection process and the extensive preparation the students underwent before their departure. She explained that FoE nurtures its students from the very beginning of their educational journey, focusing on providing a strong foundation in English language abilities and academic knowledge.

"To prepare our students for such international programs, we ensure they have a strong foundation right from the onset. Proficiency in English and a robust educational background gives us the right platform to equip them for success in international educational programs," she stated. 

Prof. Nurmila further explained that while English proficiency was key, it was not sufficient in isolation, and students needed mental fortitude and dedication to excel. The selection of students for international opportunities such as this one is a process Prof. Nurmila describes as rigorous and objective. She emphasized the importance of achieving a high GPA, a critical criterion in selecting the students. 

"It's a process that starts from the first semester, and we select based on the highest GPA scores. Achieving a high GPA requires rigorous efforts and dedication from the students, including impressing their instructors with quality assignments," she added.

Among the fortunate students, Supriyono, underlined the importance of consistently striving for the highest grades and showing continuous improvement in assignments to be chosen as one of the three students selected for the program.

"Working hard is not enough; you have to work smart and demonstrate in each assignment that you’ve improved in both academic and personal qualities. Surprise your lecturers with your writings and ideas. It will lead you nowhere but success," he said.  

He further commented that his two-week visit to Australia had been transformative, describing it as a "paradigm shift." The opportunity to interact with scholars from diverse backgrounds inspired him to delve deeper into research that not only contributes to knowledge development but also makes an impact.

Meanwhile, Dhian Sinta Pertiwi, another selected student, shared her insights on the importance of not only achieving a high GPA but also the role she took for her communities. She emphasized the need for involvement in community activities and the formation of good relationships. 

"It's not just about grades, but also about active community engagement, taking on roles, and forging solid relationships with various parties. These experiences teach us things we might not learn in the classroom", said the former leader of the Faculty of Education’s Student Association.

Dhian reflected on her time in Australia as a period of enlightenment, especially with regards to receiving valuable feedback on her thesis and learning about technical PhD processes.

The third student representative, Asep Ropiudin credited his success to a balance of strong academic performance, study skills, and self-discipline, saying that maintaining high academic standards requires not only dedication but also effective time management and self-discipline.

“I try to allocate my energy and time efficiently for studying and doing assignments. For instance, I always provide time to prepare and review before and after each lecture and learn in chunks," he pointed out. 

Asep found his visit to Australia immensely impactful, emphasizing the enhancement of his interpersonal and intercultural skills, and the deepening of his research interests. However, beyond the skills and knowledge, he admitted that his time in Australia has reignited his passion for pursuing further education.

The journey of these stellar students from UIII to Deakin University is more than just an educational trip. It is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the comprehensive preparation they underwent. This experience serves as an inspiration for other students at UIII, highlighting the endless possibilities that await when one is willing to strive for excellence.

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