Friday, March 10, 2023, I had the opportunity to come to one of the most prominent universities in Gresik, namely Universitas Internasional Semen Indonesia (UISI Gresik). This event happened because of the collaboration between the International Office at UPN “Veteran” East Java and the UISI’s International Office in preparation for the IISMA. Seeing a lot of enthusiasm for IISMA, UISI carried out socialization to provide further insights about selection and activities during the program.
In 2022, IISMA program applicants reached 7,501 people, and more than 10,000 registered this year! This intense competition is because many students want to experience studying for one semester at well-known foreign universities. Remembering my struggle in 2022 to become one of the Awardees at the University of Szeged, Hungary, I also shared the experiences and knowledge I got with those around me.
The event was held in the auditorium room of building B on the UISI campus, with around 40 students attending from various majors and semesters. However, they all had the same dreams of becoming an IISMA awardee. The event started with a warm welcome from the UISI’s Head of International Office and continued with me sharing my once-in-a-lifetime experience during IISMA. We discussed a lot, from the IISMA selection stage, teaching and learning activities on overseas campuses, challenges, and events at the host university, also some of the culture shocks I experienced during student exchanges. My story also received extraordinary enthusiasm from friends at UISI. For more than 30 minutes, we had a discussion and question and answer session. Several people approached me after the event to ask about the IISMA interview stage.
Being a speaker at the IISMA socialization at UISI was one of my valuable experiences. Besides being able to help many people by channeling the information I have, this is also my place to practice public speaking and build relationships with many people. For friends who are working hard with the same dream, good luck!
Author: Kartika Zenithia Liveranny, IISMA Awardee 2022