The Master of English Education Study Program successfully held a Student Discussion themed “From Local to Global: A Path to Study Abroad” by presenting Suwandi, S.Pd., MA, as the main speaker. The event was held on August 7th, 2024 and it was attended by students and lecturers who were interested in the opportunities and challenges of studying abroad.
In the discussion, Suwandi, who is an alumni of overseas scholarship recipients and an expert in international education development, shared his experiences on preparing for study abroad, scholarship application strategies, and tips for dealing with life as an international student. He emphasized the importance of preparing from the start, from strengthening English language skills to adjusting to different academic and cultural standards.
Suwandi also explained the scholarship pathways that Indonesian students can access, such as LPDP, Fulbright, and Erasmus, and gave tips on how to craft an attractive personal statement and CV. He also emphasized the importance of building an international network and taking advantage of internships or research opportunities that will open up career opportunities in different countries.
The Q&A session was enthusiastic, with participants discussing the various obstacles and psychological preparations needed before leaving for overseas study. Suwandi emphasized that the courage to take a step is the key to success in achieving study abroad opportunities.
The Head of the Master of English Education Study Program expressed her appreciation to Suwandi for his knowledge and motivation, hoping that students would be inspired to continue their studies abroad and bring back useful knowledge for the development of education in Indonesia.
The discussion ended with a motivational message from Suwandi for students to continue to be enthusiastic in pursuing their dreams of pursuing international education, and to be able to contribute in bringing a global perspective to the local environment.