Srinivas K.

Home university/country: Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai, India.

Course of study: Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Host Country: Australia

Host University: University of Queensland

Duration: 2 years

Program: Prime Minister's Australia Asia Awards 

Organising Institute: (Endeavour Awards Program) - Ministry for Education (Australia), AusAID. 

Source of funding: Scholarship fully funded program. 

What have you gained and what have you enjoyed about studying in your host university/host country? 

The transparency of the great Australia gave me this opportunity to work with freedom, which I missed in last 30 years of my life, and I am addicted to this system of love and humanity. Regarding my research, hopefully I will reach my goals, with excellent supervision of professors at my University.

Do you have any advice for other international students hoping to apply for similar scholarship programs?

Explore yourself with the evidence of certificates, and credentials at your professional and social experience.

Information you would like to share for others hoping to study overseas:

Follow this link to the Endeavour Awards website. 

Thao N.

Home University / Institution:  Hanoi University of Pharmacy

Host University / Country: University of Queensland, Australia.

Course of study: Pharmacy

Duration: 4 years

Program: Prime Minister's Australia Asia Awards 

Organising Institute: (Endeavour Awards Program) - Ministry for Education (Australia), AusAID. 

Information you would like to share for others hoping to study overseas:

Follow this link to the Endeavour Awards website and also this link for more information.

Salmon P.

Home University / Institution: Petra Christian University

Host University / Country: La Trobe University, Australia.

Course of study: Linguistic and TESOL

Duration: Masters (2 years)

Organisation: AusAID, Australian Development Scholarship (ADS)

Source of funding: ADS Scholarship

What have you gained and what have you enjoyed about studying in your host university/host country?

      I like most the facility in the university, particularly, the library.  The sources in the library such as textbooks, journals, online system and the internet connection are really helpful and awesome as well. All of the sources do support my study. I have no difficulties at all. The staff in the library are also friendly, informative and helpful.   

      I also like the city, Melbourne, where I spent my time to study. It is safe, clean and green (lots of parks). For me, the transportation is also awesome because it is very reliable and on time. There are so many kinds of transportation you can take such as tram, train, bus or taxi. It is all there. It is fantastic. Writing this make me miss Melbourne so much!!! I wish I could go back there (Finger crossed)

Why do you recommend studying in Petra Christian University to international students?

I think International students should come to my country because the university fee is not very expensive unlike Australia for example. You can also learn about the colorful and rich cultures in my country. Each islands has their unique and different cultures. You can also enjoy the beautiful panorama, foods and the people are also very nice and friendly. 

Do you have any advice for other students hoping to apply for study programs in your country?

My suggestion is to try this scholarship: Darmasiswa, Good luck!!

Asmarita A.

Home University / Institution: Syiah Kuala University, Aceh, Indonesia

Host University / Country: La Trobe University, Australia.

Course of study: Teacher training and Education (Masters)

Duration: Masters (2 years)

Organisation: AusAID, Australian Development Scholarship (ADS)

Source of funding: Scholarship

What have you gained and what have you enjoyed about studying in your host university/host country?

I have learn a lot about plagiarism here. The lecturers and university staff give a lot of help about plagiarism. I  also enjoying the teaching and learning style in La Trobe university. I can get unlimited journals and books, and I can arrange consultation time with lecturers and university staff easily. The best thing of La Trobe university is its library. the library have  noisy stages, there are silent  area, quiet area, and study booths and rooms for group discussion.

Do you have any advice for other students hoping to apply for these programs.

Future students needs to prepare them-self with information of the country where they want to study. The information is not only about weather and facilities in the university but also the culture and general social information. If possible, you better get these from people who had finished their studies in the target country since sometimes the reality in daily life can be different from what we get from news/ website.

It is also important to know the target country academic culture because the culture can be different from your country's academic culture. 

Ayudia P.

Home University / Institution: Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia

Host University / Country: La Trobe University, Australia.

Course of study: Educational Leadership and Management

Duration: Masters (2 years)

Organisation: (DIKTI) Direktorate Jenderal Pendidikan Tinggi / Indonesian - Directorate General for Higher Education.

Source of funding: DIKTI

What have you gained and what have you enjoyed about studying in your host university/host country?

La Trobe University might not be as famous as Melbourne Uni or Monash in Indonesia, however, as the biggest and the widest campus in Victoria (or Australia, maybe, not sure enough) it provides you with all-in-one-place facilities, which means you don't have to travel to different campuses for a class (except for some majors) or go out of campus for having fun. You can even live on campus with magnificent and affordable on-campus accommodation. 

Why do you recommend studying at in Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia to other international students?

Gadjah Mada University is one of the oldest universities in Indonesia and it's a very well-known one. The quality of the lecturers is unquestionably great. Most of them are graduated from overseas, so there is less language barrier between you and the lecturers. Plus, it is located in Yogyakarta, one of the famous tourist destinations in Indonesia. Thus, you can always find a place to relax your mind after having heavy load of study.

Diyan T. 

Home University / Institution: Diponegoro University, Indonesia

Host University / Country: La Trobe University, Australia.

Course of study: Applied linguistics 

Duration: Masters (2 years)

Organisation: (DIKTI) Direktorate Jenderal Pendidikan Tinggi / Indonesian - Directorate General for Higher Education.

Source of funding: DIKTI

What have you gained and what have you enjoyed about studying in your host university/host country?

Melbourne is a multicultural city where I can meet people from many different countries with different ways of thinking and cultures. This experience has enriched me and help me to build better characteristics as I have interacted and learned from many people from different cultures. I was also involved in some volunteer  activities, such as theater performance that promotes the awareness of cultural differences between international and local students. I also joined some anklung (Indonesian traditional music instrument) performances that promote Indonesian traditional culture. In terms of the academic life, the assignments I had were very challenging and have sharpened my critical thinking skills. 

Why do you recommend studying at your host university / country to other international students?

The assignments I had were difficult but they are very challenging and provide chances to sharpen my critical thinking skills. It helps me grow academically. In terms of place to live, Melbourne is very comfortable and you will feel like home as they provide foods from many different country and grocery shopping feels like home as well as there are stores that sell many things from Indonesia and from many other different countries. I also met very nice friends here. I feel like Melbourne as my second home. Definitely would love to go back to Melbourne.

As I came from a country where English is not my first language, the first thing that I prepared for studying overseas is to improve my English capability so that I could be able gaining TOEFL/IELTS score as required by the overseas university and not to mention by the scholarship providers. Once I could reach the satisfying English proficiency test result, I looked for the university/supervisor/subject that I wanted to apply and started submitting any application of interest.

Scholarships

I would recommend DIKTI scholarship for lecturers who are interested in studying abroad. 

Rani M.

Home University / Institution: Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia

Host University / Country: La Trobe University

Course of study: Natural Product Chemistry (PhD S3) research focusing on organic chemistry and anti-fungal compounds

Duration: Research for PhD - full-course (4 years)

Organisation: (DIKTI) Direktorate Jenderal Pendidikan Tinggi / Indonesian - Directorate General for Higher Education.

Source of funding: DIKTI

What have you gained and what have you enjoyed about studying in your host university/host country?

I have gained a lot of experiences academically (knowledge) and also non-academically (social-cultural). All are so precious in the way of my life. 

Scholarship 

As I came from a country where English is not my first language, the first thing that I prepared for studying overseas is to improve my English capability so that I could be able gaining TOEFL/IELTS score as required by the overseas university and not to mention by the scholarship providers. Once I could reach the satisfying English proficiency test result, I looked for the university/supervisor/subject that I wanted to apply and started submitting any application of interest.

Novi R.

Home University / Institution: Yarsi University, Jakarta, Indonesia

Host University / Country: Monash University, Australia

Course of study: Education (PhD S3) research focusing on bilingualism and second-language acquisition

Duration: Research for PhD - full-course (4 years)

Organisation: (DIKTI) Direktorate Jenderal Pendidikan Tinggi / Indonesian - Directorate General for Higher Education.

Source of funding: Beasiswa DIKTI

What have you gained and what have you enjoyed about studying in your host university/host country?

"Studying in my host university here gives me broader view about the academic life. The positive comments about students' work from supervisors, full support that is given, and the model of relationship between student-supervisor have all given me new insights about academic life. 

Helpful and supportive administrative staff is another impressive thing. Administrative staff have adequate knowledge about what they are dealing with, and so are able to assist students in the best way. If they do not know about something, they will forward the students' questions to other staff who might be able to help, and to the other, and so on, until the students get help.

The system of work is impressive and technology plays crucial role in the academic life here."

Scholarship 

DIKTI scholarship requires that students obtained  a minimum 6.5  IELTS score and the Letter of Offer  from the proposed University, so students will need to apply for the study and received offer before applying to DIKTI. To apply for the study, some requirements are: IELTS, academic records (transcripts), and some other documents.
As long as the requirements are met, candidates will be granted with the scholarship.

Azhar I.

Home University / Institution: Madrasah Muallimin Muhammadyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Host University: Al Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

Course of study: Islamic Studies and Philosophy (undergraduate S1)

Duration: Study abroad full-course (4 years)

Organisation: Badan Dawah Islam

Source of funding: Scholarships

What have you gained and what have you enjoyed about studying in your host university/host country?

Before you continue to read my experiences that I gained from Al Azhar University and Egypt, please keep in your mind; the studying just applied for Muslim student, because the subjects only focused on Islamic Theology, practices and law. 

Why Al-Azhar University?  

Al-Azhar Univ. Is the oldest Islamic University along Islamic history, in 1970 Al Azhar University celebrating one thousand years anniversary. In beginning of established, Al Azhar University only focused on Islamic Teaching and all aspects related to Muslim life. However, in beginning of 19th century Al-Azhar extended the area education broader to applied science and social science.  Part of education program still focus on Islamic studies and only eligible for Muslim student. The rest of education areas opens for Muslim and non Muslim student.  

For Muslim world, Al-Azhar is a main resource of Islamic studies, the tradition and method of 

teaching and Islamic values maintained from time to time as pure like what prophet Muhammad peace be upon him teach for his followers. The Islamic values and teaching accepted by all parties in Islamic sects, and Al-Azhar University accommodated all of school of scientific discipline. 

There are many departments in Islamic studies; Theology, Arabic, Syariah Law, Conventional and Syariah law, Missionary endeavor.   My graduated was from Theology with the main subjects in philosophy and included in curriculum; philosophy of Greek, Philosophy of Jewish and Christian, European and modern Philosophy, philosophy of science and the major subject is Islamic philosophy.  

Egypt 

Majority of Egyptian are Moslem and very tolerant, around 15% Christian Orthodox (Coptic).  They are very respectful towards guests who came to their country, whatever the background and religion. The official language is Arabic.

Egypt is rich with history site and background, pharaoh, Roman and Islamic values influence in social life and Egyptian culture. All of those heritages still exist until today in Egypt.  Egyptian called themselves as “Ummu Dunya” central of civilization, and Nile River is central of their life.

Scholarship 

Many institutes in Egypt provided scholarship for International Moslem Students,  Al Azhar, Bait Zakat Kuwait,  Majlis Ala, and many Moslem Charities. 

It also the biggest Christian missionary was built in Egypt to delivery service for Christian in Africa.  I believe  they provided scholarship for Christians also.

Revival F.

Home University / Institution: Institut Agama Islam Negeri (IAIN Ar-Raniry), Banda Aceh

Program 1
Host University / Country: Maryville College, Tennessee, U.S.A. 

Course of study: English language / education (Undergraduate S1)

Duration: Study abroad full-course 

Organisation: American Indonesian Exchange Federation (AMINEF)

Source of funding: Global Undergraduate Exchange Program / Fullbright

What have you gained and what have you enjoyed about studying in your host university/host country?

This scholarship offers academic and cultural experiences. Instead of learning in positive learning atmosphere occupied with good facilities and competent Lecturers, learning in Maryville college make me know different people with different  nationalities, learn  about their culture and appreciate my own 
culture.

Scholarship 

For this scholarship, what I can suggest that the students should have both academic and leadership achievement. Keep a average GPA 3 throughout the year. Then, participate actively in any students club in their home university  and community. The other important aspect that should be considered is the language proficiency. The candidate should achieve at least 500 for the TOEFL score.

Program 2
Host University / Country: La Trobe University, Australia 

Course of study: TESOL (Masters S2)

Duration: 2 years (full duration) 

Organisation: Australian Government 

Source of funding: Australia Awards Scholarship

What have you gained and what have you enjoyed about studying in your host university/host country?

It has been one and half months since i first arrived in January.  I study in La trobe University located in the suburb area of Melbourne. It has many green areas surrounded by park and lake.  Additionally, the weather is also nice and  I love its integrated  public transportation which some of them directly go to La Trobe University . So, I can access them easily to go the city of Melbourne or other interesting places.

Scholarship 

I advise the candidate to have a good academic record and work experience relate to the major that they wish to study overseas. The work experience covers the volunteering or internship opportunity particularly the disability-related experience. Australian Awards also encourages the disability candidate to apply.

Again, it is not the main point of getting the scholarship, but 550 TOEFL score is the ticket to get this scholarship."

Wenny B.

Home country/city: Indonesia / Malang

Course of study: PhD Agricultural and Food Sciences

Host Country: Australia

Host University: The University of Queensland

Duration: 2 years

Program: Prime Minister's Australia Asia Awards 

Organising Institute: (Endeavour Awards Program) - Ministry for Education (Australia), AusAID. 

Source of funding: Scholarship fully funded program. 

Why did you choose to study at the University of Queensland in Australia?

I choose UQ since I am the alumnus of this University (Master of Food Studies, graduated in 2007) and I’ve found that UQ has a great potential for conducting research programs. Besides having a comfortable environment to live in, UQ has many good facilities as well as supportive supervisors and advisors for students. There is also a good and strong relationship between UQ and other institutions such as Government Departments that is important to support research activities and to expand an international networking.

Why would you recommend studying in your home town / university?

Indonesia is a dynamic multicultural country that respect diversity. As a developing country that also consists of thousands islands and volcanoes  Indonesia has a large population and surely very complex problems. However, it is interesting to know and to learn how we can struggle and survive in every situation including the world economy crisis. 

Knowledge, skills and experiences you bring will also be very useful and much appreciated. Internship, collaboration and volunteering in will do help in many areas such as human empowerment, poverty reduction, environmental issues, improvement in researches and community. In turn, it may also help in increasing welfare of Indonesian and make it a better peacefull country in the future. This program, which is supported by our "all-direction foreign policy" with a slogan "million friends and zero enemy" (HE President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) may strengthen relationships and bring advantages to many countries.

Information you would like to share for others hoping to study overseas:

I found information that was useful for my studies through the following website - Endeavour Awards website.

Erma M.

Home country/city: Indonesia / Solo+Yogyakarta

Course of study: PhD Palliative care / nursing

Home Universities: Universitas Gadjah Mada,Universitas Indonesia (S1), Adelaide University (S2) 

Host Country: Australia

Host University: University of Adelaide

Duration: 2 years

Program: Prime Minister's Australia Asia Awards 

Organising Institute: (Endeavour Awards Program) - Ministry for Education (Australia), AusAID. 

Source of funding: Scholarship fully funded program. 

Why would you recommend studying at Adelaide University in Australia?

"After graduated a Master of Nursing Science from the University of Adelaide, I always wanted to go back for another study. The School of Nursing, University of Adelaide provides me with an excellent academic atmosphere. Friendly and very supportive staff, great learning resources, supportive colleagues really makes me feel at home.  This lead me to pursue my PhD back to Adelaide.

Studying in the University of Adelaide does not only equip me with academic things, but also broaden my horizon. I am also able to improve my abilities in writing, and publishing. "

Why would you recommend studying in your home town / university?

My home university is Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. The university has several international program such as international class in Islamic econom, international relations, and tropical medicine. My university welcome all internationals students to experience academic live.

Regarding to my town, Jogjakarta is a very popular for tourist destination. Jogjakarta has everything you want to experience, such as: cultural and traditional activities, great beaches and caves, and natural destinations. Jogjakarta will spoil you with various delicious, tasteful  and very affordable food. 

Information you would like to share for others hoping to study overseas:

Follow this link to the Endeavour Awards website. 

Abdul R.

Home country/city: Indonesia/Makassar
Course of study: Education

Host Country: Australia

Host University: University of Woolongong

Fields of study overseas:  Japanese Traditional and Contemporary Culture

Duration: 4 years

Program: Prime Minister's Australia Asia Awards 

Organising Institute: (Endeavour Awards Program) - Ministry for Education (Australia), AusAID. 

Source of funding: Scholarship fully funded program. 

Queenty W.

ESE exchange fair volunteer 2011. 

Home University: Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogykarta, Indonesia

Course of study: English literature

Host Country: Poland

Host University: Warsaw School of Economics

Fields of study overseas:  English language and literature - European studies and inter-cultural communication

Duration: Short course (less than 3 months)

Program: Cultural exchange program.

Organising Institute: AIESEC

Source of funding: Family

What did you enjoy about studying in Poland?

I met a lot of new people from many countries in the world and we shared knowledge about our culture. We did presentations about our culture in schools in Poland and it was fun!

How do you sum up your home university?
UGM is just awesome!