Hello everyone, my name is I Made Ozzy Dwijay Wirawan, a 2021 cohort student from the Mathematics Study Program, Yogyakarta State University (UNY). I am currently participating in the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program as a scholarship awardee at Hanyang University, South Korea.

This journey did not come easily. I had to prepare many things, including achieving a strong English proficiency score (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo), maintaining a high GPA, writing a well-structured essay, and completing several important documents such as approval and declaration letters. To prepare myself, I began by taking English courses months in advance and attending seminars on essay writing and interview preparation. I also reached out to previous IISMA awardees to learn from their experiences. Consulting with my academic advisor and improving my academic performance were also crucial steps. Participation in volunteering or organizational activities, academic and non-academic achievements, and scientific publications became valuable supporting factors.

After passing both the document screening and interview stages, I kept praying for the best and was very grateful when I finally received the acceptance announcement. However, the real challenge had just begun. I still had to complete numerous preparations, such as making a passport, legalizing documents, applying for a visa, selecting courses, and packing essential items.

During my time in Korea, I faced various challenges in adapting to new circumstances. The cultural differences, lifestyle, and academic system required significant adjustment. The classes here are not very different from those in Indonesia in terms of intensity, but the environment is more competitive and exam-oriented. Most students spend much of their time studying, supported by excellent facilities that provide easy access to study spaces. Despite these challenges, I believe this experience is a great opportunity for personal growth and skill development.

Through this study abroad scholarship, I have been given a rare opportunity to pursue my dreams and grow both academically and personally. I strongly encourage fellow students to explore and apply for similar scholarship programs, so that more people can benefit from these valuable international experiences.

Keep dreaming, take action, and share your opportunities with others. Thank you.