Mataram, University of Mataram – Lalu Zayen Cipta Karunia, a student of the University of Mataram (Unram) is ready to take part in the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards Program (IISMA) which will take place for 1 semester at Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania.

 

The IISMA program is an initiative program from the government in the form of scholarships for students to study or conduct research overseas. The purpose of this program is to improve students’ global competence and expand students’ international network.

 

In an interview conducted by Unram Public Relations on Wednesday (31/7), Zayen, one of the students who passed the IISMA scholarship program revealed that the courses offered by the IISMA program were very interesting to increase knowledge in becoming an entrepreneur.

 

“The IISMA program gave me the opportunity to explore myself by studying abroad for a semester at the best universities around the world. By joining this program I can also get the opportunity to network with outstanding people throughout Indonesia,” he said.

 

“The IISMA program is in line with my career plan to become an entrepreneur. With this program, there are many experiences that will forge myself and increase my visibility and new opportunities for me that I never imagined before. With the networking and experience I gained from the IISMA program, I am getting closer to my goal,” he added.

 

On this occasion, Zayen chose Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) in Lithuania because it offered the courses he wanted and was suitable for his goal of becoming a business and trading enthusiast.

 

“I have always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur so the courses I took were almost all about business and trading. VMU has an extensive network of cooperation with universities and institutions around the world. And also VMU has a community that creates a multicultural and inclusive learning environment, I can access various activities such as those organized by the Erasmus Student Network to improve global relations. This provides opportunities for exchange programs, international internships, and research collaborations,” he said.

 

To participate in this program, the student of Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) has prepared a certificate of English proficiency and an essay that is a requirement to join the IISMA program.

 

“I studied very hard to be able to master English so that I could get an English proficiency certificate. I took the Duolingo English Test, joined coaching, and self-study. One of the most important things is the essay, to make the best essay when applying for IISMA, the essay is nothing but a summary of myself during my life that includes questions about academic and non-academic achievements,” he explained.

 

“To maximize this, I try hard by study hard to get a good GPA for academics and participate in various extracurricular activities for non-academics that require me to continue to be active. In addition, I really maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle by exercising regularly and avoiding things that are not good for my body such as smoking, and so on,” added Zayen.

 

Interestingly, VMU implements a liberal arts education system that gives students the freedom to design their own curriculum, choose interdisciplinary courses, and develop broad academic interests.

 

“With this, of course, I had to prepare myself mentally, physically, and financially. I set out with the mindset that I can do anything as long as there is a strong will, especially a positive mindset when required to adapt. In addition, I researched a lot about the destination country in terms of weather, lifestyle, culture and ethics, and prepared all the complete documents to avoid unexpected things,” he explained.

 

Through this activity, Zayen hopes to make a realistic contribution, starting with making the best contribution to himself and the surrounding environment.

 

“In my faculty, I created a small community in which it provides a platform especially for Accounting students to develop academic skills and English skills. We are oriented towards creating competent students with a global mindset,” said Zayen.

 

Zayen hopes that before his departure, he has become a person who is ready to face all challenges. While studying at the destination university, Zayen also hopes that he will always be introspective, not forget the initial goal to develop himself and bring the good name of Indonesia, and be trustworthy with all the responsibilities given.

 

“After returning from IISMA, I hope I will be a much better person than before with qualified capabilities so that I can apply what I have gained to advance Indonesia starting from the surrounding environment and continuing to a wider level,” he concluded.