As a Universitas Indonesia (UI) student who took part in the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program, Muhammad Farrel Alhakim Putra Pebie shared his experiences as a student at University College London, England. He enrolled in the Business Management study program and underwent various international mobility activities from June 2023 to December 2023.
Farrell admitted that his desire to study abroad was realized thanks to the IISMA program, which is the flagship program of the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture’s Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM). In fact, he also had the opportunity to do an internship at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI), London. Together with other IISMA awardees, Farrell succeeded in becoming the coordinator of the IISMA UK Awardees Gathering 2023. This event was a pioneer in gathering fellow IISMA awardees in the UK, gathering more than 300 participants. This activity was organized under the work program of the Education and Culture Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in London.
The IISMA Gathering aims to create bonds within the Indonesian student community in the UK, as well as inspire excellence and sustainable collaboration in various fields in the long term. “Directly, this activity can foster a sense of togetherness, celebrate academic achievements, facilitate networking, and exchange knowledge between Indonesian communities in various fields,” said Farrell, who is a student of the Tourism Business Management study program, UI Vocational Education Program.
Also present at the meeting were the Indonesian Ambassador to England Drs. Desra Percaya, M.A., Ph.D. Desra explained that the meeting was proof of the power of international collaboration and the potential for positive change when individuals from various backgrounds come together. This reinforces the importance of Indonesian representatives proudly spreading information about their homeland, while building lasting friendships that transcend national borders.
“International students are ambassadors for Indonesia. I hope that students who are carrying out the IISMA program in the UK region understand one of their roles, namely building the nation’s image in front of the world,” said Desra. Overall, the IISMA UK Awardees Gathering 2023 at the Indonesian Embassy in London is a celebration of talent, cultural exchange, and continuous support for Indonesian students studying in the UK. The positive results and support received from representatives of universities across the UK will leave a legacy, shaping the awardees’ journeys as they embark on their international education endeavors.
Apart from studying, Farrell is also active as a volunteer at various events at the Indonesian Embassy in London, such as the People’s Festival and Indonesian Night 2023. Another activity he also participates in is Mentee Connect, a program from the IISMA Alumni Club. This program provides an opportunity for IISMA awardees to become mentors for fellow awardees in adapting to a new country.
Director of the UI Vocational Education Program, Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, said that international student mobility programs such as IISMA are an opportunity for students to explore their potential in the international world. The opportunity to become a global citizen becomes easier to achieve if they continue to try to actively participate in various activities in the country where they study. “I hope that Farrell and the students who are IISMA awardees in various parts of the world can return to Indonesia with various knowledge and provisions to build this country to become better,” said Padang.
