Business Administration Study Program sent 3 (three) students to take part in International Credit Transfer (ICT) at Universiti Malaya (UM) with a program period of 9 October 2023 – 6 February 2024. The three students are Shakira Ratu Chantika (AB 20′) , Triandrika Putri Setyono (AB 20′), and Prabu Varrel (AB 21′).
Studying at one of the world’s best universities (QS Ranking #=65) provides many valuable experiences and impressions for them both in academic and non-academic terms. At UM, they take various courses such as Global Finance, Microfinance and Social Enterprise, Green Economy and Sustainable Development, Community Development, Microfinance, and Integrated Marketing Communication. Apart from that, they are involved in various non-academic activities such as Creative Arts UMGB (e.g. South Indian Folk Dance Workshop), International Popcorn Night (watched horror movies together special Halloween), Yumcha (e.g. Mini Zoo Visit), UMGB Sports Club, Basketball session, Sports Day, Badminton session.
Being abroad also provides the opportunity to learn many new languages and new cultures. For example, Shakira is actively involved in the UMGB Language Class by taking Chinese Class, Japanese Class, and Farewell Language Club. Multicultural activities are also activities carried out such as National Heroes Day (Held by IISMA in UM), Buddies Group’s First Meet, UM Job Fest, Cultural Events, as well as establishing relationships with various other students from Uzbekistan, China, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, UK, etc. .
Shakira, as one of the awardees, said that students who want to take ICT are prospective awardees who need to do deep research about the courses they will take & convert, the requirements needed, as well as the culture of the country and campus they are going to. Apart from that, also consider whether you are financially ready because ICT (especially this year’s batch) is a partial scholarship. Another additional tip is that it is important to prepare well in advance regarding requirements, such as GPA > 3, English score and other required files, as well as interview selection. Last but not least, if you are accepted as an ICT awardee, you must explore as many international exposures as possible, academic resources, and expand your connections with friends from various countries!
For Shakira, the experience of participating in ICT is a valuable experience and is on of the best ways to completely change your life. Networking, a good academic system, and international exposure are the 3 main things that Shakira gets through ICT. You can gain many things, such as connecting with friends from various countries, experiencing the adequate learning system and campus facilities, lecturers who are open to discussions, and gaining new perspectives from various academic and non-academic activities at the University of Malaya. Apart from that, the moment of having a light chat with new friends there was truly the most memorable thing, resulting in gaining new knowledge and unique stories from various countries that would not necessarily be obtained in formal classes alone.
Of course, it is not an easy journey to complete various courses that are both fun and tiring, while working on your thesis obligations, and exploring new things in Malaysia that would be a shame if you just missed it. Time & priority management, self-confidence, and networking skills are increasingly honed when going on this study abroad trip. ICT has also helped awardees reflect on the academic journey they have undertaken and reorganize academic goals for the future. Interested in joining ICT? Wait for the opening for the next period.
