Daftarsbmptn.com – The desire to continue their education abroad is growing among Indonesia’s young generation, including in the Madura region. A young man from Sumenep, currently studying at a prestigious university in Asia, shared his experience and valuable tips that can serve as guidance for anyone wishing to follow in his footsteps. He emphasized that opportunities to study abroad are wide open as long as thorough preparation is carried out, including documentation, academic ability, and scholarship strategies.
According to him, the first step is to ensure all essential documents are complete. Some commonly required documents include a passport, diploma and transcripts, a foreign language proficiency certificate, a letter of recommendation, and a motivation letter. He emphasized that many prospective students fail not because they lack intelligence, but because the submitted documents are incomplete or do not meet the requirements of their target university. Therefore, he advised applicants to review the detailed university requirements at least six months before the application deadline.
In addition to complete documents, language proficiency is another determining factor. The young man advised prospective students to begin preparing for the TOEFL, IELTS, or other language tests well in advance. He explained that a common mistake many applicants make is rushing to study just weeks before the exam, even though regular practice is needed to achieve a score that meets the standards of overseas universities. He believes that a high language score not only increases your chances of acceptance but also adds value when applying for scholarships.
Speaking about scholarships, he offered several strategies to increase your chances of acceptance. The first step is to conduct in-depth research on available scholarship programs. Many students are only familiar with popular scholarships like LPDP or Fulbright, even though many universities offer equally attractive internal scholarships. By expanding your scholarship resources, your chances of acceptance increase. He also emphasized the importance of tailoring your motivation letter to the vision and values of the scholarship you are applying for. He advised applicants to demonstrate their concern for social issues and explain the contribution they hope to make to Indonesia after completing their studies.
Equally important, he also shared tips on adapting to culture and life abroad. He explained that living away from family and in a new culture is not easy. Familiarizing yourself with the local language, understanding social norms, and building an international network of friends are crucial for a smooth adaptation process. He stated that openness and flexibility are key to surviving and thriving in a new environment.
In his closing remarks, the young man from Sumenep urged Indonesian students, especially those from the regions, to dream big. He believes that with a strong will, thorough preparation, and the courage to try, the door to the international world will open. For him, studying abroad is not just about earning a degree, but also about broadening one’s horizons, building character, and opening up opportunities for a brighter future.