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| Bening Qolbu Adinda: An English Education Student at UMM Experiencing IISMA in Italy (Photo : Special) |
Receiving a scholarship for an overseas exchange program is a proud achievement that many students dream of. Bening Qolbu Adinda, an English Education student at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), is currently participating in the IISMA program in Italy. She has been studying at the University of Padova since September and will continue for the next few months.
During her two weeks in Italy, she has encountered and experienced many fascinating things. For instance, she noted the culture of crossing streets, stating that pedestrians are given priority. It’s no surprise to see many people walking. The locals also tend to use public transportation more often than private vehicles, thanks to the adequate and affordable public transport options available.
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"I’m also impressed by the older people here who remain active in various outdoor activities, like working and shopping," she said.
Another interesting aspect is the education system. While many Indonesian campuses emphasize attendance, this is not the case in Italy. As long as students can participate and perform well on exams, attendance is not closely monitored. The learning environment is enjoyable, incorporating games, quizzes, and other engaging activities that make students feel comfortable.
Bening also took the opportunity to taste various Italian foods, including pasta. She mentioned that pasta prices in Italy are very affordable. Types like spaghetti and penne can cost around one euro, and buying larger portions makes it even cheaper. She explained that this affordability is because pasta is a staple food for the locals.
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"I was also surprised by the large portion sizes here; they can easily serve 2-3 people," she added.
In conclusion, she is committed to encouraging Indonesians to adopt healthy lifestyle habits similar to those of Italians, such as walking, exercising regularly, and using public transport. She also advised UMM students, especially those seeking exchange scholarships, to stay motivated, work hard, and be willing to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. (zaf/wil/fajr)
