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| Fasya Tiara Meilena, a Communication Student of UMM, the IISMA awardee for the University of Liverpool. (Foto: Istimewa) |
Studying abroad can improve someone's understanding of tolerance. On the other hand, it not only allows students to exchange knowledge but also culture, as delivered by Fasya Tiara Meilenia. She is a student of the Communication Science Department of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang and is the awardee of the Indonesian International Student Mobility Award (IISMA).
Faye, her nickname, months ago departed to the United Kingdom to study for one semester at the University of Liverpool. Everything started from her curiosity about studying overseas. In particular, UMM enables her to access much information related to a scholarship program.
“In the beginning of my college period, I passed by the International Relations Office and asked for a scholarship opportunity. Alhamdulillah, IRO UMM explained many things. One was the IISMA program initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Education,” said she.
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Faye left for Liverpool to begin her student exchange experience in the middle of September. There, she had to follow the lecture with a module. The module taken is Media Self Society, Music in Context: Why Music Matters, and Deviance Youth and Culture.
Faye told her story about the cultural differences she perceived in the United Kingdom. The first was the lecture curriculum. If Indonesia prioritizes practice, then the UK focuses on theory. Every week, whether she wanted to or not, she had to read two journal articles with an average of 50 pages. Moreover, the grading system is based on the quality of the essay, article, and book reading.
“We had to read journal articles there. Every week, we were assigned by the lecturer for a supplementary reading. I felt quite difficult. Whether I wanted it or not, I had to focus on reading every week,” expressed the Probolinggo student.
In terms of food, she considered that English food is more tasteless even if it is in an Asian restaurant. To trick it, Faye preferred cooking by herself instead of buying outside because she brought special Indonesian seasoning while in the UK.
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“The weather was also a problem for me. I was often freezing and had to wear layers of clothing. But alhamdulillah, I can pass all the obstacles and gain many experiences and lessons in Liverpool,” said she.
Faye experienced another exciting thing there. She was involved in the cultural introduction event with other international friends. It does not rule out the possibility that Faye introduced Indonesian culture: the Kecak dance.
“Fortunately, UMM is open and encourages its students to contribute (for the nation) and gain much insight not only in local places, but also international ones like this chance to go to the United Kingdom. Hopefully, there will be more young people who have a chance to study abroad and to positively impress others when returning to their homelands,” ended the Communication Science student. (imh/ros/wil)
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