Unud Strengthens Student Competencies to Build International Networks University General

• Posted by: Admin
• Rabu, 15 September 2021
• Has been read 302 time(s)

Udayana University (Unud) as the institution organizing the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) encourages students to join the program. IISMA is a flagship program in improving student competence in building international networks or international networking. International networks can make it easier for students after graduation to continue their education and/or apply their knowledge.

This was stated by the Rector of Udayana University, Prof. Dr. Ir. I Nyoman Gde Antara, MEng. IPU, accompanied by the Coordinator of the International Office of Udayana University (KUI Unud), Dr Eng. Ni Nyoman Pujianiki, ST. MT. MEng, on Tuesday, September 14, at Bukit Jimbaran Campus, Udayana University.

Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Gde Antara explained that IISMA has a dual function for students. Students who pass the selection and are sent abroad through this program can gain experience in the international world and at the same time students have contributed to strengthening the competitiveness or existence of Unud as one of the higher education institutions in Indonesia. "Unud gives high appreciation to students who participate in the IISMA program, and they become the pride of the institution because students have high competitiveness at the international level," he said.

Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Gde Antara emphasized that IISMA is an official program that is recognized in the learning process at Unud. IISMA, is part of the Merdeka Learning Campus Merdeka (MBKM) program managed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) in collaboration with the Education Fund Management Institute (LPDP). "IISMA aims to provide an opportunity for 1000 students to be able to take courses up to 20 credits at partner universities abroad," he said. He added, IISMA can be followed by undergraduate students sitting in semesters 4 to 7 at universities within the Directorate General of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Culture. Eligible students have the opportunity to study at a partner university abroad for one semester (approximately 16 weeks).

Meanwhile, the Coordinator of KUI Unud, Dr. Ni Nyoman Pujianiki added that for the academic year of 2021, there are 73 universities in 31 countries that are partners for the IISMA program. “Partner universities are included in the Top 300 QS University Rankings in the world. This means that students can experience learning at a bona fide university and this is a rare opportunity,” she said. Dr. Ni Nyoman Pujianiki explained that for 2022, KUI opens opportunities for students to prepare themselves as superior human resources with international qualifications. Therefore, IISMA applicants can submit an application with complete requirements starting on September 21 – 27, 2021 to the Unud International Office. The requirements that must be met by IISMA applicants include:1) a minimum GPA of 3.00; 2) Registered and active as a student and in the Higher Education Database (PDDikti); 3) Have an English Proficiency Test (TOEFL iBT 80/TOEFL ITP 550/ IELTS 6.0/ Duolingo 100); 4) Undergraduate program students (S1) semesters 4-7, Indonesian citizens; and 5) Get a recommendation from their home university.

Furthermore, Dr. Ni Nyoman Pujianiki explained that the graduation rate of Unud students in the IISMA selection was very evident, based on the record from last time applicants’ data, 14 out of 18 Unud students who applied were manage to pass. "The number of applicants is relatively small, and hopefully for the 2022 IISMA selection, more students will be interested because students can take advantage of 10,000 opportunities from all over Indonesia. In order to fill these spots, Unud students must prepare themselves better," she said. Dr. Ni Nyoman Pujianiki emphasized that students who pass the IISMA program will receive full funding from LPDP. The scholarship funds include registration and tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, health insurance, PCR test fees before departure, visa fees to emergency assistance costs.

Dr. Ni Nyoman Pujianiki explained that of the 14 Unud students who passed the IISMA selection, eight were from the Faculty of Engineering, three were from the Faculty of Tourism, and each was a student from Dentistry, Social and Political Sciences and the Faculty of Humanities (English Literature). They were sent to each of the partner universities located in Italy, Hungary, Canada, England, and the United States.