It didn’t take long for Ashanna Djemat to fit into life as a college student at the University of California, Los Angeles.

For starters, she had always loved the California city for its “perfect weather and warm, friendly people” and thinks of it as her second home. The fact that UCLA is one of the top colleges in the States — this year, US News & World Report ranked it second best among public universities and 24th among national universities — was the icing on the cake.

Now 28 years old and based in Washington, DC, working for a multinational commercial real estate company, she still looks back fondly at those well-spent four years.

Fully immersing herself in the American campus lifestyle, Ashanna joined Phi Alpha Delta, a co-ed
pre-law fraternity that boasts former US president Bill Clinton among many of its distinguished members. From social events like karaoke nights and parties to business and legal gatherings, Ashanna made sure to take part.

Aside from building a robust network of friendships and business relationships, Ashanna also walked away with a different perspective on Indonesia, having done research and delved into books about her homeland.

“In general, studying abroad made a more objective person, and allowed me to be honest with myself,” she saud. “It was the best experience I’ve ever had in my life.”

Hers is the kind of life-changing experience many students who have gone abroad can attest to. Like Ashanna, they leave school with fresh perspectives about themselves and their own culture. From an academic point of view, manifold rewards lie ahead.

“One of the advantages of studying abroad is that students get to be in a learning atmosphere that triggers analytical thinking and opens wide the accessibility of resources to students. That requires the kind of infrastructure that we just don’t have yet here at home,” said law professor Ningrum Sirait, vice rector at the University of North Sumatra in Medan and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

“I came back from the US mesmerized by the learning methods there, with big appreciation to my professors who entertained my intellectual curiosity.”

In 2011, the Education and Culture Ministry reported there were 84,057 Indonesian students studying abroad in 17 nations, mostly Australia, the US and Japan.

Open to explore

While traditionally Western bound, Indonesian students nowadays are more open when it comes to the locations of their choices of school. While Australia and the US still rank highest among their top destinations, other countries, especially in Asia, have steadily begun surfacing on the radar. Many provide instruction in English, and place local language requirements as optional.

Budget wise, education in these countries is more affordable. Tuition costs for graduate studies in Malaysia, for example, average between US$5,000 and $10,000, much less than in Western countries. Scholarships abound, too, offered by either governments or private entities, widening the possibility to enjoy privileged learning abroad.

“I find the education system here in Korea to be highly competitive: smaller classrooms, more sophisticated syllabus and tougher requirements. Even to register for a course, I have to compete with students from other countries,” said Simson Leider Nadeak, 29, a policy officer at the Indonesian State Secretariat who is currently pursuing a graduate degree at Korea Development Institute’s School of Public Policy and Management in Seoul on a scholarship from the Korean government.

Other students speak of their appreciation for the personalized attention given by the school to their goals and concerns.

Broadening horizons: Foreign campuses, such as this Australian university, provide a range of facilities and amenities.(JP/Anthony Dea)

“We were asked from the beginning what would be the focus of our studies. The curriculum then is based on what would achieve that goal. In my case, because I majored in international relations, it included language skills,” said Jetty Manurung, 34, of her graduate studies at Ural State University in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

Now working as a freelance researcher in Jakarta, Jetty recalled her time studying in Russia as “a life experience that money can’t buy”.

Wherever they go, most students abroad find there are some common necessities for survival. The ability to adapt, for one, is imperative, as switching to a totally new environment and culture can be both exciting and unsettling. Challenges might begin as early as leaving the comfort of one’s home and continue along with the adaptation process.

In Jetty’s case, nothing could have prepared her for the harsh Russian winter.

“I learned the importance of always dressing for the occasion, as it always got either too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer,” she said.

Others remember the problem of overcoming language barriers.

“Our classes were in English, but outside of the classrooms, you’d need to speak Spanish to survive,” said Cecep Hidayat, 34, a lecturer at the University of Indonesia, recalling his time at Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain.

Looking back, Cecep, now head of undergraduate studies at UI’s Department of Political Sciences, says studying abroad developed his character and provided a boost for his career.

“The learning atmosphere was everywhere. All my concentration was poured into learning, and nothing else. I also developed a network of contacts with professors and fellow alumni,” he said.

Studying abroad also proved beneficial to Alex Bastian, head of the program planning section at Trans TV. Speaking about his current MBA program at the Asian Institute of Management in Manila, he says he is already benefiting personally, and hopes to see it materialize into career advancement, from middle management to leadership roles.

While he has yet to pick up Tagalog, Alex acknowledges improvements in his communications skills in ways that affect his approach to life and work.

“It has shaped me personally in the way that I’ve now become more critical and speak out more, not only in classrooms, but also in meetings at the office,” said the 35-year-old.

“I’m no longer afraid to speak my mind.”

 

Outside of class

“Classroom learning is only half of the learning process, so make sure you blend in with the locals,” said Alex Bastian, an MBA student at the Manila-based Asian Institute of Management. His fellow Indonesian students abroad agree that socializing enhances their educational experience abroad. Here are some other tips from those who have been there, done that:

Research the destination country

Start by educating yourself on where you’re going. Get to know its geographic condition and climate, so you know what to expect. Read news to get a feel of the political, social and economic situation there. If you have questions, go to the country’s embassy in Jakarta, chances are they will be more than happy to assist with questions from prospective students.

Pick up a foreign language

Speaking the same language with the locals can take you further when it comes to settling down in a new environment. Since you’re going to spend quite some time there, it’d be good to start helping yourself feel at home. Start with a few basic phrases; who knows you’ll end up being fluent.If the language isn’t English, think of it as a bonus. You’ll come home mastering three (or more) languages.

Be open-minded toward cultural differences

“Everything you’re about to encounter in the new country will be completely different from what you’re used to at home,” says Simson Leider Nadeak, graduate student at the Seoul-based Korea Development Institute. In fact, he urges fellow and prospective students to get involved with their new environment, to benefit more from the experience of living abroad. Here’s an idea: start by sampling local dishes. Simson says he had fallen in love with kimchi and is picking up the Korean language.

Set realistic goals and study hard

Work hard to earn your grades, as it’s solely based on merit. “There’s no other way but studying hard, and I mean really hard,” says law professor Ningrum Sirait, who graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. If you’re not the type to bury yourself in books in the library, use the buddy system. Many students form study groups and meet regularly for discussions and class review. Ask around, or form one with your fellow classmates.

Build a good network with local and international friends

Reach out to the locals and other international students. Think globally, act locally. Get out of your comfort zone, be it by speaking the local language or picking up a new hobby and joining a local club. International students clubs are a good place to make friends, thanks to their usually abounding social agenda. So make sure you stop by the international students office at your campus to check what’s happening