In a Mentoring Session for IPB 2023 IISMA Awardees, IPB University’s Vice Rector for Education and Student Affairs Reminds the Importance of Maintaining Trust and Attitude

The Directorate of International Education (PI) of IPB University gave a briefing to the recipients of the Awardee Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA). A total of 23 IPB University students successfully qualified to become IISMA Awardees from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemdikbudristek) RI. They consist of 12 students of Undergraduate Programme and 11 students of Vocational Programme.

After passing the selection, the awardees were officially released and received debriefing from the IISMA Committee of Kemdikbudristek since early May 2023. A number of IPB University students will then spend the Odd Semester of the 2023/2024 Academic Year in various countries for one semester. They will gain knowledge and experience in universities spread across the United States-Canada, Australia-New Zealand, Asia, Europe and England-Ireland.

Vice Rector of IPB University for Education and Student Affairs, Prof drh Deni Noviana gave several messages to the Awardees of IISMA IPB University. He reminded them that they were not only the ambassadors of IPB University, but also the ambassadors of Indonesia. 

"Therefore, maintaining attitude during the IISMA programme for one semester at the IISMA host university abroad is the most important thing. Attitude also reflects the identity of IPB University students and Indonesian citizens. The identity of people of religion and eastern culture must always be upheld and reflected in the daily behaviour of students while interacting with various people in this IISMA program," he ordered when giving a speech.

Prof Deni also reminded that there is a 'people's tax' mandate on the shoulders of the IISMA Awardees through the scholarship programme received. Therefore, the intention to gain as much knowledge as possible to benefit the people and the progress of the nation is the first thing that needs to be instilled in the minds of the awardees. 

"Make use of your talents to actively participate in various international meetings at host universities in order to promote Indonesian culture," he added. 

He also stressed to the awardees to be able to plan the conversion of courses to be taken in the IISMA programme into 20 credit courses in the students' home study programmes. 

"For this reason, communication with the driving lecturer and also the study programme must be done before departure so that the conversion of 20 semester credit units (SKS) from off-campus activities through this IISMA programme can run smoothly," added Prof Deni.

Director of PI IPB University, Puji Mudiana, SP, MA also reminded students to ensure that all necessary requirements are uploaded. In addition, some things when arriving such as self-reporting and administrative arrangements, some academic ethics that must be maintained and optimal use of time during the IISMA programme need to be a priority for awardees.

"I would like to encourage the awardees to build communication with the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) in the destination country so that they can recognise early what is needed and needs to be prepared before departure," he said.

In his briefing, the Director of PI IPB University also reminded students to recognise what things have been covered in the IISMA scholarship and what has not and must be prepared independently. Given that the departure is still at the end of July, the awardees still have free time to prepare. 

He also reminded them to continue to establish communication with DPI IPB University. This is in order to facilitate coordination as well as to know early if there are things that need to be assisted by IPB University so that students can complete the IISMA programme well.

Also present to provide briefing, Farchaini Budi Astuti, SP, MM, Assistant Director of Educational Planning and Information, Directorate of Educational Administration of IPB University. On that occasion, she explained about the academic provisions in the implementation of international student exchange. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)