Departemen Manajemen

My Transformative Journey as an IISMA Awardee in Australia

My Transformative Journey as an IISMA Awardee in Australia

My name is Mandy Aileen, a Management student from Batch 58 and proud IISMA 2023 Awardee. As a management student at IPB University, I have always been fascinated by learning beyond borders. This curiosity, combined with my desire to broaden my academic and cultural horizons, led me to apply for the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program. When I received the opportunity to study in Australia under this prestigious scholarship, I knew it would be a life-changing experience—and indeed, it exceeded all my expectations.

Academic Exploration: A New Way of Learning

Studying at the University of Sydney transformed my educational perspective. Through courses like Foundation of Work and Employment, Cross-cultural Management, Sport and Learning in Australian Culture, and Learning in Outdoor Education, I gained fresh insights into innovative problem-solving approaches. The interactive, student-centered teaching style offered a refreshing contrast to the traditional methods I knew. Class discussions were dynamic, and the emphasis on collaboration enabled me to contribute my unique cultural and academic perspectives.

A defining moment was our three-day field trip to the Blue Mountains, where I hiked alongside students from various cultural backgrounds. Together, we solved real-world survival challenges, combining our diverse perspectives to develop innovative and inclusive solutions. This experience enhanced my reflective skills and deepened my connection with both nature and my fellow students.

Cultural Immersion: Embracing Diversity

Australia’s multicultural environment provided countless opportunities for discovery. From engaging with First Nations people to experiencing my first AFL game, each moment broadened my horizons. As an ambassador of Indonesian culture, I delighted in sharing my heritage with Australian friends. During a gathering where fellow IISMA awardees and I prepared traditional dishes like nasi goreng and bakwan goreng, I witnessed how food could bridge cultural divides and foster genuine connections. These interactions deepened my understanding of global citizenship.

Personal Growth: Embracing Challenges

Living abroad presented numerous challenges, each becoming a stepping stone for personal development. Daily tasks—from navigating public transportation to adapting to a new academic system—built my resilience and independence. I honed my time management skills while balancing studies with cultural exploration.

This experience fundamentally transformed my perspective. Regular interactions with people from diverse backgrounds cultivated empathy and appreciation for different worldviews. It also strengthened my commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding in my future career.

A Message to Future Scholars

My IISMA experience in Australia was transformative. It facilitated growth across academic, cultural, and personal dimensions while allowing me to represent both my university and country internationally. I am profoundly grateful to the IISMA program, my department, and IPB University for this opportunity.

To my fellow management students, I urge you to embrace opportunities like this. The world offers countless learning experiences, and programs like IISMA serve as gateways to these possibilities. As I return home, I carry not just memories but valuable insights that will shape my future endeavors.