[UPDATE] Highlights from the Second Week of Study Abroad Spotlight: Set Yourself Apart, Your International Journey Starts Here at LSPR!

Jakarta – As reported previously, LSPR has opened the registration for its International Academic Study Program (IASP) since late September which will run until the end of October. But some students may still face a dilemma when it comes to deciding which foreign university to apply to, from determining the order of their Priority List or simply being overwhelmed by the numerous choices. Therefore, the International Relations and Partnerships Office (IRPO) of LSPR in collaboration with its global university partners held a series of info sessions to jumpstart and ignite their road to being a global citizen entitled “Study Abroad Spotlight: Set Yourself Apart, Your International Journey Starts Here at LSPR!”

Following the 7 info sessions from the First Week (27 September-1 October 2021), 7 more universities joined the series of events in its Second Week (4-8 October 2021), which amounted to 14 partner universities. In the info sessions, the partner universities discussed program availability, housing options, living cost estimation, and conducted virtual tours. They are intended to not only boost students’ interest in the study abroad program, but also help students know their options better and ultimately make their decision easier.

The Second Week of Study Abroad Spotlight info sessions started with Session 8 on Monday, 4 October 2021 featuring Leeds Beckett University (LBU), UK. Agung Adi Nugraha, alumni of LBU and representative of LBU in Indonesia, talked about the appeal of Leeds as the 4^th largest city in the UK that is also well-known as a student city. The LBU provides university accommodation, while private rented accommodation is also available. LBU also highlighted vast numbers of Student Societies to join, ranging from the ones based on faith, to sport, to pop culture and hobbies, along with strong Support Services. It also has cooperation with reputable partners such as Leeds United Football Club and the BBC.

On Tuesday, 5 October 2021, Ole Kolling from Zealand Institute of Business and Technology (ZIBAT) was joined in Session 9 by Fathimah Alaydrus and Nafisha Alaydrus, LSPR Student Batch 23 who are currently studying in Zealand to share their stories. ZIBAT or Zealand is unique because it offers the Erasmus+ Funding, a student exchange program with a scholarship from the Denmark Government. Mr. Kolling explained that the Erasmus program used to be for Europe only, and in 2017 Erasmus was opened to international students. However, Mr. Kolling noted that students need to pay attention about the scholarship program cycle. “The Erasmus+ program has a 7-year cycle, and the 2014-2020 cycle just ended. Therefore, we are now in between programs. The next cycle is 2021-2027, so now it is not available yet, but it should be available from Autumn 2021,” he explained. Hence, interested students should be aware and stay alert for further announcement about the scholarship. The scholarship is estimated to grant around €1500 for travel expenses and around €900 for allowance, which will make it easier for students to come to Denmark. This session is moderated by Miss Adinda Ayu Sasqia Putri, International Relations Officer for Study Tour and Workshop, who was also a Student Ambassador that received the Erasmus+ Scholarship for Student Exchange to Zealand in 2018. Miss Putri gave the advice that students interested in the Erasmus+ program need to maintain their grade from their first semester.

Two sessions were held on Wednesday, 6 October 2021, consisted of Session 10 with De Montfort University (DMU) from the UK and Session 11 Breda University of Applied Science (BUAS) from the Netherlands, respectively. Daniel Winney from DMU spoke about how Leicester is one of the most diverse cities in the UK and how DMU is available for the Study Abroad or the Dual Degree Program. The university highlighted two featured programs, the first one is the DMU Global Program that gave students the chance to travel as part of the study abroad program, in which all the courses organized large scale trips in the term break. The second one DMU Works Program, an employability program in which work experience is built into the curriculum. DMU also has partnerships with Leicester City Football Club and the United Nations.

Anna Voinova represented BUAS or also called Breda, accompanied by Yosephin Sandy Christy, Student Ambassador and Student Exchange Alumni to Breda 2019. Breda is known for its practice-based learning and emphasis on creative business. Ms. Voinova highlighted this further with her advice for student who want to study abroad. “The key for studying abroad is don’t wait for others. Come by yourself. Be proactive. Be in the forefront of your educational process. Don’t wait for things to come to you but go grab it yourself,” she encouraged. She also mentioned that since it’s not a populous metropolitan, the living cost in Breda is more affordable than other cities in the Netherlands or Europe in general.

Thursday also had a double session, featuring Hotel Institute of Montreux (HIM), Switzerland, and New York Film Academy (NYFA), USA. Roynaldo Christy, Regional Manager Indonesia and Philippines, and Angela Gouwtama, Country Manager Indonesia, the representatives for Session 12, talked about how HIM combined education about Swiss hospitality and American business. The institute could be a particularly attractive choice for LSPR Hospitality students, offering Study Abroad and Dual Degree programs. All specialization is delivered in partnerships with relevant partner institutions, such as hotel groups, resorts, and centers. One of HIM’s leading program is an Employment Forum, in which they invite industry players, and conduct interview on the spot for job placements. Mr. Roynaldo mentioned that there is a scholarship opportunity in HIM, but it is on merit and case-by-case basis. There is also a student dorm available, with food included.

If the previous session was all about hospitality, the next session would particularly suit the interests for LSPR Performing Arts students. The NYFA, USA, focused its courses on the practical art of filmmaking, from directing, writing, producing, cinematography, to editing. Roger del Pozo, Director of Outreach, spoke about how NYFA students are encouraged to use the city to their own experience and has its own theater. Students will also have the chance to learn from industry professionals, due to NYFA’s vast network. This can be seen in the academy’s high-level industry speaker series, which featured well-known stars such as Steven Spielberg, Al Pacino, Adam Driver, and Kevin Feige (Marvel), whether as Guest Speaker for Q&A or Guest Lecture. Even though it’s located in the middle of the city, NYFA’s New York campus has a housing coordinator and student dorm, while the Los Angeles campus offers a more residential housing style.

Last but not least, Session 14 on Friday, 8 October 2021 featured Edith Cowan University (ECU), Australia.

, stated that the ECU supported the Study Abroad and Dual Degree programs. ECU has 4 campuses, about 31.000 students, with over 6.000 of them international students from 100 countries. In ECU, the study abroad fees are divided by groups to enable it to become competitive. Mr. Burrows also mentioned that since the main campus is located in Perth, Western Australia, it has a cost of living that is reasonable and cheaper than other big cities in Australia.

Following the info sessions, Miss Heidy Isabel, International Relations Officer for International Academic Study Program and Partnerships Collaboration, reminded students to start the registration process for the study abroad program as soon as possible through: tinyurl.com/IASP2022, since the registration will be closed at the end of October. For further information, students can contact the LSPR International Office via email at [email protected], Instagram @lspr.international, WhatsApp, or LINE. Students can also schedule a visit to the LSPR International Office that currently has to be booked in advance due to social distancing measures. See you soon to begin your International Journey!