[UPDATE] A Pre Departure and Farewell Event was Set Up for the Student Exchange Batch 23

Jakarta – On Friday the 30th of July, an event was established to celebrate the students partaking in the exchange school program from batch 23. It consisted of a wide variety of activities scheduled in order to provide these students with a proper send off. From multiple sharing sessions hosted by alumni students, a briefing regarding the different expected protocols/requirements and an enlightening QnA session;this batch of students were provided with a lot of information and an insider look to what their exchange school experience is potentially going to look like. 

The highlight of the event was most definitely the sharing session run by three students who have previously taken part in LSPR’s exchange school program. Adinda Dwi Anggita (Student Exchange Alumni to Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia) spoke about her personal experience of doing a virtual exchange program. She shared her anecdotes regarding the struggles of making friends virtually, getting in contact with professors and remaining active with different programs run by the university. Similarly, Yoshepin Sandi Christy (Student Exchange Alumni to Breda University of Applied Science, Netherlands) revealed the different culture shock experiences: whether that may be making friends with locals, speaking the language or finding comfort food. Collectively both had come up with a list of ‘tips and tricks’ to help aid students with their study plans going forward. Doing research about your host university, taking as many risks & opportunities, using public transportation, actively checking your emails and remaining in contact with IRPO were some of the many things advised. 

“Living abroad is part of adulting” stated Ms Aka Aurora, LSPR Alumni and GKS Awardee 2020. Among other things she described her experience  about her time studying during quarantine and clarified the current pandemic situation in Korea. Furthermore, she helped students who will be studying in Korea by presenting the different guidelines and expectations while studying there. Students are advised to do as much research as possible, even narrowing it down to the smaller things (mannerism, lifestyles, interactions,etc) utilising social media and to look for the Indonesian embassy for any possible assistance. “It’s a very precious experience and not many people have the chance to do so, ensure that you reap the opportunities” she further stresses.  To close the ceremony, Ms Heidy hosted a briefing regarding the many different protocols students are expected to go through and prepared themselves for. 

Overall, the event was a lovely valediction for students expected to take off and partake in the student exchange program from batch 23. They were given a motivating and driving conference with so much information and advice that should benefit them and provide them with a lovely enchanting experience.