Swinburne helps deepen multi-disciplinary understanding

Swinburne University of Technology recently hosted nine Indonesian students as part of the prestigious Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards Vocational Edition (IISMAVO) scholarship program.

As part of this program, undergraduate students from higher education institutions across Indonesia are given the opportunity to study overseas for a semester. 

Learning that extends beyond the classroom

IISMAVO scholar, Muammar Alfien Zaidan said that his Swinburne experience was more than learning in the classroom, it was also about growing as a person.

“I love the abundance of study spaces at Swinburne, it feels like I can study in almost every single corner of the campus and the courses are super interesting as well. Being a study abroad student gave me a whole new perspective on life, and Melbourne's vibe is just something else, the mix of cultures, the stunning scenery—it's a one-of-a-kind experience. My time at Swinburne, and the memories and friendships I made here will stay with me forever,” he says. 

Fellow scholar, Shyaren Yohana shares Muammar’s views.

“My classes have been enjoyable and the tutors are very informative and engaging. My Business and Entrepreneurship course gave me an in-depth understanding of Entrepreneurship because it was really structured and covered all the necessary materials. I gained a lot of new skills that would support me as an entrepreneur such as creative thinking, taking risks and finding opportunities in the entrepreneurial world,” she says.

Making lifelong friends

During their five months at Swinburne, these students participated in various activities, including a trip to Mount Buller and industry visits to Melbourne-based digital marketing agency, Verve Innovation, as well as Melbourne Fashion Week.

To enhance their cross-cultural understanding and help them assimilate to a new country, a buddy program was set up, where local Swinburne students volunteered to show the IISMAVO scholars around Melbourne. The Swinburne Abroad team also organised social networking events to give students opportunities to meet other students.

IISMAVO scholar, Terry Surya said that while he initially found the study abroad experience daunting, the program of activities and the hospitality helped him feel more at home.

“At the social mixer, we were assigned random tables, which allowed us to socialise and meet new friends. I would not have been able to meet the amazing people I get to call best friends now if it wasn’t for this - it was truly a night to remember,” he says.  

“The Mount Buller trip gave me a once-in-a-lifetime experience! That first experience of seeing and touching snow will always be a joyous moment to remember. The thrill of going down a mountain on a snowboard, nothing has given me more adrenaline than that,” he adds.

Swinburne student, James Pappalardo who volunteered for the buddy program, believes that building relationships between Swinburne students and IISMAVO scholars will continue to deepen the connection between Australia and Indonesia.