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Three students from UPH Management batch 2009 joined the student exchange program to Hogeschool Van Amsterdam on Even Semester year 2011/2012. They were Jessica Adelaide, Ressa Dwihartono and Kevin Johannes Anton. They gained many experiences from the program especially the experience of learning with international students and lecturers, increasing academic knowledge, networking, social life, and tourism.
Here are their stories.
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?It was my dream to study abroad,? said Jessica Adelaide,Management, 2009. ?I believe that studying abroad will give me a lot of insights for culture, education and others. I love to travel as well, so Europe is the best for me to gained new experiences,? she added.
The most valuable experience that she got during her stay was having friends from all over the world, Netherlands, Spain, America, Denmark, Germany, Singapore and Russia. Also during group presentations, she had the chance to work with her friends from different backgrounds and got good grades.
?I remembered during my Integrated Marketing Communication lesson, I was the only student that didn’t know about any single advertisement that the professor was talking about. I was able to learn more about how the European?s point of view in making an advertisement thus, I learned mostly in marketing management. Moreover, I can learn a bit of Dutch through the lesson that I took and I got good grades too. It was awesome and the professor knew Indonesia,? said Jessica.
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| Jessica |
In addition to the academic benefits, she gained other valuable experience, such as joining PPI Amsterdam (Perhimpunan Mahasiswa Indonesia di Amsterdam). ?I arranged several events such as welcoming the new students (2011-2012) and the annual sport events. It gives me more experience in an organization abroad. I had the chance to share my student life experience in RNW Indonesia ( Radio Nederlands), as well,? she added.
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Another interesting story coming from Ressa Dwihartono. He traveled Amsterdam by bike and also got the chance to travel to European countries in his spare time. “It was so much fun to bike there. I have traveled the Netherland. Travelling to European countries was also so much fun,” he said.
Studying was also the priority. One of the requirements to join student exchange program was to already have accomplished 80 credits. At Hogeschool Van Amsterdam, Ressa took five subjects: Stock Valuation, Marketing Communication, Strategic Marketing, International Marketing, and Business Law. He got B for almos every subject.
It took extra tenacity to study there. The key was to read a lot because the lecturer graded based on the student’s ability to understand a problem or a topic. “It’s not about memorizing the textbooks but understanding the lesson,” told him.
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| Ressa |
According to Ressa, the lecturers were interesting and interactive in teaching the class. The students were always prepared themselves before went on to class so the class actively involved in the discussion. “To catch up, I must read a lot and study harder. I spent more than four hours outside the class to study. Twice as much as I do in UPH,” told Ressa.
?I learned to appreciate time and finish tasks perfectly. Although we were given group assignment, individual participation was highly appreciated. Each person tried to give the best. Therefore I could gain more by studying there. And I make this experience as a pre-plan of taking master’s degree in Birmingham,? Ressa explained.
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Kevin
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Meanwhile Kevin Johannes Anton admitted that he had a part time job in holiday season. “Gaining experience and extra allowance,” he told. The opportunity was offered as he got recommendation from the students in PPI Amsterdam.
Looking for new experience was Kevin’s aim in joining the program. “Although I was uncertain at first, whether I can catch up or not. However, I was determined to look for a new experience so I challenge myself to apply,” Kevin said.
“I always make notes and review it after class. I prefer to study at home but if I find any difficulties I ask other students. Although we came from many countries, they were very nice and willing to help. My close friends are coming from Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Germany, France, and The Netherland,” he said.
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“The program was really gelping us to study abroad. If we had to do it all by ourselves, it would cost a lot of many and probably would be a lot harder. The program helps us to fulfill the administration requirements from the time we departed until we arrived there,” he told. (rh)
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Kevin and Ressa in front of campus
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in “I Amsterdam” at the park of Rijksmuseum.
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| Jessica with other exchange students during students gathering |
Jessica (fifth from the right) with PPI Amsterdam members |
UPH Media Relations
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