Testimonials - ASEAN Credit Transfer System

Umi Amal Nadhirah Haji Jamil

This is a good program giving students opportunities to pursue their studies abroad and gain valuable experience and strengthening their independency especially when dealing with academic and lifestyle management. I, throughout my time here in Manila, I enjoyed everything here and life is becoming more meaningful as I realize that I should feel very grateful to be given opportunity to undergo this program and especially having AUN program in my country, which have made my desire to experience study abroad came true. I have met a lot of international friends here, I learnt to respect their views, cultures, religion, I learnt to stay strong, self-motivated, helpful, etc. Overall, AUN is a way to bring student to experience real life. I look forward for offer of graduate studies scholarship for Bruneian students in the near future.

Sharmaine V. Hernandez

On wanders and wonders

When I first signed up for the program, all I had in mind was how great such opportunity would be for me to explore a world that is way beyond my reach and means. I wanted to push my boundaries. I wanted to chase the elusive horizon. I challenged myself to open up to greater possibilities that lie in those uncharted territories. But was I prepared enough? I wasn’t really sure. I just counted and faced everything a day at a time. Truth be told, I didn’t feel nor face much dread until hours before my departure flight, when my family was already in tears with much fears and hopes for my greatest venture yet. And armed with nothing much but the thrill of bold curiosity and courage due to everyone’s support, I packed and hauled my bags, wore and walked my grown-up shoes, and thrust myself toward a greater beyond.

I believe that I am quite fortunate and blessed to have stayed at a country that is as friendly and hospitable as my very own. Frankly, I don’t think I would have made it home safe everyday without the help of the many kind strangers who guided me, tried to communicate with me, and taught me how to communicate with them, too. I am in debt and in awe at all the people who went out of their ways just to help me and have thus inspired me to act and do the same. From being a meek girl who was too reserved to bother introducing herself to other people, I became more eager to put myself out there, and respect and emulate other people’s generosity and enthusiasm. I realized that I was very fortunate to come across and be friends with a multitude of people from various cultures and religions who are very much ready and happy to share their stories and beliefs with me.

As cliché as it may seem, leaving Indonesia was truly a bittersweet moment for me. I have grown fond not just of the place but, more so, of the people whom I met and lived with for four months. Tell me: how can anyone not appreciate and admire a country that accepted and deeply cared for helpless strangers like me? I have come across friends and teachers who have all shown the same brand of sincerity and generosity. I have lived with a family who nurtured and fed me as if I was their own, and even took me with them to sightseeing and included me in family photographs. I became really close friends with other foreigners who were just about as clueless and scared as I was, and yet still welcomed me as part of their group, stayed up with me during sleepless school nights, and made me feel as if we have known each other for years. I have been exposed to places and cultures that are by themselves so beautiful, and yet are so appreciative and respectful of diversity. I cannot deny that I was very much excited to finally go home, but waiting for my flight at that same frightening airport also felt like I was leaving a second home. Together with the new language that I have learned and all the stories of the people that I have met, I packed and brought home with me all of the new fears and hopes that I have for myself after having been shaken, awakened, and enriched by my new home.

Raja Oktovin Parhasian Damanik

First of all, I want to thank those who have made this program possible. It is simply one of the best time in my life going abroad as exchange student. Meeting many international students opens my mind more about many possibilities we can achieve be grateful for in our life.

For my coursework, other than standard modules in my major, I tried to take graduate module and other module from department that totally has nothing to do with my major study. I also learned about how my studying style changed for the graduate module and the other model taught me differently about what to focus and trying another method to analysis many cases in society.

I also took part in student co-curricular activities such as a capella group where they accepted few exchange students during my time. Aside from the great learning of a capella singing, I am so grateful to be able to sing and share my time practicing with these students from different parts of the world. They are just awesome!
Finally, I cannot say anything but to spread this spirit to prospective exchange students. I want future exchange students to just go for this once in a lifetime experience. I wish this program grows bigger so that more students can have this experience.

Dayangku Nursakinah Intan Nursari

I’m so glad I went for a student exchange program, as studying in Indonesia really was an amazing experience, propelling me in not only my studies but my future ambitions also. The University of Indonesia was very welcoming – especially the lecturers at the Faculty of Engineering and also the International relation staffs who were always ensuring we were having nothing less than a fantastic time. The classes were really interesting and I got the experience of doing the practical class and had the hands-on experience on the machines that I have never encountered before, which was extremely beneficial as I was able to learn different skills. From studying abroad I have not only gained confidence, friends, but also amazing stories from all my adventures, a whole new set of study and life skills, and a life changing experience that I will never forget.