Kadek Astri Dwijayanti:
Expand Network and Introduce Indonesian Culture Abroad
Getting the opportunity to study at one of the best universities in Poland became a turning point for Kadek Astri Dwijayanti's life journey in her 20s. This International Relations Study Program student, batch 2019, is one of five President University (PresUniv) students who passed the 2021 Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program. The program managed by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, led Kadek to study for one semester at the University of Warsaw, Poland.
For Kadek, the experience of studying at a foreign university helped shape her into a better person. She can increasingly develop her character and abilities in an international environment. She said, “I learned how to deal with people from different cultures and at the same time adapt to a completely different situation and environment from Indonesia.”
Lots of Agenda Outside Lecture
Kadek said that with her growing personality and adaptability, she became more and more able to expand her network. She now has many friends from various countries. This achievement cannot be separated from the role of the University of Warsaw. "As the host, the university is very concerned and supportive to all Indonesian students here," she said.
One of them is through various off-campus activities carried out by the University of Warsaw. Kadek said that apart from actively paying attention to international students, the university also organized various additional agendas outside lectures. Among other things, by visiting Auschwitz Birkenau, which used to be a Nazi concentration camp, visiting the Parliament Building and at the same time meeting with the speaker of parliament, even visiting the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE) office. Kadek added, “Several times, we were also invited to have dinner with the dean of our faculty.”
Introduces Indonesian Culture
Apart from being supported by the host university, Kadek said she also received support from the Indonesian Embassy in Warsaw. "They really pay attention to the 24 students who take part in the IISMA program here," she stated. Kadek said that the Indonesian Embassy several times invited them to participate in events aimed at introducing Indonesian culture. Among them, making a video to commemorate Angklung Day, as well as making a music video in which they sing the national anthems Indonesia Raya and Tanah Airku in commemoration of Heroes' Day.
Apart from that, during one month in Poland, Kadek also had the opportunity to organize the “Indonesian Day in Warsaw” event. She explained, "We held this event to promote Indonesian culture among international students at the University of Warsaw."
On that occasion, Kadek and her friends had the opportunity to perform a traditional Indonesian dance, namely the Yapong Dance from Betawi. Then, she also helped cook some special Indonesian food for the audience. Kadek felt happy and proud because the event she organized received full support from the University of Warsaw and the Indonesian Embassy in Warsaw. Summarizing the many things she has been through, Kadek said, “My overall experience here was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. This is an amazing experience.” (Silvia Desi Betrice, PR team. Photo: International Office)
