I always have a somewhat comical answer whenever someone asks why I chose the UK as my chosen country for study abroad. The shortest answer would be likely: "Most of my favourite films are made here, featuring British actors, actresses, and producers, all of which tend to be unique and daring"...
...But it's true. I grew up enjoying many excellent movies, serials, and animations which usually left a lasting impression, leading me to realise that there must be exceptionally skilled individuals behind those amazing productions. It made me wonder: what would it be like to study and work in such a creative and supportive environment.
Speaking of studying abroad, it felt like an opportunity to break away from my predictable path. While studying in my home country is also a privilege, many students – including myself – believe that certain experiences are best gained overseas. That's why I was eager to seek out scholarships, and I am beyond grateful to have been selected as an awardee of the Indonesia International Student Mobility Award (IISMA 2024), which gave me the chance to spend my first three months in the UK. More luckily, I found just the right institution for my vision of a creative and super-nurturing community in Bournemouth, which is AUB itself.
During my study period, I came to BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy while already grounded with some design skills from projects I had during the previous semester at my home college. One of the first things I learned here was image-making. Not just covering the visuals, but how to convey the message behind it. At the same time, we learned the importance of experimenting with words and ideas and documenting them in a sketchbook.
Before coming to AUB, I found that the sketchbook was not doing much to my progress, since I rarely draw. However, at AUB, everyone values our process. The tutors continually emphasised that the sketchbook is not just about presenting polished results but also tracking how ideas evolve. They encouraged us to make mistakes, experiment in different directions, and embrace trial and error as part of learning. Feedback sessions were particularly valuable, helping us refine our concepts and gain a clearer direction for our outcomes.
I also admired the teachers for these reasons as well. They are aces in their fields and genuinely passionate about what they are teaching. One thing that stuck with me still is, how they always ensured no student was left struggling on their own. The one-on-one tutorial session was particularly helpful, allowing students to delve deeper into their personal growth while receiving direct guidance from the tutors. This was quite different from my experiences back home, where lectures often felt more distant and tended to encourage students to learn independently alongside their assignments and projects, which can feel less supportive at times.
Besides the academic commitments, the IISMA awardees are not only prepared to adapt to a new learning environment but also to embrace the cultural exchange, opening our minds to social diversity and expressing Indonesian culture on an international stage.
One of my most remarkable experiences was leading Indonesian Cultural Harmony, the first Indonesian cultural event at AUB at the end of October 2024. Alongside my incredible team of 10 IISMA fellows, we brought a taste of Indonesian to Bournemouth. The event introduces our National Batik Day, featuring our traditional attire like Kebaya and Batik. We also invited students from every background to join a lively Maumere flashmob and participate in the traditional games we brought along to complete the nostalgic and joyful evening.
It was an honour to collaborate with such dedicated peers, as well as the supportive team of AUB who helped make it happen. But what truly made it special was seeing everyone from every course – and even from Bournemouth University – enthusiastically joining in, having a memorable time and approving the homemade Indonesian dishes that we had prepared most of ourselves at Madeira Road halls.
Becoming a part of AUB might be the finest phase in my academic record so far. From refining my design process to leading a cultural event, every challenge and opportunity has helped me grow in ways I never imagined. Looking back, I would say that my 15-year-old self would be thrilled to know that I am living her dream, even if just for a short time through this scholarship. I will make sure this won't be her last time – she has more dreams to thrive.
