Student of the Bachelor of Applied Information and Public Relations Study Program, Vocational School, Diponegoro University, Widya Kania Rusminar, had the opportunity to study at Coventry University through the IISMAVO scholarship program. Widya is one of 8 Vocational School students who won a scholarship to study at a foreign campus for one semester. Apart from studying at foreign campuses, this program which is fully funded by the government also provides internship opportunities for students in various foreign companies that are campus partners.
In this IISMAVO activity, Widya took part in activities in scheme B under the guidance of Prof. Benny Tjahjono, Professor of Sustainability and Supply Chain Management, Center for Business in Society (CBiS). CBiS is a research center at Coventry University which has extensive connections and networks with major industry in the UK, so apart from studying in class, Widya also makes industry visits to several leading companies in the UK and the world.
In scheme B, Widya had the opportunity to take several courses including Business Writing Skills, Circular Economy, E-Commerce Management, and Data Analyst and Decision Making. Apart from these courses, Widya also took part in the Global Leadership Program, where in the program she could interact and have discussions with local and international students from various countries.
The perceived difference regarding the learning system between Indonesia and England was also experienced by Widya. She revealed that the learning method in class prioritized group discussions rather than individuals. “Each class at Coventry University will begin with a module presentation by the lecturer, then at the end of the class students will hold group discussions to answer some of the questions given by the lecturer,” said Widya.
By holding lots of group discussions, Widya gets information and knowledge from different perspectives between individuals. Moreover, many discussions were held with local and international students from various countries. “Usually in 2 lectures a week, the 2nd meeting is a seminar session where we conduct discussions and presentations about the course material being taught, this helps me as an international student to understand the mindset and understanding of each student who comes from various backgrounds. cultural background,” said Widya.
For industrial activities, Widya had the opportunity to visit top companies in England in the Pride of Britain activities. Some of the companies she has visited include Morgan Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Drayton Manor Resort and Park, Brompton Bicycle, MINI Car Company, JCB manufacturing, as well as the famous football club, Manchester City through the Global Leaders Programme.
During her visit to Manchester City, she and other Coventry IISMAVO awardees were invited to tour the Etihad Stadium which is the home ground of Manchester City. She also received explanations about history, information, and the business and management applied to the football club so that they could win several prestigious matches in both England and Europe. After conducting an industrial visit, each student is required to make a report regarding market analysis, leadership style, product leadership and customer intimacy from each industry that has been visited.
Widya admitted that she was very happy to be given the opportunity to visit one of the biggest football clubs in the world. “It was a very pleasant experience to be given the opportunity to know the management and business of the Manchester City football club which is one of the biggest football clubs in England.” she said. Widya also added that this industrial visit activity was an unforgettable valuable experience while being an IISMAVO Coventry University awardee in 2022.
Apart from academic activities, Widya also took part in volunteer activities held by the Coventry University volunteer team. In this volunteer activity, she and other Coventry University IISMAVO awardees carried out activities to write letters for sick children who were in hospital. This volunteer’s experience was memorable because he had never done a similar activity in Indonesia. “I am very happy to be able to take part in this volunteer activity, apart from being able to give happiness to children who are sick, this activity is also a new experience that I have never done before in Indonesia,” said Widya.
Widya said that she was very grateful to have had the opportunity and valuable experience while becoming an IISMAVO Coventry University 2022 awardee. Getting new opportunities to study abroad, learn the culture and language of the residents, and get the opportunity to visit big companies in England through Pride activities of Britain and the Global Leaders Programme.
Widya also thanked Coventry University as the host university which provided a great opportunity for Widya and 41 other awardees to learn and gain valuable experience through the IISMAVO program in 2022.
Recent Comments