From Kalijaga to the Land of the Bamboo Curtain: The Inspirational Story of Pretty Oktianti

 

Hello young Kalijagas ready to go global.

Let me introduce myself. I'm Pretty Oktianti Menur Kusuma Putri, usually called Pretty. I'm a 2019 graduate of the Bachelor of Physics Education program from UIN Sunan Kalijaga. I'm currently pursuing a master's degree in China under the fully funded China Government Scholarship program through the ASEAN China Young Leader Scholarship. In China, I'm majoring in Theoretical and Computational Physics.

After graduating from Physics Education at Sunan Kalijaga University, I embarked on a new journey full of challenges and learning. The transition from college to the next stage of my life opened up many opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally. I'm currently pursuing a master's degree in China, which will run until 2027. Being an international student has provided invaluable experiences, both academically and culturally. The different education system, new environment, and opportunity to interact with students from various countries have been both exciting challenges and enriched my perspective. I hope this experience will not only enhance my academic competence but also shape me into a more open-minded individual ready to contribute globally.

China is a country with rapid technological and cultural development, and boasts many world-class universities. I chose China because I wanted to experience studying abroad with a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other countries. During my master's degree in China, I benefited greatly from the Chinese government's scholarship program. This scholarship covers full tuition fees, campus accommodation or a housing allowance, a monthly stipend of approximately IDR 8-9 million for master's students, health insurance, airfare, and initial financial assistance to prepare for my studies as a freshman. With this scholarship, I can focus on my studies and explore Chinese culture. I also have the opportunity to build an international network and consider job opportunities in China after graduation, as new regulations allow foreign graduates with master's degrees from Chinese universities to apply for work visas within the first year of graduation.

So, don't be afraid to try and explore, friends! Who knows, you might be the next target to go abroad. See you on top, guys~