UNAIR NEWS – Cristalia Nuur Annisa had a big dream of being able to study abroad. Talia’s dream is achieved thanks to the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program, which delivered her to Prince of Songkla University, Thailand.
When she learned about IISMA, the student of Faculty of Psychology UNAIR did not waste a good chance and quickly prepared various documents required. At first, Talia chose Hanyang University because she was interested in the User Experience (UX) course at that university. Then Talia followed the selection process until finally deemed qualified for the IISMA program.
“During the announcement, I was transferred to the Prince of Songkla University in Thailand, specifically in the Faculty of Management Science, Business Administration study program,” she continued.
Culture shock in Thailand
Talia felt more culture shocks during her study, especially during interaction with Thai students. The student from Surabaya felt cultural and learning style differences between Indonesian students and Thai students.
Language difference was also a challenge for Talia. Thailand is not an English-speaking country. She sometimes had difficulties during group discussions with Thai students.
“Back then, I also used body language to speak because it was so difficult to understand,” she explained.
Regarding the food, most of Thailand’s food has a sour and acidic taste, such as vinegar, unlike lemon. Talia confessed that she did not quite like those tastes, so during her early study in Thailand, she had difficulty choosing food.
Furthermore, Talia felt that Thailand is more open to gender and sexuality. Even during a lecture in class, they have discussed gender and sexuality in Thailand and the impact of consumerism behavior. “Here, thera are many dogs on the streets,” she added.
Unlike Indonesia, especially in Surabaya, the street animals often found on the streets are cats. Therefore at night, she often heard dogs howling everywhere.
“As a Muslim, I also have to check for prayer and iftar time because there are no calling for prayers here at all,” she revealed.
Joining cultural activity
Besides going to lectures, Talia also participated in various sports activities at the university. In the evening, Talia often went running on the jogging track at the Prince of Songkla University.
“The jogging track was very fun because it goes around a 1.4 km lake so the view is very nice,” she explained.
Talia also sometimes swam at the Sports Center. Besides sports, Talia and her friends often visited various interesting places in Thailand to explore the city.
Furthermore, the university also invited IISMA awardees to participate in many cultural activities held by the campus, such as learning to make Thai pottery, joining in traditional Thai dance, visiting the traditional Thai fabric production site, and going to the observatory.
“We also had iftar activity together at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Songkhla,” she stated.
Awardees were also celebrating Kartini’s Day as a form of cultural exchange with Thailand people. They celebrated that occasion with friends and lecturers in Thailand. (*)
Author: Sandi Prabowo
Editor : Binti Q Masruroh
