UNAIR NEWS – Another proudest achievement came from an alumna of the Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR). Imamatul Khair has gained a Fulbright scholarship to continue her master’s studies at Bilingual, ESL, and Multicultural Education University of Massachusetts in Amherst, United States. Imamatul shared some tips to qualify for the following Fulbright scholarship,

Familiarize self with the scholarship and its provider

“The Fulbright Scholarship has actually been around for a long time, not a new scholarship, funded by the United States Department of State and managed by The American-Indonesian Exchange Foundation (AMINEF),” explained Imamatul. She added that Fulbright scholarships are well known in more than 155 countries.

“This scholarship is also a prestigious scholarship and is fully funded from the start of the application. So we don’t need to be confused about looking for other funding because everything is free,” Imamatul explained. Further information regarding this scholarship can be accessed through www.aminef.or.id

Familiarize self with the program and university

Imamatul explained that she chose to apply for the Fulbright scholarship because this scholarship provided the program and university of her dreams. Furthermore, the study program she has chosen now is a program suitable for the context of Indonesia.

“Choosing a program is a very long process because you have to consider various things. Including, can it be useful for Indonesia if the knowledge is brought back to Indonesia, “explained Imamatul.

Broaden experience

“Organizational experience can be an asset so that the scholarship providers are interested in us. In my personal experience, I was active in various organizations during college that is relevant to the program I want, “explained Imamatul.

Imamatul also said that her active participation in community service activities, being named Outstanding Student in 2017, greatly supported her as a Fulbright scholarship recipient.

TOEFL IBT, Academic Test, and Interview

In addition to non-academic field activities, the academic achievements must also be prepared because there are academic tests for the selection process. Likewise, the TOEFL IBT must be prepared in advance.

“Regarding the interview itself, find more tutorials on the internet. Because the interviews involve lecturers and directors, we need a diplomatic answer strategy,” explained Imamatul.

Never give up

This Fulbright Scholarship is not the first scholarship Imamatul has applied for. It is her eighth attempt. Imamatul advised the scholarship hunters not to give up easily on getting scholarships. “We don’t know where our sustenance is. If you don’t pass now, try again next year. If we fail for one scholarship, try the others,” concluded Imamatul. (*)

Author: Tristania Faisa Adam

Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh