Banda Aceh – The Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), successfully held a Study Abroad Seminar themed “Strategies for Preparing to Study Abroad” on Saturday, August 30, 2025. The event attracted 20 participants who attended in person and 79 participants who joined online via Zoom. The enthusiasm came not only from Physics students and alumni but also from the general public eager to learn strategies for pursuing higher education abroad.
The seminar began with an inspiring keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Muksin, S.Si., M.Si., M.Phil, Coordinator of the Master’s Program in Physics at USK. A graduate of the Australian National University (Master’s) and the University of Potsdam, Germany (Doctorate), Prof. Muksin emphasized the importance of early preparation academically, linguistically, and mentally for those aspiring to study at leading global universities. He highlighted how this effort aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, by encouraging continuous learning and academic excellence.
In the experience-sharing session, Dr. Dian Darisma, S.Si., M.Sc, an alumna of the undergraduate Physics program at FMIPA USK and a Ph.D. graduate from Tohoku University, Japan under the MEXT scholarship, shared valuable insights about the competitive scholarship program. She recounted her academic journey in Japan, where discipline and perseverance were essential. Dr. Dian explained how collaborative research with her sensei not only broadened her scientific perspective but also strengthened her academic character embodying the spirit of SDG 4 through inclusive and lifelong learning.
Meanwhile, Nadiatul Asra, ST., M.Si, a graduate of the Master’s Program in Physics at FMIPA USK and currently pursuing her doctoral studies at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, highlighted other lesser-known scholarship opportunities available to Indonesian students. She emphasized that these scholarships offer substantial benefits and open pathways to academic collaboration, contributing to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering global academic cooperation and exchange.
Another inspiring story came from Muhajirin, S.Si., M.Sc, an alumnus of the undergraduate Physics program at FMIPA USK who received the prestigious LPDP scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Data Science at the University of Birmingham, UK. He shared practical strategies for preparing application documents and offered tips on navigating the competitive scholarship selection process, empowering participants to pursue their dreams with confidence and resilience.
The discussion session was moderated by Dr. Zulkarnain Jalil, S.Si., M.Si., a lecturer at the Department of Physics, FMIPA USK, and visiting researcher at ICPME, Paris, who also serves as an LPDP reviewer. With his engaging moderation, Dr. Zulkarnain guided the speakers in sharing real-world experiences that provided participants with concrete insights into both the opportunities and challenges of studying abroad.
“This seminar not only broadened perspectives on how to secure international scholarships but also inspired students to be confident and globally competitive,” said Dr. Saumi Syahreza, S.Si., M.Si., Head of the Physics Department, FMIPA USK, in his opening remarks. He emphasized that this initiative is part of the department’s continuous effort to enhance academic quality and global engagement, supporting both SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Through this event, the Department of Physics, FMIPA USK reaffirmed its commitment to fostering academic excellence, expanding international collaboration, and providing inclusive educational opportunities, not only for USK students and alumni but also for the wider community aspiring to pursue higher education abroad.