How an Indonesian Scholar Secured the Fully Funded Australia Awards Scholarship for an MA in TESOL at Flinders University

I’m Ainol Mardhiah from Lhokseumawe, Aceh, Indonesia, with a background in English Language Education and an MA in TESOL from Flinders University. Currently, I work as a lecturer at Universitas Bumi Persada, Lhokseumawe, Aceh.  I pursued further education to deepen my understanding and practical skills of effective teaching methodologies and contribute to improving English language education in Indonesia.

Australia Awards Scholarship Details

I have previously received two scholarships that help advance career. I was awarded the Australia Awards Scholarship (2017-2018) to pursue my Master’s in TESOL at Flinders University, Australia. Besides, I was a recipient of the Fulbright Community College Initiative Program (2013-2014), which allowed me to study Early Childhood Education at Mesa Community College, USA for 10 months. These scholarships provided full funding, covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and other academic costs.

Educational Background

I earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Language Education from Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Negeri Malikussaleh in Lhokseumawe, a small city in Aceh. After graduation, I began teaching and noticed that students struggled with English due to limited exposure, ineffective methods, and a lack of engaging resources. This experience motivated me to pursue my master’s degree, not only to deepen my knowledge and skills but also to enhance my ability to transfer these skills to other educators and learners. My focus on technology-enhanced language learning aims to address these challenges and making English learning more effective and accessible.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Flinders University?

To prepare for my applications, I researched universities and programs aligned with my TESOL goals. I reviewed admission requirements, program curricula, and faculty expertise. I also asked advice from alumni of Australia Awards to strengthen my application. Also, I ensured all required documents, such as my CV and translated documents, were ready. While applying for the institution, the Australia Awards staff handled much of the administrative process, guiding me through the steps and ensuring all requirements were met.

The only test I needed to take was the IELTS. Luckily, the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) provided me with a 4.5-month training at IALF Jakarta. During this time, I focused on improving my academic writing and preparing for the IELTS exam. The training was incredibly helpful and gave me the tools I needed to feel confident and perform well on the test.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Australia Awards Scholarship?

At the beginning, I researched the eligibility criteria, required documents, and process. I focused on aligning my goals with the scholarship’s objectives and gathered all necessary documents, such as transcripts and proof of language proficiency. I also worked on writing a strong essay that reflected my motivations and goals. Besides, I also tried to connect with alumni who had been through the process for advice.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I am still not sure about this, but when I re-read my essay after sending it 7 years ago, I realized that all the plans I outlined for my contribution have already been completed. Therefore, I think what made my application stand out was my clear vision and commitment to making a real impact. I outlined specific goals, like creating an English community in my region, and I followed through on them.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Are Going Through the Process Again?

If I were going through the process again, I would have been more active in my community. While I was more focused on my academic achievements, I realize that engaging in more community-based projects and educational initiatives would have strengthened my application.

What Advice Would You Give for Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

For those applying for Australia Awards, start early and carefully research the scholarship’s criteria. Align goals with the scholarship’s objectives and clearly explain how it will help create a meaningful impact for your community. Besides, ensure the application materials are well-written by asking feedback from mentors or alumni.