Master’s Mechanical Engineering Student Daris Fajar Ramadan from Indonesia Shares His Journey of Studying at Gazi University, Türkiye

Hi, my name is Daris Fajar Ramadan, and I’m from Bogor, Indonesia. I have a background in mechanical engineering, where I developed a strong interest in analytical design, heat transfer, and simulation-based engineering.

I completed my earlier studies in Indonesia, and I also had the opportunity to join the Community College Initiative Program in the United States with a scholarship, which was my first international academic experience. That experience really shaped my perspective on education and motivated me to pursue a more global and research-oriented path.

Currently, I am continuing my academic journey through the Türkiye Bursları under a scholarship from YTB in Türkiye, where I am focusing on advancing my knowledge in mechanical engineering. I decided to pursue further education in this field because I’m particularly interested in how engineering principles in heat transfer and materials can be applied to solve real-world problems through research and simulation.

In the long term, I aim to become a researcher and contribute to the development of more efficient and innovative engineering systems.

Community College Initiative (CCI) Program Details

In 2019, I was selected as one of scholarship awardees of Community College Initiative (CCI) Program. The CCI program was a non-degree program and funded by the U.S. Department of State. This program allowed me to study Applied Engineering in Valencia College, Orlando, Florida, for 2 semesters or one academic-year. It covered all major expenses, including tuition, books, accommodation, living allowance, health insurance, and return flight tickets from and to my home country. It also provided me with not only academic experience but also cultural exchange and professional development opportunities through leadership training and seminars with no extra fee. Unfortunately, as I am writing this story and starting 2025, the CCI Program is no longer available due to recent policies made by the president and the parties concerned in the U.S.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was offered other scholarships. I have been fortunate to receive two fully funded scholarships throughout my academic journey.

Currently, I am a recipient of the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship 2025. This is also a fully funded scholarship provided by the Turkish government. With this scholarship, I can pursue my higher education and continue in a Master’s degree program in Türkiye. It covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, flight tickets, and even includes a one-year Turkish language program. As of now, I am attending the one-year Turkish language program in Gazi Üniversitesi and expected to pass C1 level of Turkish before I can continue to take courses in M.Sc of Mechanical Engineering at the same university in the following year.

Educational Background

My educational journey is quite long and interesting. I have an academic background in mechanical engineering from multiple institutions, which has helped me build both theoretical understanding and practical skills.

I completed a 3-year associate degree in mechanical engineering at Politeknik Negeri Jakarta in Indonesia, where I gained strong hands-on experience in engineering systems, mechanical design, and manufacturing processes. I graduated from this institution in 2016 and achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.61.

After a few years of working as a mechanical design engineer, I had the opportunity to study in the United States through the Community College Initiative Program at Valencia College in 2019. I studied Applied Engineering and took courses in mechanical design, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and advance mechanical system. This experience not only developed my mechanical and engineering knowledge but also strengthened my adaptability, communication skills, and exposure to international academic standards. Then, I graduated from Valencia College in 2020 with a cumulative GPA of 3.80.

Furthermore, I decided to continue my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Universitas Mercu Buana, where I focused more on analytical design, engineering calculations, and system analysis through engineering system simulations. My bachelor education allowed me to explore further into computational fluid dynamics where I could conduct engineering systems evaluation with advanced computer programs. I started my bachelor's study in 2022 and finished it in 2024. My CGPA was 3.62, and I received an honorary mention from the university.

Overall, my educational background has prepared me well for my current field because it combines practical engineering skills with analytical and research-oriented thinking. It also shaped my interest in areas like heat transfer, materials, and simulation, which I am now pursuing more deeply in my current studies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Gazi University/Valencia College?

When I was preparing to apply for scholarships and institutions, I approached it as a long-term process rather than something I could do in a short time.

To find information, I actively searched through official scholarship websites, university pages, and followed educational platforms and communities on social media like LinkedIn and Instagram. I also learned a lot from scholarship awardees who shared their experiences online, which helped me understand the requirements and expectations more clearly. Moreover, I sometimes joined several scholarship workshops held by some academic institutions in my country when they were available.

For standardized tests, I took the IELTS as part of my application requirements. To prepare for it, I focused on consistent daily practice, especially in speaking and writing. I used online resources, practiced answering common questions, and tried to simulate real test conditions. I also worked on improving my overall English by regularly reading, listening, and thinking in English. Since all my scholarship programs that I applied did not require other standardized tests other than IELTS or TOEFL, such as SAT, ACT, or GMAT, so I only focused on improving my English and preparing for the IELTS exam.

In addition to that, I prepared other important documents such as my statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and academic records carefully. Those three documents are the most important part of scholarship applications. I made sure that each part of my application reflected my goals and aligned with the field I wanted to pursue. To find the details of information of each program, I could easily go to the institution official website and check all the requirements. Many times, they post the requirements both in their institute and on the scholarship portal. So, I needed to make sure that the information from both sites is aligned with each other.

Overall, my preparation was about being consistent, doing thorough research, learning from others who had successfully gone through the same process, and making sure every step I took was aligned with my long-term goals. Another key point I paid attention to was making sure that my goals in pursuing education were aligned with the scholarship provider’s objectives.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship/Community College Initiative (CCI) Program?

When preparing to apply for the scholarship, I focused on understanding what the scholarship providers were really looking for beyond just academic performance.

I carefully reviewed the requirements and selection criteria and then worked on aligning my application with those expectations. This included preparing a strong statement of purpose, where I clearly explained my academic background, my motivation, and my future goals.

I also reached out to my supervisors for recommendation letters and made sure they reflected both my academic abilities and my potential. In addition, I paid close attention to how I presented my experiences, especially my involvement in engineering and my long-term goal of becoming a researcher.

Another important aspect I focused on was ensuring that my educational goals were aligned with those of the scholarship provider. I believe this helped me present a more coherent and purposeful application.

As a side note, both scholarship programs that I applied to did not ask me to apply to the institutions separately. So, the key is only to get accepted by the scholarship, and they will do the rest for my university registrations.

In sum, my preparation was not only about completing the requirements, but also about telling a clear story about who I am, what I want to achieve, and how the scholarship would help me get there.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Gazi University/Valencia College?

My experience at the institution has been very enriching, both academically and personally.

During my time in the United States through the Community College Initiative Program, I was exposed to a very interactive and practical learning environment. The classes encouraged active participation, critical thinking, and collaboration. It was also my first time living abroad, so I learned a lot about adapting to a new culture and becoming more independent.

Currently, in Türkiye, under the Türkiye Bursları, my experience has been more focused on academic depth and long-term goals. Even though right now I am still in a Turkish preparation class, I feel like the environment here is helping me transition from being a student to becoming a future researcher. My experience by far is very fun and interesting thanks to everyone involved in this academic journey, not only YTB as the scholarship provider but also students from around the world that I get to know through the courses.

So, both experiences have complemented each other. One helped me grow personally and adapt globally, while the other is shaping my academic and professional direction more clearly.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Turkish?

During the CCI Program in the United States, all classes that I attended at Valencia College were in English. Meanwhile, in Türkiye, the classes are in Turkish since I chose a program that uses Turkish as a primary language. For those who choose programs that will be conducted in English, a one-year Turkish preparation program is still mandatory.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Turkish?

For studying through the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship in Türkiye, I would say it depends on the student. If they do not pass a certain level that is required before starting their main studies, it is indeed going to be a problem. In other words, potential and future students need to work hard accordingly on what they need and want to achieve to reach their goals with the help of the scholarship that has been given to them.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was the clarity and consistency of my story. I did not just present my academic background, but I connected it with my long-term goals, especially my interest in becoming a researcher in mechanical engineering. I made sure that every part of my application, from my statement of purpose to my experiences, supported that direction.

In addition, having international academic experience through the Community College Initiative Program also strengthened my profile, as it showed my ability to adapt to different environments and learn in a global context.

Another important factor was alignment. I paid close attention to what the scholarship was looking for and made sure that my goals and motivations matched their objectives. This helped me present a more focused and relevant application.

Overall, I think my application stood out because it was not only academically solid but also clear in purpose and direction.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I think I would start preparing earlier and be more strategic from the beginning.

While I was able to complete my applications successfully, I realized that having more time would have allowed me to refine my documents further, especially my statement of purpose. I would also spend more time researching different scholarship opportunities to identify the best fit more efficiently.

Another thing I would improve is seeking feedback earlier, such as from mentors, friends, or previous scholarship awardees, so I could strengthen my application based on different perspectives.

Overall, I see the process as a learning experience, and if I had the chance to do it again, I would approach it earlier, more strategically, and with more external feedback.

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

My main advice would be to be patient and treat the process as a long-term journey rather than something instant.

Applying for scholarships takes time and effort, so it’s important to really pay attention to every detail and give yourself enough time to prepare your documents properly. Rushing the process usually leads to weaker applications.

Another important thing is to take the initiative in your own learning. Before asking others for help, try to research and understand things by yourself first. In many cases, the answers are already available if you take the time to look for them. This not only saves other people’s time but also helps you become more independent and resourceful. It is an important skill to learn if you want to become a scholarship recipient and a global citizen. Of course, it’s still important to ask for feedback when needed, but it should come after you’ve made your own effort first.

In summary, I would say be patient, stay consistent, and take ownership of your own process.