IDEX Scholarship Recipient, Dustin Hendarlim from Indonesia, Shares His Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Management of the Flavor and Fragrance Industry at Université Côte d’Azur, France

Hi, my name is Dustin Hendarlim. I’m originally from Bogor, a small city just outside the Jakarta area in Indonesia. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology from Universitas Pelita Harapan, Indonesia. During my undergraduate studies, I became increasingly curious about the flavor industry and, later, the fragrance industry as well. how it is created, how it influences emotion, and how science, creativity, and culture come together in one experience.

That curiosity led me to pursue a Master of Science in Management of the Flavor and Fragrance Industry at Université Côte d’Azur, based in Grasse, France. This is a collaboration between Université Côte d’Azur, ISIPCA, and EDHEC Business School. I chose this field because it offered a rare opportunity to understand the flavor and fragrance industry not only from a technical perspective, but also from a business, strategic, and creative point of view.

IDEX Scholarship Details

I received the IDEX Scholarship, a prestigious French government-backed scholarship awarded to outstanding international Master’s students at Université Côte d’Azur. The scholarship provided financial support for my studies and living expenses during the program.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology at Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang, Indonesia. While my undergraduate degree was not directly aligned with the management focus of my Master’s program, it gave me a strong scientific foundation.

This background helped me grasp technical discussions in the flavor and fragrance industry more easily, while the Master’s program complemented it by adding business, strategy, and industry-wide perspectives.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Université Côte d’Azur?

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Université Côte d’Azur?

I learned about both the program and the IDEX Scholarship directly from one of the Master’s program coordinators. This was extremely helpful, as the information came from someone who deeply understood the program’s expectations and values.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

No, I did not take any standardized tests for this program. The selection process focused more on academic background, motivation, engagement during the program, and personal attitude rather than test scores.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the IDEX Scholarship?

Interestingly, there was no traditional application process or specific exam for the IDEX Scholarship. From my experience, the scholarship selection was based heavily on day-to-day behavior, including:

• Proactiveness in class
• Engagement with lecturers
• Collaboration with classmates
• Attitude, curiosity, and consistency

I focused on being myself, staying curious, participating actively, and always giving my best effort academically and personally.

How Was Your Experience at the Université Côte d’Azur?

My experience was extremely positive. The program is truly one of a kind. It offers a comprehensive overview of the flavor and fragrance industry, from raw materials and production processes to marketing, strategy, and innovation.

What makes it unique is that it doesn’t limit graduates to laboratory or research roles. Instead, it opens pathways to many careers, such as marketing, project management, strategic planning, sales, evaluation, and creative roles like flavorist or perfumer.

How Do You Rate the Université Côte d’Azur Academically and Why?

Academically, I would rate the institution very highly. There are very few programs globally that cover the flavor and fragrance industry in such a holistic way, especially in English. The curriculum is industry-oriented, practical, and taught by lecturers with real-world experience.

How Does the Université Côte d’Azur Support International Students?

The program clearly puts international students at the center of its vision. Most flavor and fragrance programs are taught exclusively in French, but this program was fully conducted in English. It is a collaborative program between ISIPCA, Université Côte d’Azur, and EDHEC Business School, specifically designed to reach international students and broaden access to this niche industry.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or French?

All classes were conducted in English.

Would Potential Students Have Any Academic Problems Not Knowing French?

Academically, no. English is sufficient to succeed in the program. However, for daily life, such as commuting, grocery shopping, or social interactions, learning basic French is highly recommended. In my case, I mostly learned French through daily practice and real-life experience.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my profile stand out was my background and mindset. I come from a country where the flavor and fragrance industry is not widely known, which made me extremely curious and motivated to learn as deeply as possible.

I often studied beyond class hours, asked many questions, and tried to understand not just the technical aspects but also the stories behind raw materials, extraction processes, and cultural influences. I showed genuine interest, curiosity, and initiative, and I think that made a difference.

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

I would have learned French earlier. Being able to communicate more deeply with locals would have allowed me to explore more places, understand the culture better, and have richer conversations about both the industry and everyday life. The flavor and fragrance industry isn’t just about chemistry; it’s also about storytelling, culture, emotion, and human connection.

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

My advice is very simple: be curious and be proactive. Don’t focus only on grades or credentials. Show genuine interest, ask questions, engage with people, and be consistent in your efforts. Often, attitude and curiosity matter just as much as academic performance.