How an Indonesian English Literature Scholar Secured a Fully Funded IISMA Semester at the University of Pécs

Hey! I'm Rey Sanjaya, originally from a small town in Riau Province, Indonesia. Currently, I’m studying at Universitas Brawijaya in Malang, East Java, majoring in English Literature at the Faculty of Cultural Studies. I’m also specializing in Media Communication and Literature.

My passion for literary works, language, linguistics, and cultural studies has always been the main driver behind my academic journey. I believe this field offers a wide range of opportunities to explore not only creative and critical thinking, but also real-world applications in communication and global engagement! In today’s ever-evolving and interconnected world, I believe English proficiency and cross-cultural understanding are more important than ever, and that's exactly what this path allows me to pursue.

IISMA Scholarship Details

I'm one of the awardees of the IISMA 2024 program under the fully funded scheme for undergraduate students. IISMA, or the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards, is a prestigious, merit-based scholarship initiative by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, first launched in 2021. It offers selected students from across the country a one-semester opportunity to study at top universities around the world. The program aims to broaden students' global perspectives, enhance their academic experience, and strengthen cross-cultural understanding.

Moreover, IISMA covers tuition and registration fees, living allowance, travel costs, health insurance, visa, and other academic-related expenses. These benefits make it a truly life-changing opportunity for many underrepresented Indonesian students who have never had the chance, or the privilege, to study abroad, including myself. That’s why I like to think of IISMA as a huge eye-opener for students from backgrounds with little to no international exposure.

I’m incredibly grateful to be able to spend a semester abroad at the University of Pécs in Hungary, one of the oldest universities in Europe. With its rich historical and cultural heritage and its welcoming environment for international students, Pécs is the perfect place for my academic and personal growth.

Fun fact: I first applied for IISMA in 2023 during my 4th semester, back when the University of Pécs wasn’t even listed as a host university for undergraduate students. I made it to the interview stage but didn’t make the final cut. So becoming an awardee in 2024 was actually my second attempt! With Pécs as my chosen host uni, it makes this achievement even more meaningful for me!

Educational Background

Since IISMA is a non-degree, one-semester study exchange program taken while students are still pursuing their undergraduate degree (in their 4^th/6^th semester), I applied during my 6^th semester, with a cumulative GPA of 3.93 based on my completed five semesters at the time.

One of the unique aspects of IISMA is that it allows awardees to explore courses outside their primary field of study. We’re encouraged to take multidisciplinary classes that broaden our perspective and challenge us outside our academic comfort zone. However, to ensure credit conversion at our home university, it’s also important that the courses still align, at least in part, with our major’s competencies. That’s why balancing both exploration and relevance was key when selecting my courses.

As an English Literature major specializing in Media Communication and Literature, I’ve been equipped with a diverse academic foundation. My competencies include content writing and editing, creative storytelling, journalism and media literacy, cross-cultural communication, translation and interpreting, and even entrepreneurial thinking. These strengths guided me when choosing my host university and courses.

At the University of Pécs, I found a set of multidisciplinary courses that not only matched my academic background but also expanded on it. My top course selections, The Art of Writing & Presenting, Social Communication, Film Studies, Social Development, and The Ancient Greek & Roman World, are all deeply connected to my field of study while offering fresh perspectives and skills I haven’t had the chance to explore in my home university.

That’s why I believe my academic background didn’t just prepare me for IISMA, it helped me find the right fit. Compared to my other two host university options, the course offerings and academic focus at Pécs aligned far more closely with my profile, making it the ideal place for both my academic and personal growth.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Pécs?

In the IISMA application process, applicants don’t directly apply to the host universities. Instead, everything is centralized through the official IISMA portal, where we submit required documents, including our English Proficiency Test (EPT) scores. Each host university has its own acceptance criteria, such as minimum GPA, required EPT score, and sometimes even specific faculty/major restrictions. All of this information is easily accessible through the official IISMA website, including the statistics and intake trends from previous years, which helped me plan strategically.

For the University of Pécs, the minimum DET (Duolingo English Test) score required was 100, with no sub-score below 100. This is fairly common among many host universities. To ensure my application was competitive and to exceed the average intake score from previous years, I prepared intensively for 2–3 months before the EPT deadline.

My preparation combined traditional methods (such as completing practice tests from the official DET website and watching DET-focused YouTube tutorials) with daily English immersion for the last four years since college. This immersion involved using English not only in academic contexts but also in everyday life: consuming English media (books, movies, songs), and intentionally practicing both written and spoken communication in English in my casual and professional environments. Over time, this helped me start thinking in English, which significantly improved my fluency and confidence.

I also adopted a habit of regularly reflecting on my predicted scores to identify my weak areas, especially in production (writing and speaking skills). I focused extra time on those sections, familiarized myself with the test format, and learned to manage my time more effectively during practice attempts. I believe self-awareness and a focused strategy are just as important as studying itself.

Interestingly, my DET journey spans both IISMA attempts. I first took the DET in 2023, during my initial application. Then in 2024, with financial help from a supportive friend, I was able to afford a second test. And this time, I scored 140, far above the requirement for all the host universities I applied to. That score gave me a strong boost of confidence and became one of the key strengths of my IISMA application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the IISMA Scholarship?

I’ve known about IISMA since my freshman year in 2021, when the program was first launched. Back then, two seniors from my university (who studied abroad at the University of York and Michigan State University) inspired me with their stories. That early exposure planted the seed, and since then, I’ve always dreamed of being part of the program.

In 2022, I focused on growing in many areas. I joined competitions, won several awards, including being named Mahasiswa Berprestasi FIB UB 2022, and took on organizational roles, including serving as a project officer for the first time. The momentum continued in 2023, when I joined the Marketing Department of StudentsCatalyst National Batch 4 while also working part-time as a Student Employee in my faculty’s Information Systems and Public Relations (PSIK) unit. I was in a phase of discovering where I could thrive, and these diverse experiences helped me find my strengths.

Even though I didn’t make it in my first IISMA attempt in 2023, the rejection became a powerful motivation. I realized I needed to approach my second application with more clarity, understanding my passion, qualifications, goals, and how everything aligns with the host university and courses. That shift in mindset changed everything.

IISMA 2024 also brought a helpful update: applicants could now choose three host universities instead of two. This gave me more flexibility to find the right academic and personal fit. I began by curating a list of around ten potential host universities, which I narrowed down to my top three using a detailed spreadsheet comparison. I evaluated each university based on several key factors: past intake trends, how well my profile matched their requirements (especially for DET acceptance), academic period (I preferred at least four months), geographical region (only Europe, the US/Canada, or the UK/Ireland), and most importantly, the relevance of their multidisciplinary course offerings to my field and interests.

To strengthen my application even further, I participated in multiple mentoring programs, sought advice from former awardees, and practiced mock interviews with my mentors. These interactions were incredibly valuable, not just for refining my strategies but especially for improving my essay and interview preparation. The feedback I received helped me step outside of my own biased perspective and polish the final version of my essay to reflect the best version of my story.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

While my GPA and DET score both exceeded the general IISMA requirements, I was fully aware that many other applicants would also have competitive, if not stronger, qualifications. That’s why I believed that my personal narrative, especially in my essay, was the key factor that set me apart.

Having previously applied in 2023 and not passed, I took that experience seriously and used it to reflect on how I could strengthen my application this time. Beyond retaking the DET and improving my score, I focused heavily on rewriting my essay. I identified weaknesses in my earlier narrative, especially the lack of emotional depth and personal significance in my story, and committed to improving that for the 2024 application. When I reflect on it, one thing is clearer: in 2023, although I had strong achievements and made it to the interview stage, my essay lacked a clear sense of direction. I focused mostly on what I had done, without fully explaining what I actually learned from it, why I needed to study abroad, how I would contribute, and what I hoped to achieve beyond the program. I realized later that I hadn’t articulated my deeper motivations and aspirations, something I set out to change the second time around.

In 2024, I became more self-aware of what I truly wanted to pursue through IISMA and how the program could serve as a stepping stone, not just an end goal. I asked myself: What value can I bring to IISMA, my home country, and the host university? How can this experience help me grow, and how will I use it to give back? With those questions in mind, I built a clearer narrative that tied together my background, competencies, and goals!

Moreover, I reworked my essay by sharing not only what I had accomplished, but what I had learned; from navigating financial challenges, to refining my academic strengths, to managing high-pressure responsibilities. I explained how my underprivileged background shaped my mindset and driving forces, how I planned to engage in local and international communities, and how IISMA could amplify my long-term goals in leadership ability (as the Student Representative), multidisciplinary learning, and cultural exchange. In conclusion, this combination of self-reflection, strategic planning, and purposeful storytelling is, I believe, what made the difference in my successful 2024 application.

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

If I were to go through the IISMA application process again, one thing I would definitely do differently is dedicate more time to thoroughly evaluating my host university choices. Looking back, I realize that my first choice, Cornell University, was more of an idealistic pick than a realistic one in terms of how well it aligned with my academic profile. Being a newly added host university in 2024, it didn’t have previous intake statistics that could help applicants strategize more effectively. We had no data on acceptance rates, average GPA, or DET benchmarks, unlike other universities that had been part of the program in earlier years. Meanwhile, for my second choice, Sapienza University of Rome, I selected four courses that were quite similar in nature, all centered around Ancient Greek and Roman studies, which may have weakened the multidisciplinary aspect of my application. In contrast, my third choice had a stronger, more diverse, and relevant course alignment with my English Literature major. In hindsight, it’s no surprise that I was ultimately accepted there. This experience taught me an important lesson: choosing a host university isn’t just about prestige or preference; it’s about finding the best academic and strategic fit based on both your interests and qualifications.

I also would have retaken my DET earlier, instead of close to the deadline. The pressure of a looming submission timeline definitely impacted my focus and performance. This was especially challenging because I had already relocated to Jakarta for a full-time internship at Blibli.com, and juggling both the test preparation and my work responsibilities added a lot of stress. With better time management and a more proactive timeline, I believe I could’ve handled everything more calmly and effectively.

Lastly, I would approach my interview preparation differently, specifically by crafting deeper and more specific responses related to my host university selections. I now see the value in anticipating complex questions about why I chose each institution and how the courses reflect my academic background, interests, and future goals. Having more nuanced and well-reasoned answers would have helped me present a more confident and informed version of myself during the interview.

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

Know Your Purpose

A one-semester study exchange program like IISMA is a powerful, eye-opening opportunity that I believe everyone deserves to experience. But the motivation to apply shouldn't be just “to go abroad.” It’s important to understand what the program is designed for and how it aligns with your own aspirations. That clarity will shape your entire application; your essay, your host university choices, even your interview responses.

In my case, I’ve always been vocal about using IISMA as a way to develop my leadership potential. I saw the opportunity to take on the role of Student Representative, who leads and represents the awardees throughout the semester, coordinating academic and cultural matters while communicating between the cohort, the host university, and the IISMA HQ. Thankfully, once I was selected as an awardee, my cohort voted me into that role; proof that my purpose was more than just a written goal.

I also tailored my course choices carefully. I selected subjects in psychology, Ancient Greek studies, and film, not just out of interest, but because they directly support my upcoming thesis and long-term academic focus. These choices weren’t random; they were part of a bigger plan, and IISMA was the stepping stone to get there. So, before anything else, ask yourself: What’s your purpose? How can this program help you bring it to life?

Own Your Story

Funnily enough, the highlight of my 1^st essay question was literally about how I earned an A in a Philosophy of Art class… At first glance, it doesn’t sound groundbreaking, right? But I didn’t just write about the grade. I told the story behind it: the study methods I used, the obstacles I faced, how that moment reflected my academic journey and resilience, because the class is known for its difficulty level. That’s what made it meaningful. Your essay shouldn’t just list achievements with high numbers; it should tell a story that only you can tell. It’s personal.

Also, writing the essay was such a process of deep self-reflection for me. I knew I had to be vulnerable. I was just 10 years old when I first realized that I might be the only one who could help uplift my family's socioeconomic status. Growing up in an underprivileged household, financial struggles were a constant challenge throughout my education. By the time I reached my fifth semester, I had to find ways to earn an income while still keeping up with my academic responsibilities.

So, I shared in my essay that if selected, I would be the first in my family to ever check "bachelor’s degree or higher" on a form, coming from a background where “junior high school or equivalent” is the norm. And not just that, I’d also be the first in my bloodline to study abroad, let alone in Europe. That moment of honesty, of truly owning my story and tying it to my drive to improve my family’s socioeconomic status and represent Indonesia on a global stage, was powerful!

So my advice? Don’t underestimate the essay. It's not just paperwork; it’s your voice. Use it to reflect who you are, where you come from, and where you’re headed.