Community College Initiative (CCI) Scholar, Sitti Yudiarti Fajriah Rusdi from Indonesia, Shares Her Journey of Personal and Professional Growth at Northern Virginia Community College

My name is Sitti Yudiarti Fajriah Rusdi, but everyone calls me Iyud. I was born and raised in Makassar, Indonesia, a city where values like respect and harmony are deeply embedded in everyday life. While I cherish those cultural values, they also challenged me to find my own voice in a society where speaking up, especially as a young woman, was not always encouraged.

I earned my bachelor's degrees in English Education from UIN Alauddin Makassar, respectively. While I was passionate about teaching, the economic realities for teachers in Indonesia led me to a different path: the dynamic world of digital media. I transitioned into a role as a copywriter and content creator for the Makassar City Tourism Office. My academic background provided a strong foundation for this new career, but I knew I needed to deepen my knowledge with formal training in Digital Media and Communication and Journalism to truly excel.

This is why I decided to pursue the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program. It was more than a scholarship; it was a way to gain the international certification and professional experience I needed to succeed in my new field and fulfill a deeper purpose. For me, the decision to pursue further education was not only about professional development but also about personal transformation, a journey to reclaim my voice and explore the power of education to create change.

Community College Initiative (CCI) Program Details

I was honored to receive a fully funded scholarship from the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program , a prestigious academic and cultural exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The CCI Program provides emerging leaders the opportunity to study at community colleges in the United States for one academic year, with a focus on leadership development, cultural exchange, and community engagement. I was placed at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), where I pursued the field of Leadership Development.

The scholarship was comprehensive and fully covered my tuition fees at NOVA, international airfare, living expenses, health insurance, and academic supplies. I also received a monthly stipend to support daily necessities. Beyond the financial support, the program provided funds for internship placements, cultural activities, and professional development workshops.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Since this was my very first scholarship application, I focused entirely on the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program to discover my own potential. I believed the CCI Program was the ideal fit for me, as its structure, including academic courses, internships, community engagement, leadership training, and cultural exchange, was exactly the kind of environment I needed to grow both personally and professionally. Because I was confident that the pillars of this program aligned so well with my goals, I did not apply for any other scholarships.

Educational Background

I earned my Bachelor of Education in English Education from UIN Alauddin Makassar, graduating with a GPA of 3.68. My academic journey provided a solid foundation in language, communication, and analytical thinking. The skills I developed, such as public speaking and the ability to articulate complex ideas, are highly applicable to my current career in digital media and creative communications. This background empowered me to craft meaningful narratives and guided me toward the Community College Initiative (CCI) program for further professional development.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Northern Virginia Community College?

In the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program, applicants do not choose their own host institutions. The program's selection committee places participants at a U.S. community college that best matches their academic background, professional experience, and skills. I trusted this process, believing it was designed to align with my goals and maximize my growth.

How Did You Find Information About the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)?

I discovered the CCI Program through online platforms and alumni sharing sessions. I followed official resources like the EducationUSA network and the AMINEF (American Indonesian Exchange Foundation) website. I also attended webinars and information sessions hosted by alumni to get firsthand insights into the application process and what life as a scholar would be like.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

Yes, I submitted a TOEFL ITP score as part of the application requirements. The minimum score for Indonesian applicants is 480 on the TOEFL ITP, or an equivalent score on tests like the TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Duolingo. My background in English Education helped me meet this requirement. The program also encourages participants to keep improving their English proficiency during their time in the U.S..

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program?

I focused solely on applying to the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program because I wanted to challenge myself and unlock my potential through this opportunity. Since it was my very first time applying for an international scholarship, I committed all my time and effort to understanding the process, reflecting on my purpose, and writing a genuine and compelling application.

One of the most important things I did was connect with alumni from my hometown who had joined the program before me. I asked them about their experience, read their reflections, and even consulted them on how to strengthen my essays and prepare for the interview. Learning directly from alumni gave me not only technical insight but also emotional motivation—it reminded me that someone like me could make it.

I was drawn to the CCI Program because of its holistic design: combining academic learning, internship, volunteering, leadership development, and cultural exchange. It felt like the perfect first step for someone who wasn’t yet ready for graduate school but was eager to grow in an international context. I also took the TOEFL ITP to meet the English requirement for Indonesia (minimum 480) and used that score to support my application.

How Was Your Experience During the Program?

My experience at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) was nothing short of transformative. Every day felt like an adventure, not just academically, but also culturally and personally. I studied alongside friends from all over the world, collaborated with professors who truly cared, and adapted to a completely new system of learning. It was a space where I could finally explore my identity and embrace growth without fear of failure.

Beyond the classroom, I volunteered for over 150 hours, whether at cultural festivals like Sakura Matsuri or at embassy events. I completed nearly 200 internship hours in three different organizations, including at a church, an experience that initially felt foreign as a Muslim woman, but ended up teaching me the beauty of respect and interfaith understanding. My social host, Kayla, became a dear friend who opened her home and heart, giving me my first “dog friend” and countless warm memories.

Spending Ramadan in the U.S. as an international student was emotional, but also unexpectedly comforting. The support I received from my professors, the campus Muslim community, and my host family reminded me that even far from home, kindness is universal

How Do You Rate Northern Virginia Community College academically, and Why?

I would give NOVA a solid 10 out of 10. The institution provided not just lectures, but hands-on learning experiences. The professors were incredibly supportive, especially for international students like me. I remember asking one professor if I could record the lecture because I was afraid I might miss some points due to the language barrier. Not only did she allow it, but she also slowed her speech and checked in with me afterward to ensure I understood. That level of care and academic support was priceless.

How Does Northern Virginia Community College Support International Students? 

NOVA has an excellent support system for international students. From arrival orientation to academic advising and community-building events, everything was designed to help us feel at home. During Ramadan, my professors were extremely understanding—offering flexibility with assignments and even checking in about my well-being. The campus Muslim Student Association also created a safe space for shared prayer and meals, which meant the world to me.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was my sincerity and clarity of purpose. I didn’t try to present a perfect version of myself; instead, I was honest about my journey. I shared how I came from a background where I often followed others’ decisions and struggled to find my own voice. Through volunteering, content creation, and community engagement, I slowly learned to speak up and shape my own path. I connected my academic background in education with my evolving passion for digital media, storytelling, and creative communication. Most importantly, I showed how the CCI Program would act as a bridge between my past experiences and the global opportunities I was eager to explore. It wasn’t about accomplishments alone; it was about showing who I am, how far I’ve come, and why I’m ready to grow even further.

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

If I could go through the process again, I would definitely invest more time preparing my public speaking and presentation skills. While I was eventually able to speak in front of audiences, including serving as an MC at a campus event in the U.S., I had to learn and adapt quickly, often under pressure. Having stronger skills in that area from the beginning would have made me more confident and effective.

I also wish I had documented more of my journey, whether through journaling or video logs. Not only would that have served as a meaningful way to reflect on my growth, but it also could have been a powerful tool to inspire and guide others back home, especially those who may feel they’re “not good enough” or unsure if they deserve to apply for a global opportunity like this. Capturing the highs, the lows, and everything in between would have made the experience even more impactful, for myself and for others.

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

Believe in your story, even if it feels simple or ordinary. You don’t need to have perfect achievements or speak flawless English. The CCI program isn’t about being the “best on paper,” but about showing your willingness to grow, to connect, and to contribute. What matters most is your clarity of purpose, your ability to reflect on your journey, and your openness to learn from the experience.

Be authentic in your essays, write with honesty, not perfection. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, reach out to alumni, or join communities that support scholarship applicants. Every successful story you see once started with doubt, too.

Most importantly, don’t let fear speak louder than your dreams. If you're not yet ready to commit to a full Master’s program but want to experience learning abroad, the CCI Program is an incredible launching pad. It will not only change your academic or professional path but also how you see yourself and your ability to make an impact in your community.