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I started this journey 1 October 2022
University of Nottingham
University of Nottingham
As a member of the UK's prestigious Russell Group of leading universities and a founding member of the global university 21 network, we consistently rank among the QS World Top 100 Universities (2022).
As a member of the UK's prestigious Russell Group of leading universities and a founding member of the global university 21 network, we consistently rank among the QS World Top 100 Universities (2022).
Based on the QS world ranking 2023, the university's position is 114th, while in the UK it is ranked 18th.
Based on the QS world ranking 2023, the university's position is 114th, while in the UK it is ranked 18th.
UoN's School of Education is ranked in the top five in the United Kingdom and in the top 50 worldwide.
UoN's School of Education is ranked in the top five in the United Kingdom and in the top 50 worldwide.
There are three campuses of UoN: in the UK, Malaysia, and China.
DJANOGLY LIBRARY-Jubilee Campus
There are three campuses in the UoN UK, University Park Campus, Jubilee Campus, and Sutton Bonington Campus.
SoE is in Jubilee Campus, to be exact in dearing building.
My Journey to UoN (1)
My Journey to UoN (1)
Why UoN?
Why UoN?
Being a postgraduate student abroad never crossed my mind. As a civil servant, I have the mandate to continue my studies, and indeed, at my age, I am almost at the limit of the requirement to have study permission. I then searched for scholarships and information about the intended campus. I chose a foreign college because I felt compelled to gather experience and a fresh perspective as an educator. As a result, I skipped all domestic colleges and concentrated on studying abroad. I made two parts of the description here: campuses and scholarships.
Being a postgraduate student abroad never crossed my mind. As a civil servant, I have the mandate to continue my studies, and indeed, at my age, I am almost at the limit of the requirement to have study permission. I then searched for scholarships and information about the intended campus. I chose a foreign college because I felt compelled to gather experience and a fresh perspective as an educator. As a result, I skipped all domestic colleges and concentrated on studying abroad. I made two parts of the description here: campuses and scholarships.
Originally, my intended campus was on the American continent, specifically three huge campuses, Columbia Teacher College, Michigan State University (because of Melanie Cooper), and Purdue University because of Marcy Town and Toronto in Canada. I was collecting files for them, but it turned out that I still needed more information regarding universities in the United States and Canada that required equivalent credentials. Because it was not in conformity with the scholarship deadline and it cost too much for me, I was unable to continue my application to the United States.
Originally, my intended campus was on the American continent, specifically three huge campuses, Columbia Teacher College, Michigan State University (because of Melanie Cooper), and Purdue University because of Marcy Town and Toronto in Canada. I was collecting files for them, but it turned out that I still needed more information regarding universities in the United States and Canada that required equivalent credentials. Because it was not in conformity with the scholarship deadline and it cost too much for me, I was unable to continue my application to the United States.
Afterward, I was targeting the United Kingdom and Australia. I applied to various universities in the United Kingdom, including Cambridge, UCL, Bristol, Manchester, and Nottingham. At the time, UCL climbed to the top ten in the world; therefore, the language requirement of 7 to 7.5 crushed my hopes at the administrative level. Cambridge as the top priority in the UK left me heartbroken because I just wanted Taber to be my SpV but he was not accepting students (even though I already had an insider at that time in Cambridge; we will meet one day, Maria). She convinced me, to continue my application even though my IELTS score was below the requirement). My idea was rejected by the Universities of Manchester and Bristol because it did not fit with their research focus. UoN is the UK's last and best hope.
Afterward, I was targeting the United Kingdom and Australia. I applied to various universities in the United Kingdom, including Cambridge, UCL, Bristol, Manchester, and Nottingham. At the time, UCL climbed to the top ten in the world; therefore, the language requirement of 7 to 7.5 crushed my hopes at the administrative level. Cambridge as the top priority in the UK left me heartbroken because I just wanted Taber to be my SpV but he was not accepting students (even though I already had an insider at that time in Cambridge; we will meet one day, Maria). She convinced me, to continue my application even though my IELTS score was below the requirement). My idea was rejected by the Universities of Manchester and Bristol because it did not fit with their research focus. UoN is the UK's last and best hope.
Meanwhile, I applied to ANU (Nagita Slavina's campus), Melbourne, and Monash in Australia. Similar results were also obtained at ANU, so it is critical that our study suggestions correspond to the research at the destination site. Another piece of Australian news: no response from Monash. At the University of Melbourne, I sent proposals to three supervisory candidates at the same time. The result is that one proposal was rejected, one was not accepting more students, and one was excellent news. Victoria.M offered me the opportunity to work under her supervision, therefore, I was requested to continue the process at the university. Even if the excellent news is welcome, why do I have a feeling I'll be studying in Nottingham, on Ms. Alin's (an IELTS instructor from ITB) campus? Boom! It proved to be correct. A short time after Victoria's email, I received one from Shaaron, who was equally interested in my studies.
Meanwhile, I applied to ANU (Nagita Slavina's campus), Melbourne, and Monash in Australia. Similar results were also obtained at ANU, so it is critical that our study suggestions correspond to the research at the destination site. Another piece of Australian news: no response from Monash. At the University of Melbourne, I sent proposals to three supervisory candidates at the same time. The result is that one proposal was rejected, one was not accepting more students, and one was excellent news. Victoria.M offered me the opportunity to work under her supervision, therefore, I was requested to continue the process at the university. Even if the excellent news is welcome, why do I have a feeling I'll be studying in Nottingham, on Ms. Alin's (an IELTS instructor from ITB) campus? Boom! It proved to be correct. A short time after Victoria's email, I received one from Shaaron, who was equally interested in my studies.
The process of getting welcomed by Shaaron was likewise difficult; in fact, nervousness awaited her response. My email went unanswered for two months, and then I accidentally submitted the wrong file—rather than the proposal, I sent the article that I used for the references. OMG... At another time, when Shaaron and Mary interviewed me through TEAMS, an embarrassing moment happened. When I was asked in depth about the methodology, I panicked; my brain was frozen at the time. However, Shaaron understands it since she replied, "I don't comprehend what you're talking about anymore, because you talked english with your language". I could only capitulate after the interview because everything had transpired. After a few days, I received an email asking if I could revise my proposal with lots of remarks and a stack of supporting publications. Only ten days are allotted. Masyaallah... Finally, within a week, I sent my revision. Yet, in the end, the timing of the acceptance perplexed me when she said, "We are interested in your project and find your willingness and passion to improve chemistry education in Indonesia through drawing inspiring" (crybaby mode). However, she didn't ask me to process to Uni because she did it, so I only waited a couple of days to get the LoA from the SoE of the UoN. Alhamdulillah.
The process of getting welcomed by Shaaron was likewise difficult; in fact, nervousness awaited her response. My email went unanswered for two months, and then I accidentally submitted the wrong file—rather than the proposal, I sent the article that I used for the references. OMG... At another time, when Shaaron and Mary interviewed me through TEAMS, an embarrassing moment happened. When I was asked in depth about the methodology, I panicked; my brain was frozen at the time. However, Shaaron understands it since she replied, "I don't comprehend what you're talking about anymore, because you talked english with your language". I could only capitulate after the interview because everything had transpired. After a few days, I received an email asking if I could revise my proposal with lots of remarks and a stack of supporting publications. Only ten days are allotted. Masyaallah... Finally, within a week, I sent my revision. Yet, in the end, the timing of the acceptance perplexed me when she said, "We are interested in your project and find your willingness and passion to improve chemistry education in Indonesia through drawing inspiring" (crybaby mode). However, she didn't ask me to process to Uni because she did it, so I only waited a couple of days to get the LoA from the SoE of the UoN. Alhamdulillah.
Just right away, I conducted a SWOT analysis, hihi. Nah, it's not true! I seek direction from God as the way My life thus far appears inseparable from my own sentiments and words; from the date of my child's birth, to being a teacher for all levels from elementary to higher education, everything happened without I realised it. Allah is indeed the Most Gracious and constantly grants his servants' wishes. Ultimately, I chose UoN over Umelb, despite the fact that Umelb's rank (33 at the time) was higher.
Just right away, I conducted a SWOT analysis, hihi. Nah, it's not true! I seek direction from God as the way My life thus far appears inseparable from my own sentiments and words; from the date of my child's birth, to being a teacher for all levels from elementary to higher education, everything happened without I realised it. Allah is indeed the Most Gracious and constantly grants his servants' wishes. Ultimately, I chose UoN over Umelb, despite the fact that Umelb's rank (33 at the time) was higher.
Why did I choose to work with Sharon in the end?
Why did I choose to work with Sharon in the end?
- I was moved by her words in:
- Even though I'm not yet her student, I can already see from the way she interacts with and guides me, she will be my best supervisor.
- I enjoy taking on a challenge by accomplishing something that I believe is beyond my abilities. I'm particularly concerned that Umelb has a higher rating than UoN. Fear, as well as a lack of confidence (the forerunners of impostor syndrome, which will be described later). Yet the convenience of gaining approval from Victoria against the difficult road to getting approval from Shaaron swayed my decision in favour of the UoN. I believe that ease produces average achievements, whereas obstacles improve us. We always pray in Al Fatihah for the straight path. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor (who are they? see https://surahquran.com/english-aya-7-sora-1.html), not of those who have earned [Your] anger or of those who are astray. "on whom You have bestowed favor" (they went through a lot of struggles but in the end got a gift from God).
- Registration in UoN is free, while in Umelb I need to pay some cash for the form. I love the free one,😊.
- Since I teach at Narada School, which uses the Cambridge Assessment, I am so happy that I have a chance, at least by visiting Cambridge University. Furthermore, the UK is a smaller population than Indonesia but 1 pound = 18k something...I am curious about the system, people, and culture in the UK.
Many rejections show that you must be well-prepared with your proposal. I changed my proposal for some topics many times (TPACK, MERs, and AR are the main topics).
Many rejections show that you must be well-prepared with your proposal. I changed my proposal for some topics many times (TPACK, MERs, and AR are the main topics).
Beasiswa Pendidikan Indonesia
Beasiswa Pendidikan Indonesia
Based on the requirements, the English proficiency test is the hardest thing. I planned everything for 2 years. I started to find as much information about scholarships as possible. I attended many seminars, joined talent scouting, and finally, I was selected to join PKBI (Peningkatan Kemampuan Bahasa Inggris) for 3 months. My skills improved from 6 to 7 in three months. They gave me 2 free tickets for the IELTS test, including accommodations. Thanks to the PKBI committee and tutors from the ITB language learning centre. With the result, I was confident to apply to any campus (except Ivy League or the top 3 in the UK) and scholarship.
Based on the requirements, the English proficiency test is the hardest thing. I planned everything for 2 years. I started to find as much information about scholarships as possible. I attended many seminars, joined talent scouting, and finally, I was selected to join PKBI (Peningkatan Kemampuan Bahasa Inggris) for 3 months. My skills improved from 6 to 7 in three months. They gave me 2 free tickets for the IELTS test, including accommodations. Thanks to the PKBI committee and tutors from the ITB language learning centre. With the result, I was confident to apply to any campus (except Ivy League or the top 3 in the UK) and scholarship.
Anyway, BPI is not my priority funding (to be honest, hihi). At that time, I attended many seminars about getting Fulbright scholarships because my foremost destination was the US). I met the requirement for a TOEFL score, and basically, a Fulbright awardee will have an English course after registration). From the previous story, you know that I changed my destination, right?
Anyway, BPI is not my priority funding (to be honest, hihi). At that time, I attended many seminars about getting Fulbright scholarships because my foremost destination was the US). I met the requirement for a TOEFL score, and basically, a Fulbright awardee will have an English course after registration). From the previous story, you know that I changed my destination, right?
Except for my English proficiency score, I learned many things, such as how to get a LoA and how to contact SpV, after joining the Facebook group: Beasiswa BW. Thank you so much, nice people. In general, there are some documents you must know about when getting a scholarship:
Except for my English proficiency score, I learned many things, such as how to get a LoA and how to contact SpV, after joining the Facebook group: Beasiswa BW. Thank you so much, nice people. In general, there are some documents you must know about when getting a scholarship:
- The guidance (which can download it from their website)
- Academic Writing Sample
- Resume/CV
- Motivation Letter
- English proficiency test
- Recommendation Letters
A letter of acceptance from the university is not a must, you can get the scholarship first and the LoA later, or vice versa. For Fulbright, you can choose 3 campuses in the form, but if you can't get those, they will find or suggest other campuses. Meanwhile, for BPI and LPDP, once you've got the scholarship, you will have 18 months to get the letter of acceptance from the 3 campuses mentioned in the form. If you fail to get the LoA, your scholarship will be dismissed.
A letter of acceptance from the university is not a must, you can get the scholarship first and the LoA later, or vice versa. For Fulbright, you can choose 3 campuses in the form, but if you can't get those, they will find or suggest other campuses. Meanwhile, for BPI and LPDP, once you've got the scholarship, you will have 18 months to get the letter of acceptance from the 3 campuses mentioned in the form. If you fail to get the LoA, your scholarship will be dismissed.
I made sure that I got my LoA to get the scholarship. Any plans will be okay, just be aware of the timeline, because sometimes unexpected things happen in our processes. For a lecturer civil servant, BPI is not the only way to get funding because there is LPDP scheme as well. I missed this information at that time, and I found some of my colleagues got the funding from LPDP (schemes TNI, PNS, and POLRI).
I made sure that I got my LoA to get the scholarship. Any plans will be okay, just be aware of the timeline, because sometimes unexpected things happen in our processes. For a lecturer civil servant, BPI is not the only way to get funding because there is LPDP scheme as well. I missed this information at that time, and I found some of my colleagues got the funding from LPDP (schemes TNI, PNS, and POLRI).
After passing the administrative stages, I continued to interview. There are 3 interviewers at that time. I guessed there is one person testing/observing psychology stuff. They are really strict about the time in my case and delivered the process in comfort talks. The main question is about my motivation to study abroad and why I chose that university. However, some friends shared different experiences, so the power of Doa is the key, just wish for luck, the same way when you face a native speaker in an IELTS test. Alhamdulillah, all is well. I got my letter of acceptance and funding. I informed Shaaron that I had arranged for us to meet in October.
After passing the administrative stages, I continued to interview. There are 3 interviewers at that time. I guessed there is one person testing/observing psychology stuff. They are really strict about the time in my case and delivered the process in comfort talks. The main question is about my motivation to study abroad and why I chose that university. However, some friends shared different experiences, so the power of Doa is the key, just wish for luck, the same way when you face a native speaker in an IELTS test. Alhamdulillah, all is well. I got my letter of acceptance and funding. I informed Shaaron that I had arranged for us to meet in October.
My Journey to UoN (2)
My Journey to UoN (2)
Pile of documents
Pile of documents
After formally getting the LoA (letter of acceptance from UoN) and the LoG (letter of guarantee from BPI), the vibes of happiness gradually decreased because the next step is a burnout process when we face administrative stuff. Basically, I handled every process myself, but the time came when I needed to proceed with VISA, accommodations, Tubel, and Setneg. If you are not a civil servant, maybe you don't have the last two. And at the same time, I must finish all my errands at the University of Lampung. So I decided to give SUN Education Lampung some of my documents, such as my VISA and health insurance. To get a UK visa, you have to check the TBC test, which costs around Rp. 850k in designated hospitals (RS Premier). Mba Vania is a very nice person who has helped me a lot while I have been busy with campus responsibilities. Thank you, mba.
After formally getting the LoA (letter of acceptance from UoN) and the LoG (letter of guarantee from BPI), the vibes of happiness gradually decreased because the next step is a burnout process when we face administrative stuff. Basically, I handled every process myself, but the time came when I needed to proceed with VISA, accommodations, Tubel, and Setneg. If you are not a civil servant, maybe you don't have the last two. And at the same time, I must finish all my errands at the University of Lampung. So I decided to give SUN Education Lampung some of my documents, such as my VISA and health insurance. To get a UK visa, you have to check the TBC test, which costs around Rp. 850k in designated hospitals (RS Premier). Mba Vania is a very nice person who has helped me a lot while I have been busy with campus responsibilities. Thank you, mba.
VISA and health insurance (IHS) are covered by BPI with a reimbursement system, but the TBC test is not. For four years of study, VISA and IHS cost around 7.000k VISA and 46.000k IHS, depending on the $ exchange rate. With that, I have a British Resident Permit (BRP) and the NHS (National Health Service), except for dental and eye care. Hence, before I left, I checked my teeth and eyes. If you want to proceed with your application by yourself, you can check this out: https://www.gov.uk
VISA and health insurance (IHS) are covered by BPI with a reimbursement system, but the TBC test is not. For four years of study, VISA and IHS cost around 7.000k VISA and 46.000k IHS, depending on the $ exchange rate. With that, I have a British Resident Permit (BRP) and the NHS (National Health Service), except for dental and eye care. Hence, before I left, I checked my teeth and eyes. If you want to proceed with your application by yourself, you can check this out: https://www.gov.uk
Finding Accommodation
Finding Accommodation
First time I landed in UK land, I have not got any accommodation! I landed at Birmingham International Airport on September 28th, 2022, took a train to Nottingham, and continued by Uber to my hotel. For three days, I stayed at the hotel. Don't follow me if you don't have enough money because it's the weekend!!!The rate for hotels is expensive during the weekend. Maybe you think I took the wrong direction in this case. Definitely yes! I had placed too much faith in someone here. He said if I go alone here, it's easier to get the house. In fact, NOT! Better if you contact PPI Nottingham in advance. This is my decision, and this is my journey. You may make mistakes because you are a human being. That's fine to be not fine.
First time I landed in UK land, I have not got any accommodation! I landed at Birmingham International Airport on September 28th, 2022, took a train to Nottingham, and continued by Uber to my hotel. For three days, I stayed at the hotel. Don't follow me if you don't have enough money because it's the weekend!!!The rate for hotels is expensive during the weekend. Maybe you think I took the wrong direction in this case. Definitely yes! I had placed too much faith in someone here. He said if I go alone here, it's easier to get the house. In fact, NOT! Better if you contact PPI Nottingham in advance. This is my decision, and this is my journey. You may make mistakes because you are a human being. That's fine to be not fine.
Okay, after 3 days, I finally got my house. It's a shared house on Lace Street in Dunkirk. It's really close to the east entrance of University Park. My office is on the Jubilee campus, around 2.6 miles from my house. It's not too far or too close. Since I never got to the east entrance of UniPark, I decided to walk to Jubilee. After getting my living allowance from BPI, I decided to buy a second hand bike. So, after that, I rode a bike to my office.
Okay, after 3 days, I finally got my house. It's a shared house on Lace Street in Dunkirk. It's really close to the east entrance of University Park. My office is on the Jubilee campus, around 2.6 miles from my house. It's not too far or too close. Since I never got to the east entrance of UniPark, I decided to walk to Jubilee. After getting my living allowance from BPI, I decided to buy a second hand bike. So, after that, I rode a bike to my office.
I change my mind as the weather changes. My first winter, guys! I always look at my phone to check the forecast. Welcome to British Weather. Even though it's cold at -6, the sun can be very bright, but suddenly, uninvited rain comes. That's why I chose to take the hooper bus from east drive (UniPark) to the exchange (Jubilee). It's free, guys, all you need to do is tap your student's card when you hop on and say thank you when you hop off. And this is the first time I take a double decker bus, LOL.
I change my mind as the weather changes. My first winter, guys! I always look at my phone to check the forecast. Welcome to British Weather. Even though it's cold at -6, the sun can be very bright, but suddenly, uninvited rain comes. That's why I chose to take the hooper bus from east drive (UniPark) to the exchange (Jubilee). It's free, guys, all you need to do is tap your student's card when you hop on and say thank you when you hop off. And this is the first time I take a double decker bus, LOL.
I share a house with three master students. Shanu is from India , Ryan is from Manchester, and Obina is from Nigeria. Three of us are UoN students, while Obina is from Trent University. This accommodation is really strategic; if I want to take a bus, it's only 50 meters from the house that I can find the bus shelter. If I want to take the tram, it's just at Highfields Park (100 metres away).
I share a house with three master students. Shanu is from India , Ryan is from Manchester, and Obina is from Nigeria. Three of us are UoN students, while Obina is from Trent University. This accommodation is really strategic; if I want to take a bus, it's only 50 meters from the house that I can find the bus shelter. If I want to take the tram, it's just at Highfields Park (100 metres away).
It's a two-story, semi-detached building. I take the second floor with wide windows. I have nice views and good ventilation. The ground floor is communal space, such as the living room, laundry room, and kitchen. The toilets are on the first floor, with a bathtub. After a few weeks living here, Obina started comparing the house with his friend's. It's not worth it for 495 pounds with the facility. Indeed, the landlord shows no concern for us. Only Ryan, as a local, can "survive" in this weather, but us? That's why Obina left the house (sad back sound). I hate to face that condition; it was hard to find another place, I settled my belongings in my room, but the heater system does not work as it should. I decided to buy an e-blanket because I couldn't sleep. Aside from the weather, another issue that arises when relocating to Europe is the time difference.If you used to wake up at 4 a.m. for prayer, Here, the prayer time is at 6am.
It's a two-story, semi-detached building. I take the second floor with wide windows. I have nice views and good ventilation. The ground floor is communal space, such as the living room, laundry room, and kitchen. The toilets are on the first floor, with a bathtub. After a few weeks living here, Obina started comparing the house with his friend's. It's not worth it for 495 pounds with the facility. Indeed, the landlord shows no concern for us. Only Ryan, as a local, can "survive" in this weather, but us? That's why Obina left the house (sad back sound). I hate to face that condition; it was hard to find another place, I settled my belongings in my room, but the heater system does not work as it should. I decided to buy an e-blanket because I couldn't sleep. Aside from the weather, another issue that arises when relocating to Europe is the time difference.If you used to wake up at 4 a.m. for prayer, Here, the prayer time is at 6am.
I could find nothing for the groceries here. I need to go to ASDA, LIDL, TESCO, and Halal Stores for my needs. At first, I thought Beeston was far from my house, so I bought all the stuff from ASDA. After that, I always go to TESCO in Beeston to get my groceries.
I could find nothing for the groceries here. I need to go to ASDA, LIDL, TESCO, and Halal Stores for my needs. At first, I thought Beeston was far from my house, so I bought all the stuff from ASDA. After that, I always go to TESCO in Beeston to get my groceries.
After three months, Touseef and Amjid are the newcomers, both are Pakistanis. They are UoN students as well. But they only have 2 terms in UoN because they got a short-term scholarship from their university in Italy. One day, we cooked together, but Ryan went home because he was frustrated with the facilities in this house (he used the vacuum cleaner, which, instead of making the room clean, actually made it dusty).
After three months, Touseef and Amjid are the newcomers, both are Pakistanis. They are UoN students as well. But they only have 2 terms in UoN because they got a short-term scholarship from their university in Italy. One day, we cooked together, but Ryan went home because he was frustrated with the facilities in this house (he used the vacuum cleaner, which, instead of making the room clean, actually made it dusty).
For my second year, I plan to move to Beeston Street, getting closer to the east entrance, and live with other Indonesians. There are benefits and disadvantages. It's cheaper, though, and I will miss the talks with foreign students. I love Indian food because I live here. I know other cultures and their thoughts. But life must go on; I have made the decision to live with Indonesians here. Wish me luck with the accommodation thing!
For my second year, I plan to move to Beeston Street, getting closer to the east entrance, and live with other Indonesians. There are benefits and disadvantages. It's cheaper, though, and I will miss the talks with foreign students. I love Indian food because I live here. I know other cultures and their thoughts. But life must go on; I have made the decision to live with Indonesians here. Wish me luck with the accommodation thing!
Take a look at my views!
Take a look at my views!
IMG_1610.MOVIMG_1753.MOVMy Study
My Study
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Non-Academic
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Academic
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