I wrote about my failure and persistence in achieving IELTS score to be sufficient for admission requirements entry about a few months ago.
I wait until the time has come to write about my experience of getting a scholarship for my graduate school. Once after I received the LoA from my dream school, the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) The Hague, I directly prepared everything for the submission of Studeren in Netherlands (Stuned) scholarship from the Dutch Government. It’s always been my dream to pursue higher education in the EU, especially in the Netherlands.
It’s like a faraway from home town and many people that I know also take a master's or doctoral degree in NL. I have done my best to submitted all of the requirements for the scholarship in early March. I had to wait about a month and a half to receive the result.
I got my first no on my first try while applying for a scholarship. Well, at that time I thought that I have to give a try another opportunity then I tried the Australian Awards Scholarship (AAS). During my preparation to comply with the specification, I found an announcement about the high-prestigious-competitive scholarship from the Indonesian government (Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education — LPDP). At first, I didn’t feel like I want to apply but it was the only chance I have to make my dream come true, become one of the international students in the Netherlands.
I finished everything for the AAS in early May and straightforward I was preparing everything to fulfill LPDP terms and conditions for the administration process. The preparation was tight. I had to revise my essay about fifth times and the personal statement thrice. In the end, I completed everything in late May! Then I was just waiting for the administration selection process.
Well, I didn’t believe that God rolled everything really smooth, every step by step, all is in His hands. I passed the scholastic and academic test in June and the final stage has come. In the mid of July, I have to follow the last step which is an interview session. It was an important stage to be accepted as one of the awardees. I was really nervous at first and there was a situation while I didn’t believe in myself.
I was practicing with several people and groups, either they are my college friends or people who I found from the LPDP selection.
I always evaluate myself like which one I am already good in and which part I have to improve to launch a better version of myself and be ready for the interview. I practiced for about 2 weeks (not every day of course lol) and almost every night/afternoon I joined some groups to trained myself or following others' sessions. All of the inputs were helpful and I prepared my best to face the interviewer.
Well, sadly few days before my turn, my mom tested positive C-19 and it blurred everything on me (ada aja cobaan gengs). Well, of course, I’ve been worried that I can’t be available for depart this year because I possibly will be tested positive too. I didn’t really think about it because the interview was important than that.
Finally, the day has come! I joined the zoom link 2 hours before the test based on the information given. The interview went well and I felt positive about the result. I believe that I can be accepted as one of the awardees this year! I had to wait a week to get the exact result.
Yeah, it was almost 8 PM GMT+7 while I received the result. Finally, after a long game, I got the chance to pursue another degree! As a MA Student in the ISS. Even though it’s still uncertain to confirm my participation for the 2021 fall semester or I have to defer my application into next year.
Yeah C-19 sucks and affects the situation so much. Hopefully, I get the solution to this uncertain situation haha
At least I was finally accepted by the program and sure become a student again.
Good luck to the others who want to pursue a higher degree and compete to get a scholarship. You guys deserve to develop your capacity through education :)
