Studying in Japan with Muhammad Azka Faiz Siregar
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - Studying abroad is an experience that every student had ever dreamed of. To make this dream a reality, the ITB (Institut Teknologi Bandung) Geological Engineering Study Program created the program Creating The Leader. Thanks to this program, ITB Geological Engineering students Muhammad Azka Faiz Siregar, a geological engineering student of class 2018, had the opportunity to pursue his studies in Japan with a full scholarship.
Creating The Leader is one of ITB Geological Engineering’s many programs that is committed to shaping and producing future reliable geologists and leaders. By giving a “golden ticket” to selected students to seek further studies beyond Indonesia, the program aims to enrich students with knowledge and broaden their horizons in hopes of improving their country upon returning. Azka, who is also the Head of ITB HMTG “GEA” (Geological Engineering Student Association), received his ticket as the gateway to a new education and experience outside Indonesia.
2022 is a lucky year for Azka; not even a month after completing his undergraduate studies, he was chosen to study at Ehime University Graduate School of Science and Engineering. During his time at ITB, Azka was known as a student who is more active in non-academic activities. He was formerly the General Directorate of Special Guidance from the Coordinating Ministry of PKKP (Ministry of PSDM) in the ITB Student Body from 2020 to 2021. Azka was also entrusted as the Chairman of ITB HMTG "GEA" in 2021-2022.
During his interview on Wednesday (28/9/2022), Azka recounted that he received two recommendations from his lecturers; Dr. Eng. Mirzam Abdurrachman, S.T., MT., and Dr. Idham Andri Kurniawan, S.T., M.T., to become Prof. Masayuki Sakakibara’s student at Ehime University. Azka then started searching for scholarships and received a full one from Naiba that is engaged in the geoengineering field.
Azka admitted that he had encountered language barriers during his stay in Japan, one of which is Prof. Sakakibara’s requirement to be able to speak Japanese despite himself being assigned to an international class. Nonetheless, this does not discourage Azka from socializing with other students and adapting to his new environment with English.
Azka said that living in Japan is comfortable; the country’s cool atmosphere as well as the warmth of the people made him feel welcome. He also found a Muslim community that constantly reminds him to do his duties as a Muslim. However, campus activities are limited, and no student forums are conducted there unlike most universities in Indonesia. Thus, Azka often helps the Indonesian Student Union of Japan to keep his organizational spirit alive.
"Never hesitate to seize the opportunity in your youth,” Azka advised. “Start everything with good intentions, and always remember to either thank, apologize, or ask for help when interacting with people.”
Reporter: Pravito Septadenova Dwi Ananta (Geological Engineering, 2019)
Translator: Ruth Nathania (Environmental Engineering, 2019)
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