Studying abroad is indeed a dream for many people. How could it not be, in addition to offering better quality education, this opportunity can also be used to expand networks. It is not uncommon for people to be able to change their fate after returning from studying abroad.
Unfortunately, the cost issue is often the biggest obstacle that gets in the way. But don’t worry, now there are many ways to solve it. There are many scholarship options that you can get. But getting a scholarship is as difficult as finding a soul mate. Well, for those of you who are preparing to hunt for scholarships, this time Top Buzz Times will give you tips and tricks that not everyone knows.
1. Strive to excel in academics
For those of you who are still in high school, studying for a Bachelor’s or even a Master’s degree in Indonesia, and are planning to continue your education to the next level with a scholarship — the first thing you need to do is try to always get good grades. If you have the opportunity, don’t hesitate to try to take part in an Olympiad related to the field of study that interests you.
Although numbers on paper are not everything, good academic achievement will show your commitment to the scholarship provider. Some scholarship institutions, such as Monbukagakusho (MEXT) from Japan and the Singapore Government Scholarship even require applicants to have good academic achievements. In some cases, Science Olympiad winners will have an easier time getting scholarships.
2. Being Smart is Normal, If You Are Active in Organizations, You Are Extraordinary
Are you sure you can get a scholarship because your grades are always good? Hey, don’t be mistaken. Good grades are just the initial requirement. There are still many people out there who are smarter than you. Being smart is never enough. You have to have something interesting to sell to the scholarship provider. Usually, they will look for people who are not only high achievers but also active in organizations.
If you intend to enter the scholarship struggle, start increasing your organizational experience. No need to join a political party or even strange movements. You can start from OSIS or the campus Student Family Association. Those who are active in organizations will be more favored by scholarship providers because they are considered to be able to use the knowledge they gain for the benefit of many people.
3. Don’t Hesitate to Volunteer
In addition to being active in organizations, experience in social activities is also a plus. Especially if you are aiming for scholarships in America and Europe. The United States Fulbright Scholarship, the UK Chevening Scholarship, and the European Erasmus Mundus Scholarship tend to be more interested in applicants who have experience as volunteers in social activities. This cannot be separated from the strong culture of volunteerism in their countries.
In the city where you currently live, there must be a lot of opportunities to volunteer. You can join NGO activities, join youth movements on campus or you can also initiate this movement yourself. No need to bother or worry about no costs, even by cleaning up trash in your environment you can start doing social activities.
4. Foreign Language Proficiency Test
After preparing yourself sufficiently in academic and non-academic fields, now is the time for you to prove that you will survive in a foreign country because you can master the language. One of the scholarship requirements requires you to reach a certain level in a foreign language proficiency test.
Each scholarship has its language test requirements, but the most common are TOEFL and IELTS. To secure your spot, make sure you have a TOEFL score above 550 and an IELTS score above 6.5. Nowadays, you can even prepare yourself by taking online TOEFL and IELTS practice.
5. Find People Who Can Give You Recommendations
To assess your performance in the real world, the scholarship provider will ask for a letter of recommendation from someone who knows your track record. Usually, a letter of recommendation can be given by teaching staff from the institution where you are studying or a supervisor at your place of work.
Their recommendations are very important because scholarship providers will often contact you directly to ask for their opinions about you. Make sure you have a good track record in education and work. Maintain good relationships with those who can give you recommendations.
6. Create an informative Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The way scholarship providers know your experience and achievements is by looking at your CV. In the CV they will get an idea of how you have developed over time. To make a good CV you need to carefully record the activities you have done so far based on the time of the activity.
Since you will be applying for a scholarship, make sure you create a CV that is representative but still informative. One CV format that is quite good for you to use as an example is the Europass CV which is mandatory for Erasmus Mundus scholarship applicants. To find out how to format your Europass CV, you can click here.
7. Promote Yourself Through a Motivation Letter
The next step, you have to prepare a motivation letter. The purpose of this letter is to show why you are interested in taking the field of study you have chosen and why you deserve the scholarship. This motivation letter is a crucial part that will determine how your scholarship application will proceed.
To make a good motivation letter, you need to know about the major you will take. Explain why the program is interesting to you, and also show how your work experience and achievements so far make you suitable to study there. Convince the scholarship provider that you are committed to giving your best so that you deserve their funds.
One of the most important things, you must have a passion for the field you choose. The passion and love for the field of study will be felt in your motivation letter. Still confused about how to write a good motivation letter? Here are some tips from Youth In Action, European Union.
8. Practice Before Interview
If you pass the administrative selection through a CV and motivation letter, the next door to the scholarship is the interview test. At this stage, you will meet panelists from the scholarship-giving country, or it could also be a competent professor in their field. To go smoothly in the interview, you need to prepare yourself so that you are not nervous and instead mess up all your preparations.
Get used to speaking English (or another language that will be used in the interview) at least 2 days before the interview takes place. This method will train your tongue so that you are not shocked and lose a lot of vocabulary. In front of the panelists, show that you are confident and convincing. Equip yourself with knowledge about the field of study you choose and show your enthusiasm to study with a scholarship.
9. Show That This Scholarship Will Help You Contribute to Indonesia
When asked why you want to get a scholarship, don’t just answer with selfish goals like wanting to develop yourself or gain more experience. Also show that if you receive a scholarship, you will have more capacity to contribute to your immediate environment. Scholarship providers will be more interested in candidates who have a broad and useful vision.
This is why being active in social activities and organizations is important. By being active in activities that are directly related to the community, it will be easier for you to determine what kind of contribution you want to make after completing the scholarship program.
10. Don’t get tired of trying
Once you try to apply for a scholarship, you may not necessarily succeed. Don’t immediately give up and feel like you don’t meet the qualifications. Many people have to try many times before finally passing. In fact, by having failed, you will know which parts you need to improve to become a better candidate.
Moreover, most scholarships do not prohibit candidates who have failed to re-register in the next selection. So, why be afraid of failure? If you fail once, keep trying!
