MVI 4384

Summary

In this episode of Bi Corner, hosts Nita Viviani Nurhanifah engages with Fendy and Hasbi, two students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), who share their recent experiences at an international conference in Taiwan and their internships at UGM. The students discuss the challenges of balancing academic responsibilities, like thesis work, with internships and international exposure. They highlight valuable insights gained from presenting research in a multidiscipline setting, exchanging knowledge with peers from across Asia, and adapting to new cultural experiences, including language barriers and local customs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fendy and Hasbi, students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, shared their experiences in an international conference and internship.
• 😀 Both Fendy and Hasbi are in their final semester and are balancing their academic commitments with internships and other productive activities.
• 😀 They completed a two-month internship at UGM (Universitas Gadjah Mada), working on an international project involving economic and business indices from 56 countries.
• 😀 The project they worked on aimed to evaluate Indonesia's economic, education, and health rankings, updating a 2014 index for comparison purposes.
• 😀 Despite being busy with their thesis, both students emphasize the importance of managing time efficiently to balance studies and internships.
• 😀 They participated in an International Conference in Taiwan, which provided an opportunity to share and discuss research with peers from various countries.
• 😀 The International Conference was a multidisciplinary event that welcomed participants from a wide range of fields such as economics, tourism, and environmental studies.
• 😀 They were initially informed about the conference by their supervisor, Pak Romi, who also helped them prepare and submit their research papers.
• 😀 The cultural experience in Taiwan was significant, with Fendy and Hasbi encountering language barriers, different transportation systems, and food challenges due to halal food availability.
• 😀 The students gained valuable feedback from international peers and professors, with one presenter even receiving positive appreciation from a university vice-rector for their research work.
• 😀 The conference experience, despite initial nerves, was unforgettable for the students, marking a milestone in their academic journey and offering lifelong memories and learning opportunities.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the podcast episode?

The podcast episode focuses on the experiences of two students from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Fendy and Hasbi, who recently attended an International Conference. The episode highlights their activities, such as internships and their academic journey, while also discussing their participation in the conference.

What did Fendy and Hasbi do during their internship at UGM?

Fendy and Hasbi interned at the Center for Economic and Business Studies (PKIIBS) at UGM, where they worked on a project collecting and analyzing international indicators related to sectors such as economics, education, and health. Their task was to rank countries based on these indicators, and the project aimed to evaluate the performance of Indonesia under President Jokowi's leadership.

How did Fendy and Hasbi manage their time between their internship and thesis work?

Both Fendy and Hasbi prioritized their thesis work but managed their time effectively by balancing it with their internship and other productive activities. They emphasized that good time management is key to succeeding in both academic responsibilities and extracurricular engagements.

What was the primary goal of Fendy and Hasbi's involvement in the International Conference?

The primary goal of their participation in the International Conference was to gain valuable experience by presenting their research, exchanging knowledge, and networking with people from diverse backgrounds, particularly from countries in Asia and beyond. They were also excited about the opportunity to learn from other researchers.

How did Fendy and Hasbi hear about the International Conference?

Fendy and Hasbi were informed about the International Conference by their lecturer, Pak Romi, who shared the opportunity with them. The conference was held in Taiwan and was multidisciplinary, allowing them to present papers from various fields, including economics.

What were some of the challenges Fendy and Hasbi faced while attending the conference in Taiwan?

One of the main challenges was the language barrier, as many locals in Taiwan did not speak English fluently. They also faced difficulties in navigating public transportation and finding halal food. The cold weather, especially since it was winter, was another adjustment they had to make.

What did Fendy and Hasbi learn from their experience at the conference?

Fendy and Hasbi gained valuable insights into their research areas through feedback from other participants, including academics from countries like the Philippines and Vietnam. They also appreciated the international exposure and the opportunity to share and receive feedback on their work, helping to enhance their academic growth.

What was the overarching theme of the International Conference in Taiwan?

The main theme of the International Conference was environmental issues, with various sub-topics ranging from economics to tourism, and how different disciplines address the challenges related to the environment. The conference encouraged cross-disciplinary dialogue and shared insights from various fields.

What were some of the cultural differences that Fendy and Hasbi experienced in Taiwan?

Fendy and Hasbi experienced culture shock, particularly in terms of local customs and behavior. They noted that people in Taiwan tended to be more individualistic compared to Indonesians. They also found it difficult to communicate in English in some public places and experienced challenges in finding suitable food due to the absence of halal options.

How did Fendy and Hasbi feel about presenting at the conference, especially considering their status as undergraduate students?

Fendy and Hasbi felt both excited and nervous about presenting at the conference. They were surprised to be among the youngest participants, as most attendees were graduate students. Despite the challenges, they felt appreciated for their contributions and were encouraged by the positive feedback from the academic community.