People who studied overseas often experience culture shock due to the differences between Indonesian and overseas students, in terms of the environment, lifestyle, education system, etc. That is why it’s important to research and learn about other countries’ way of living just so you can be prepared when the time comes for you to go.

• Interesting Fact about University in different countries

Many colleges and universities in America have on-campus housing, which can be located on or off campus. Dormitories or student housing on campus will be developed into small communities. They’re great places to meet new people, because usually these places often hold parties. On campus in the US, you can also get as much help as you need, depending on your learning process. Students are viewed as self-sufficient adults who would plan their own schedules.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia the interesting fact is there are nicknames to call students based on their performance and habits on campus such as “butterfly” refers to students who return straight home after college. “Turtle” is a dedicated student who is often involved in a variety of campus events and  “Firefly” refers to students who participate in events, go out with friends or hang out in a cafe after class.

• School Holidays

There are different school holidays in every country as a result of different cultures, seasons and history. For example in Japan, they have golden week which is a Japanese national holiday that lasts from the end of April to the beginning of May. The duration of the holiday is determined by how the weekend and national holidays intersect, which can result in a week, or even ten days off. As golden week begins, there is a festive atmosphere all over Japan due to the many activities that take place during this holiday.

 In America, they have Columbus Day which is a national holiday in America which officially celebrates Christopher Columbus’s birthday and a 1 week spring holiday period at the end of March and April.

 In Indonesia, there is “Idul Fitri” or common name for Eid al-Fitr, which is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer. During Eid al-Fitr, many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to a khutba (sermon), and offer zakat al-fitr (food charity). Eid al-Fitr is one of the country’s main national holidays.

• Education System

The government program in Indonesia, in terms of education, requires 12 years of education consisting of grades one to twelve. It consists of six years of primary school, three years of middle school and three years of senior high school education.

 On the other hand, primary education, secondary education, further education, and higher education are the four core components of the UK education system. Children in the United Kingdom are required to attend primary and secondary school from the age of five until they reach the age of sixteen.

The Indonesia government provides “Smart Indonesia Card” that offers financial assistance to millions of low-income families to help them pay for school fees and other expenses. The aim is to provide practical support for the state’s promise of free primary and secondary education while also making attendance at school obligatory for twelve years. More students will be able to attend university as a result of the “Smart Indonesia” program, but its direct effects on higher education are minimal.

Meanwhile, the entire cost of tuition in the UK for bachelor’s studies is fully covered by a governmental loan provided by the British government. The postgraduate loan of 11.222 pounds is available to master’s students as well. Both of them only need to be repaid after graduation and only based on the student’s income when he or she gets a job.

And that’s all the knowledge you need to know about universities in other countries, keep working hard so you can get the chance to feel and experience the differences yourself! If you’re willing, then you can do it!

References

Indonesia, W. (2019, December 19). What is the weather like in Indonesia? Retrieved from Wonderful Indonesia: https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/general-information/climate

mackie, C. (2019, March 21). Education in indonesia. Retrieved from Wenr: https://wenr.wes.org/2019/03/education-in-indonesia-2

MATCHA. (2016, April 25). Golden Week in Japan – Consecutive Spring Public Holidays. Retrieved from Matcha: https://matcha-jp.com/en/1788