USK Alumnus Embarks on Academic Journey Across Europe and Africa with a Prestigious Scholarship

Aulia Agusdi, an alumnus of the Department of Development Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Syiah Kuala (Class of 2018), is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in the International Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD) at Ghent University, Belgium. His academic journey is fully supported by the VLIR-UOS scholarship, a prestigious and fully funded program by the Belgian Federal Government.

Why Belgium?

Aulia chose Belgium for its globally recognized quality of education, strong emphasis on research and innovation, and excellent public services that support a high standard of living. “Belgium is a safe, stable country with outstanding transportation, healthcare, and education systems,” he explains. But what truly drew him to Ghent University was the relevance of the IMRD curriculum to his background and passion in agricultural economics and agribusiness, particularly palm oil.

“The program’s focus on sustainable development directly aligns with my interests and experiences,” Aulia says. “I believe what I learn here can be applied meaningfully to the agribusiness sector and the communities in Aceh.”

The IMRD is part of the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, offering students not only academic excellence but also a wide international network and mobility across several countries.

A Dream Realized

Arriving in Belgium marked a milestone for Aulia. “It was one of the happiest moments of my life,” he reflects. “It felt like a dream come true—to pursue a Master’s degree in Europe on a full scholarship.”

His arrival was warmly welcomed by fellow Indonesian students who helped him settle in and begin the process of adapting to his new environment. “Their support meant a lot and made my transition much smoother,” he recalls.

Academic Life and Adaptation

One of the notable differences Aulia observed in the Belgian education system is the absence of attendance lists. “Even without mandatory attendance, all lectures and materials are transparently uploaded to the e-learning system. It’s a culture of trust and self-discipline,” he notes.

Aulia has formed friendships with fellow international students and locals alike, often exploring Belgium and neighboring countries like the Netherlands and France. These social interactions have enriched his experience and expanded his global perspective.

The early stages of his academic journey were not without challenges. Living in the Flemish Region meant navigating a society where Dutch is the primary language. Despite his program being in English, adapting to academic English and regional accents required time and effort. “Alhamdulillah, I gradually became more confident and comfortable in my studies,” he says.

A Global Learning Experience

The IMRD program is a two-year, 120-ECTS credit master’s degree organized by a consortium of 15 universities worldwide. It includes an extensive mobility component that takes students across different countries. For Aulia, his academic path includes:

• Semester 1: Ghent University, Belgium
• Semester 2: University of Pretoria, South Africa
• Semester 3: University of Pisa, Italy
• Case Study: A one-month intensive in Slovakia
• Semester 4: Returning to Ghent for his thesis research

This multi-country academic exposure is designed to deepen students’ understanding of rural development from various cultural and systemic perspectives. It also equips them with adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills.

Aulia’s most memorable experience so far was his semester in South Africa, where he visited cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town. “I had the chance to visit a national park and see wild animals in their natural habitat—something I had never experienced before,” he shares.

Beyond the Classroom

Student mobility has taught Aulia to adapt to diverse academic systems and accents, build independence, and understand cultural nuances across continents. “Each country has its unique character and values,” he says. “It teaches you to be open-minded, agile, and respectful.”

After completing his program, Aulia hopes to pursue a career in Belgium. “Contributing to your country doesn’t always mean you have to be physically in it. Working abroad can be a powerful way to gain experience, broaden your professional network, and bring back valuable insights to Indonesia.”

A Message to Future Global Scholars

To aspiring students, Aulia offers words of inspiration:
“If you have a dream, dream big—and work hard to make it happen. Your efforts will not betray you.”

He believes that international programs like IMRD are crucial for shaping future leaders. “These experiences open your eyes to the world, enhance both hard and soft skills, and prepare you to compete and thrive in a global context.”