Before coming to Indonesia, I didn’t know much about Medan. I had only heard of Jakarta. But Medan turned out to offer a completely different and unforgettable experience. I studied at Universitas Negeri Medan (UNIMED) through the Darmasiswa program, and from the very first day, I felt the warmth and hospitality of the local students and university staff.
At UNIMED, I studied the Indonesian language and local culture. The lecturers were patient and engaging. They taught us not only from textbooks, but also through interactive methods—like conversing with locals, writing short stories in Indonesian, and introducing us to traditional songs. We also had cultural classes, where I got to try traditional musical instruments like the gondang and even joined a traditional dance practice.
Outside of campus, life in Medan was just as fascinating. The city is large and it’s full of life. The traffic was a bit overwhelming at first, but I got used to it. People in Medan are very friendly and humorous, even though I found the local accent difficult to understand at first. But that only motivated me to improve my Indonesian. What I appreciated most about this program was the chance to truly immerse myself in local life.
Living in Medan was not just about learning a language—it was about discovering a second home. I came as a foreign student, but I left with unforgettable memories and a new family. The Darmasiswa program gave me more than just education—it gave me life experience.”
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