Ayu pursued her Master's degree in Biotechnology at The University of Edinburgh. We asked Ayu to share her story of studying abroad.
Tell us a bit about yourself
Hello! My name is Ira Ayu Lestari, you can call me Ira. I'm 23 years old and I'm from Indonesia.
What is the name of your university? When did you start studying?
I'm studying Biotechnology at The University of Edinburgh, Scotland UK. I started my Master’s programme last September, in 2016, and I'm currently working on my dissertation.
What made you choose this programme?
I'm interested in the application of Microbiology and how we can utilise these microscopic organisms to build a better world. There are lots of universities in the world offering Biotechnology programme, but most of them are focusing on medical biotechnology or molecular biotechnology. I want to focus on industrial biotechnology combined with some courses on business and entrepreneurship.
Did you find your study programme on Studyportals?
YES! I must say Studyportals helped me A LOT. So for me, I don't want to choose a university based on its popularity or because it's near to the famous tourist spots etc.
So Studyportals helped me narrow down my search, so I had a shortlist of universities in the world that have Biotechnology programme (excluding med biotech and molecular biotech). Then, I made it to the top 5 by simply looking at the modules offered by each university.
What were the main challenges you had to face before being accepted?
I got my conditional offer in November 2015. To be fully accepted at the university, I had to get a scholarship offer before May 2016 and take IELTS test to secure my place. So, if I didn't get the scholarship, I would have to search for other funding options.
Did you take a language test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) when applying for the programme?
IELTS is required to get the unconditional offer from the university. I took IELTS after the scholarship announcement, and I was nervous, but optimistic that I will pass. I didn't take any IELTS preparation course so I was learning from YouTube videos and e-books.
During my speaking section, I couldn't think straight, so I had one question with a silly answer that made the examiner laugh. Out loud. But that's OK! Making the examiner laugh gave me 7,5 for the speaking section and got 7,5 for the overall score!
What are the three things you like most about the university?
1. The building. The building I'm studying is amazing. Sounds ridiculous, but who wouldn't be happy to study in a building like the Harry Potter one?
2. The facilities. I like how we can request books from the library, we got printing credit, a student centre that was open 24 hours, student counselling, a medical centre, and many more.
3. The teacher and the staff. My supervisor is so kind and most of the staff here are very helpful. They always smile, and they make me feel so comfortable to be here.
If you could improve anything about the university, what would it be?
One thing that I think needs to be improved is the study space. Most of the students want to study in the library, and close to the end of the semester, the library is always full and it’s so hard to find a space.
What are three things you like the most about the city?
1. The building. Again, I'm in love with historical buildings. And Edinburgh Castle is the best!
2. The city is walkable. There are lots of open spaces like gardens and hills, and it’s walkable from the city centre! From my flat, it takes me 10 minutes-walk to get to the Blackford Hill, or 30 minutes walk to the famous Arthur Seat and Holyrood Park! The city centre (Princess Street) is just 10 minutes walk from the main university building, where you can shop from many famous brands. For me, the city is a perfect combination of history, modernity, and nature.
3. The people. As a minority and recent Islamophobia in European countries, I was once afraid that people wouldn't like me. It turned out that the people here are very nice, they didn't judge me based on my faith or what I wear. And I feel welcomed here.
What was the biggest surprise in your study adventure?
This is my first time to live on my own and I've been waiting for this since a very long time. I'm so excited with my journey so, to be honest, I didn't feel that much pressure or cultural shock happening.
But maybe my biggest surprise is how excitement and passion can bring so much energy. In Indonesia, I never go to the library on weekends or after class. But here, sometimes I stay at the library until it closed (23:00/11:00 pm).
How would you rate your experience on a scale from zero to ten?
Can I say 9.5? I really, really enjoy my stay and study here. I love everything. The rest of 0.5% is because I miss my family and friends.
What would be your advice for students from your country that consider studying abroad?
Studying abroad is a great experience you can have, and I encourage you to pursue higher education. I'm not saying that universities outside Indonesia are better, it’s just that when you study abroad, you're not only learning your subject, but you also get an experience about cultural diversity and you’re making international friends.
A little advice: do not make holidays or a trip abroad as the main reason to choose your university. This should be a bonus, not an aim!
Is there anything that you would do differently if you could do it over again?
I want to be more involved in student societies and make more friends from all around the world. I want to have more confidence so I can have more international friends.
What are your future plans after graduation?
I plan to go back to my country and travel for a while. Then, I want to contribute to my country by being a scientist, and hopefully, I would be able to develop the biotech industry in Indonesia.
Share your favourite spot, at the university and the city, with us!
My favourite spot at the university is the main library, 5th floor and the meadows. Meanwhile, Princess Street is my favourite spot in the city. There you have everything: Princess Street Garden, Scottish Piper, Edinburgh Castle, and shopping centre.
Were you inspired by Ayu's story?
