Every year, 50 Indonesians are selected to undertake postgraduate studies in New Zealand under the New Zealand-ASEAN Scholars (NZ-AS) Award programme as part of the New Zealand Government's development aid to Indonesia. Priority is given to applicants from Eastern Indonesia, to those studying renewable energy (especially geothermal), as well as applicants from other sectors which contribute to sustainable economic development within Indonesia.

"New Zealand is a great country for studying and living and has so many things to offer including a spotless environment,  pleasant people, great chocolate, and the most stunning views ever." Renny Ernawati

Renny Ernawati and Janet Hursepuny are two of the many New Zealand ASEAN Scholars (NZ-AS) Awardees currently studying in New Zealand.  They were among the 50 Awardees selected in 2011 and after completing intensive English language training in Indonesia, they began their studies in New Zealand in 2013. 

Renny is a midwife with the NTT Provincial Health Department in Kupang who is currently studying for a post-graduate diploma in Midwifery at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT), while Janet, from the Human Resources Department, Papua Provincial Government, is completing a masters degree in Human Resource Management at the University of Waikato. 

When they were awarded the NZ-AS scholarship in 2011, they had not yet reached the minimum English language entry score for New Zealand universities (IELTS 6.5 for most academic programmes).  The NZ-AS programme provided for intensive English study in Surabaya to help them meet university entry requirements as well as to develop effective study skills.

Renny said," It helped me a lot, especially with academic writing. Besides that, it also built my confidence in giving presentations which was very useful. I have fewer problems with writing my papers since I have learnt how to build critical thinking and organize my ideas into paragraphs."

Janet also found the ELT courses useful. "The ELT programme really helped me, especially in learning new techniques to improve my writing, listening, speaking and reading. It also helped me to achieve the IELTS score required by the university."

Moving to live and study in a new country inevitably creates some challenges.  For Janet, there was difficulty understanding the Kiwi accent, and she also found the way of teaching and learning at her university different from what she had experienced in the past in Indonesia.  "One of the differences is the learning process in NZ. Our lecturers expect us to be active in classroom discussions. We are free to express our own opinions and also need to think critically."

For Renny, the biggest challenge was finding her way around Auckland City.  "I needed almost 5 months to get used to it.   I got lost several times but thankfully I met friendly people who helped me to find the way home. This was ridiculous because I have Google maps on my phone but I still could not figure it out."

Both have appreciated the support they received to help them adapt to their new lives in New Zealand.  This has included help from the International Student Office, especially with accommodation and other scholarship matters, from their Student Advisors who help with academic problems, and from the local Indonesian Students Association or PPI (Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia) who helped a lot with settling in, providing useful information - for example, where to find cheap Asian food, or a part-time job.

While study takes up most of their time, Janet and Renny both make time to enjoy their new environment. Renny likes to take walks around her neighbourhood and get to know people living nearby, and visiting public parks and beaches. Janet enjoys swimming and cycling. "Hamilton, where the University of Waikato is located, is a flat area so it is very nice to go cycling around the city. It is great exercise and cheap too. "

For those thinking of becoming NZ-AS Awardees in future they have the following advice:

"Really focus on improving all your English language skills - writing, reading, listening and speaking. It will help you adjust to the learning process here. What will also help is to learn more about the culture, the city where you will be living and the university where you will be studying. Before you come to New Zealand, browse for information online. Make contact with Awardees who are still studying in New Zealand and the PPI at your proposed university so that you can find answers to your questions."

The deadline for this year's applications is 22^nd April 2014. For further information, visit the New Zealand Embassy website (www.nzembassy.com/indonesia), the NZ Government website (www.aid.govt.nz/schols). NZ-AS Scholarships team will start promotional trips to Eastern Indonesia, send us email to nzas.info@cbn.net.id to find out more about the scholarships.