Melynessa Intan Artha Helya Sitompul is one of the students in the Double-Degree Master’s Program at the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung (FTMD ITB), in collaboration with Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC), France. This program results from a collaboration between ITB and ENAC and a partnership between the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) and FTMD ITB.

This double degree program is part of the Ministry of Transportation’s efforts to enhance the capacity and capabilities of Human Resources (HR) in air transportation. To achieve this goal, Kemenhub selects its best employees through a rigorous application and interview process to pursue a master’s degree at FTMD ITB. ITB was chosen because it is the only university in Indonesia that offers a comprehensive Aerospace Engineering program from undergraduate to doctoral levels. Meanwhile, ENAC was selected as a partner university due to its reputation as the best higher education institution in France in aviation.

In an exclusive interview with the FTMD Media Team, Melynessa shared how the experience of participating in this double degree program not only provided many benefits and valuable stories but also led to significant personal growth and self-discovery.

Learning Multiple Languages

First, Melynessa highlighted the opportunity to learn multiple languages for free. The medium of instruction in the courses is English. However, she also learned French to facilitate daily activities and social interactions with the local community. This opportunity was precious, allowing Melynessa to master two languages at no cost.

Classroom Diversity

Next, the diversity in the classroom, consisting of individuals from 10 different nationalities, provided an enriching experience. This environment challenged Melynessa to adapt to various backgrounds and build relationships with peers from other countries, gaining invaluable insights into various cultures.

Cultural Discovery

This experience also opened Melynessa’s eyes to various interesting cultural practices. For example, in France, greeting the bus driver when boarding and alighting from public transportation is customary. This practice is a cultural norm that she would only have encountered by participating in this program.

Academic Experience

In the academic realm, the Double Degree Program offers a unique and unparalleled opportunity to learn directly from active industry experts. For instance, in classes like Airlines Marketing, students are taught by the Marketing Director at Airbus, providing invaluable insights directly from the heart of the industry. Similarly, in Customer Relationship courses, the instructor is the Marketing Director from ATR.

This double degree program also broadens global perspectives, hones language skills, and enhances confidence and public speaking abilities through academic activities in the classroom. FTMD ITB and ENAC provide a comprehensive support system for students, including academic advisors, language tutors, and cultural orientation programs. FTMD ITB provided a solid knowledge foundation in the initial semester, preparing Melynessa to face the subsequent semesters at ENAC with confidence.

The Double Degree Program between FTMD ITB and ENAC enriches academic knowledge and professional skills and provides profound cultural experiences. Thus, this program significantly contributes to enhancing the capacity and capabilities of HR in the field of air transportation, which is crucial for facing future challenges. The experiences shared by Melynessa are a tangible example of the extraordinary benefits that can be obtained from this collaborative program.