The student exchange program at FTMD ITB, in line with ITB’s motto “Globally Respected, Locally Relevant,” offers students the opportunity to study at leading universities around the world. One of the available programs is the Global Engineering Education Exchange (GE3). The GE3 program, managed by the Institute of International Education (IIE), is a consortium-based exchange program for undergraduate engineering students to study abroad and participate in internships worldwide. ITB has been a partner university of GE3 since 2011. 

Rizky Dasa, a Mechanical Engineering student from the class of 2020, joined the GE3 exchange program at the University of Leeds in January 2024 for one semester. 

In an exclusive interview with the FTMD Media Team, Rizky stated that the GE3 scheme is ideal because it takes place in the even semester, ensuring it does not interfere with mandatory courses.  

Rizky chose the University of Leeds due to its reputation as one of the best universities in Europe (ranked 15th) and the world (ranked 75th). Additionally, he was attracted to the university’s focus on sustainability. He took courses closely related to sustainability issues, which he believes are crucial to study because they directly impact human welfare, the environment, and the global economy. 

During his two months of study at the University of Leeds, Rizky discovered several unique aspects. One notable feature is the recording equipment in each classroom, allowing students to record and replay lectures. According to Rizky, this is very helpful for students with other commitments, such as part-time jobs or extracurricular activities. 

Moreover, through this exchange program, Rizky expanded his social network with new friends from various parts of the world, including East Asia, Europe, and America. Initially, he thought most of his new friends would be British, but the experience exceeded his expectations. This experience also deepened his understanding of cross-cultural interactions and how cultural differences can influence people’s thinking and interactions. Socializing was not difficult for Rizky, thanks to his active experience in the ITB Mechanical Engineering Student Association (HMM ITB). 

Another unique aspect Rizky found at the University of Leeds was the assessment system, which heavily relies on reports and research papers conducted by students. This approach encourages students to be more proactive and supports independent research.  

This approach is very beneficial in completing final assignments at ITB and forms the fundamental basis for future engineers who will face various engineering challenges. With the ability to conduct basic research to solve problems, students will be better prepared to face future challenges. 

Amidst the valuable opportunities he gained, Rizky expressed his gratitude to FTMD. The immense support and assistance provided by the FTMD academic community during the application process was invaluable. The fundamental engineering knowledge provided by FTMD also served as an essential foundation for Rizky in pursuing academic activities abroad. This demonstrates that the FTMD curriculum meets the standards of renowned international universities. It not only strengthens FTMD’s position as a leading educational institution in Indonesia but also proves that FTMD graduates possess internationally recognized qualifications.