Ahmed Wisam is one of the recipients of the Developing Country Partnership Scholarship (Beasiswa Kemitraan Negara Berkembang/KNB), currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). He chose Indonesia as his study destination because he was drawn to its rich culture, natural beauty, and a dynamic, multicultural learning environment. According to him, Indonesia offers a learning experience that is not only academic but also vibrant in social and cultural dimensions. More importantly, the KNB scholarship provided by the Indonesian government was a strong reason for him to continue his studies in Indonesia.

When asked why he chose ITB, Ahmed explained that the university has a strong academic reputation, particularly in science and engineering. “Many international students are attracted to ITB because of its high-quality education and the unique academic and cultural experience in Indonesia,” he said.

As a KNB scholarship recipient, Ahmed feels greatly supported during his studies. The scholarship covers all tuition fees, living expenses, and other necessities, enabling him to focus entirely on his studies without financial concerns. He describes the scholarship as crucial support for students from developing countries who aspire to gain knowledge abroad.

During his time at ITB, Ahmed has found his academic journey both challenging and enjoyable. “The academic environment at ITB is very supportive and stimulating. The lecturers and students here are very friendly and open,” he remarked. He appreciates the supportive campus atmosphere and the warmth of Indonesian people, which has made him feel truly welcomed.

One of the most memorable experiences for Ahmed was participating in various student activities and cultural events, especially Cultural Day organized by ITB’s International Relations Office (IRO).

“I joined Cultural Day held by the IRO office at ITB, where we celebrated traditional Indonesian dances, local cuisines, arts, language, and culture as a whole. It made me feel like I was really part of the community here,” he recalled.

At the event, he and other international students learned and celebrated Indonesian traditional dances, tasted local foods, and explored Indonesian art, language, and culture more deeply. Moments like these have made him feel like an integral part of the ITB community.

Ahmed believes that ITB has a strong appeal for international students, particularly because of its excellent reputation in science and engineering. Beyond its high academic standards, the vibrant campus life and support from the international office make ITB an ideal place for students from all over the world to learn, grow, and enjoy valuable cross-cultural experiences. For Ahmed, studying in Indonesia is not just about education but also about broadening horizons and building connections that transcend geographical boundaries.