Bandung – Detha Audrey Syandani, a Mechanical Engineering student from the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Institut Teknologi Bandung (FTMD ITB), is one of the few Indonesian students who has made the nation proud through her achievement on the international stage. She was selected as a recipient of the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo (CMK) Undergraduate Scholarship Program for International Students, a prestigious full scholarship that enabled her to pursue a student exchange program at Yonsei University, one of South Korea’s most prominent universities.

In an interview with the FTMD media team, Detha shared that the scholarship not only covered educational expenses such as tuition and registration fees, but also provided a living allowance, learning support, pre-departure assistance, and incentives during the study period. Beyond financial support, the program also offered a variety of self-development opportunities, including summer camps, cultural exchange programs, global networking events, and other cultural activities aimed at helping students adapt to both academic and social life in South Korea.

Detha’s journey toward this scholarship began with her interest in student exchange programs. She came across the Hyundai CMK scholarship information through a WhatsApp group in her department. Without hesitation, she discussed it with her parents, who warmly supported her decision. Detha admitted that the application deadline was very tight, prompting her to swiftly prepare required documents such as academic transcripts, supporting certificates, and various application forms. After passing the administrative selection phase, she was invited to an online interview. Despite initial nerves, she chose to be honest and present her authentic self during the session. She believes that authenticity was one of the key factors that contributed to her success.

Upon being officially announced as a scholarship recipient, Detha was overjoyed and deeply grateful. However, her journey didn’t end there. She had to go through the formal application process for Yonsei University to obtain an acceptance letter. This required additional documents, including an official transcript, proof of English or Korean language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or TOPIK), passport copy, recent photographs, bank statement, proof of active student status, study plan, and health insurance certificate. Some of these documents had to be physically mailed to South Korea. Despite the lengthy and demanding process, Detha managed to complete everything on schedule.

The exchange program at Yonsei University ran from August 2024 to June 2025, covering two regular semesters (fall and spring) and a short winter session. Academically, Detha found that the mechanical engineering courses at Yonsei closely mirrored those at ITB. However, the biggest challenges came from adapting to a different social environment and learning style. She observed that students in Korea tend to be more individualistic, which required her to become more independent and take full responsibility for her own learning. She had to work extra hard to maintain her academic performance.

One of Detha’s most memorable experiences was taking a Strategic Management course during the winter term, taught by Professor Kim Bo Kyung. The engaging and well-structured delivery inspired her to further explore the field of business—an unexpected new interest that emerged during her time in Korea. She described this course as the highlight of her academic experience abroad.

Interestingly, Detha was among the first cohort of recipients for this scholarship, which came with its own unique set of challenges. The lack of direct seniors from the same scholarship path meant that she and her fellow awardees initially had no clear guidance regarding procedures and expectations. However, through initiative and willingness to seek out information, they were able to connect with alumni from other Hyundai CMK Global Scholarship programs, who generously shared their insights and experiences. The pressure to complete various documents within a short timeframe was also a major hurdle. Some documents even required legalization and international postal delivery. In such situations, Detha relied heavily on time management and an organized work strategy to meet all deadlines.

“One of my most memorable moments was working in groups with peers from various countries. I gained many new perspectives because the learning environment here is very different from Indonesia,” she said.

She noted that being in an international environment significantly broadened her perspective—not only academically but also in terms of daily life in a developed country like South Korea.

Outside the classroom, Detha also actively participated in various extracurricular activities facilitated by the CMK Scholarship. She joined two clubs—Board Game Club and Yonsei Club—which held regular meetings every two weeks.

“The activities were so much fun. We played games, had casual discussions, and enjoyed our leisure time—all organized and sponsored directly by Hyundai,” she shared. These experiences provided a refreshing balance between academic and recreational life.

As an ITB student, Detha recognized several advantages that supported her success. One of them was access to scholarship opportunities that were exclusively available to students from only four universities in Indonesia: ITB, UI, UGM, and President University. Additionally, ITB’s rigorous education system, which encourages critical thinking and independence, helped her quickly adapt to the academic challenges in South Korea.

When asked for advice for fellow students who aspire to follow a similar path, Detha offered a simple but powerful message. She encouraged juniors not to hesitate, even if they feel underprepared or lack confidence. For her, the key lies in reading the requirements thoroughly, preparing documents early, and staying authentic during interviews. She also emphasized the importance of having the courage to step out of one’s comfort zone and embrace new learning opportunities.

“We don’t need to be perfect to give it a try. What matters most is the courage to take the first step,” she said.

For Detha, the Hyundai CMK Scholarship was more than just an academic opportunity—it was a personal journey that expanded her worldview, opened global networks, and shaped her into a more resilient and open-minded individual. Her story is an inspiration for many Indonesian students dreaming of studying abroad and a testament that international opportunities are well within reach.