Bandung, Indonesia – Le Anh Tuan, a student from Vietnam currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), shared his experiences studying in Indonesia as a recipient of the Developing Countries Partnership (KNB) Scholarship.

According to Tuan, his decision to choose Indonesia as his study destination was driven by the country’s strategic position in Southeast Asia. “Indonesia is one of the most important countries in Southeast Asia. It has a strong economy, a large population, and a rich cultural history,” he said. “Moreover, many people from my country who studied in Indonesia have returned and now hold important positions. This shows that Indonesia is significant not only in business but also in education.”

During his time at ITB, Tuan has found the experience both challenging and rewarding. He noted that ITB applies strict international academic standards, allowing him to study in an environment led by top professors and surrounded by some of the most outstanding students in Indonesia. His most memorable moments have not only come from academic activities but also from extracurricular ones that introduced him to the local culture. He shared how he learned about Indonesia’s rich traditions through activities such as exploring Batik culture and trying to play the Angklung. In research, Tuan has had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned institutions such as the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the University of Tokyo, and Tohoku University, with full support from his ITB academic supervisor.

As a KNB scholarship recipient, Tuan expressed his deep gratitude to the Indonesian government and people for the opportunity given to him. He mentioned that the scholarship has eased his financial burden by covering tuition fees and living expenses, allowing him to focus entirely on his studies. Coupled with Bandung’s affordable cost of living, the KNB scholarship has greatly supported him in achieving his academic goals without major concerns.

Tuan highlighted ITB’s global reputation as one of the main reasons why many international students choose the university for their studies, research, or short-term mobility programs. He noted that ITB is recognized worldwide and currently ranked 255th in the QS World University Rankings, thanks to its high academic standards. Many of ITB’s professors hold advanced degrees from leading universities around the world and maintain collaborations with prestigious international institutions. According to Tuan, ITB staff are also always ready to assist students with any challenges, creating a supportive and welcoming learning environment.

He further added that ITB offers many advantages that make it increasingly appealing to international students. Various scholarship programs, such as KNB and Ganesha Talent, are open to foreign students at all levels, from undergraduate to master’s and doctoral programs. With top professors, active student exchange programs, and strong international research collaborations, Tuan believes ITB is steadily becoming a truly global university.