The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, through its International Office (IO), successfully hosted the International Alumni Talk 2025, themed “Four Continents, One Saintek Spirit.” Held online via Zoom from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. WIB, the event aimed to inspire and equip students with the confidence and insight needed to pursue master’s and doctoral studies abroad through international scholarship programs as well as to have an experience social life abroad.

The forum featured six FST alumni who have pursued advanced degrees across four continents, representing the United States, Asia, and Europe: Noni Oktiana, PhD candidate in Industrial and Systems Engineering, State University of New York, USA (Fulbright Scholarship), Retno Dwi Astuti, MS in Materials Science and Engineering, King Fahd University, Saudi Arabia, Herminanjati Paramawardhani, MS in Logistics Management, Lund University, Sweden, Lala Latifah, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programme, Belgium/Italy/Kenya, Sri Hidayati, PhD in Materials Science, Mie University, Japan (MEXT Scholarship), Sekar Minanti, MS in Advanced Computer Science, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand (LPDP Scholarship)

The event opened with remarks from Ir. Muhammad Taufiq Nuruzzaman, ST., M.Eng., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Student Affairs and Cooperation, who emphasized the strategic value of international education in developing global competencies, professional networks, and international career pathways. During the discussion, alumni shared practical guidance on scholarship preparation, academic expectations, and life abroad. They highlighted the importance of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) and strong personal qualities such as perseverance, resilience, and determination. Speakers noted that scholarship applications often involve long and competitive processes, requiring applicants to remain persistent and proactive.

Alumni also described overseas academic environments as highly research-driven, with strong emphasis on independent learning and critical thinking, supported by advanced research facilities. In addition, they addressed common challenges related to cultural adaptation, including homesickness, culture shock, access to halal food, and adjusting to different social and academic norms particularly in countries such as Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Several speakers shared personal experiences of facing multiple scholarship rejections before achieving success, reinforcing the message that setbacks are part of the journey. During the Q&A session, alumni stressed that a perfect GPA is not the sole measure of potential, and that strong motivation and language skills can significantly enhance opportunities for studying abroad.

The International Alumni Talk concluded with a shared reflection that international study offers transformative benefits beyond academics, including personal growth, expanded global networks, and broader career prospects. The Faculty of Science and Technology hopes the event will continue to encourage students to pursue international opportunities with confidence and determination.