Nadia Noviandra Balkis, a student from Universitas Jember, was selected to represent Indonesia in a fully funded youth exchange program, excelling among hundreds of applicants
Nadia Noviandra Balkis, a student of Mathematics Education at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) Universitas Jember (UNEJ), was chosen to represent Indonesia in a youth exchange program with Singapore and Malaysia. Balkis earned the opportunity after excelling in the selection process, scoring one of the highest among 500 applicants. Her outstanding performance earned her a fully funded experience throughout the program.
The selection process, which took place earlier this year, involved multiple stages, including basic competency tests, foreign language proficiency, essay writing, and interviews. Out of 500 applicants, only 50 were selected, and Balkis, along with one other candidate, achieved the top scores, securing full financial coverage for the program.
Balkis first learned about the program via social media in June 2024 and decided to participate, driven by her experience as a UNEJ Campus Ambassador. Her role as an ambassador provided her with skills in diplomacy, English, public speaking, and protocol, which she found valuable during her time abroad.
During her time in Singapore, Balkis also taught at Sekolah Indonesia Singapura (SIS), sharing Indonesian culture, including traditional dances and batik-making, with elementary school students.
Reflecting on her experience, Balkis expressed gratitude for the valuable lessons and opportunities the program provided, including the chance to meet new people, gain a global perspective, and receive an offer to teach at SIS in the future.
Source: Universitas Jember
