Hello again! My last archive was in 2013 and this would be my first post after years of absence from blogging. Where have I been for the past 4 years? Graduated from high school, and successfully entered into a law school in Diponegoro University. In the second year of college I got the opportunity to study abroad for one semester (January-May 2017) in University of the Philippines Baguio and it was fully funded by SHARE-scholarship. Becoming part of this exchange program is once in a lifetime opportunity and will be a moment in my history that will always be remembered. SHARE-scholarship is a great chance to support higher education exchange across ASEAN Member States. This program is open for South East Asian undergraduate students. I was one of the scholarship awardees from the second batch, the third batch is still on progress and next year will be the last batch. In this blog I’d like to thank SHARE scholarship for giving me the opportunity to experience new cultures, friendships and education system in University of the Philippines. Check out http://www.share-asean.eu/activities/scholarship/ for more information of share scholarship. How to apply? Are you curious enough? Basically you can read the full requirements and process from the website. Here, I’m going to sum up the process based on my experience in general and a brief explanations of my mobility.
Application Process
- Apply to Host University
- Check the website of your future host university, make sure about your choice and fill the application form for exchange program.
- A valid passport
- Official Transcript of Records signed by home university
- Each university has specific requirements for GPA and TOEFL/IELTS (for UP min GPA 3.00 and min Toefl score 500)
- Motivation letter and recommendation letter (this is also optional, it depends on the university )
- Endorsement letter from international office in your home university.
After you are done with the process above, you should wait for about a month until you get an email from your host university that announces you are accepted. The host university will send you letter of acceptance.
3. Apply to SHARE Scholarship
This will be the last selection process, you need to input your LOA and fill the online application form. As I remember applicants are required to answer several questions from the form.The announcement of awardees will take in two or three weeks.
Before the mobility
You should be well prepared with this! It took me weeks to arrange and handle everything before my mobility. Inform your home university that you are going abroad to study for one semester. Contact your host university regarding your re-enrollment, flights, visa, housing and arrival. There will be a learning agreement that shall be signed by both parties from your home and host university. Make an itinerary before your arrival is a must!
During the mobility
I still could remember the first day I arrived in the Philippines, and my first day of class in University of the Philippines Baguio. I got to feel the nervous and excitement at the same time. The staffs and teachers in UPB were very helpful to foreign student like me. I had my classes and examinations like a regular student. I had a nice stay in UPB apartment. This was the best moment in my life, I got to learn a lot of things and I tried my best to survive during my study. Moreover I’ve found a family, new teachers and good friends. They were my source of happiness in the Philippines. I would like to thank them for fulfilling my 5 months in the Philippines with so many good memories.
After the mobility
I was still surprised that it’s been a month since I left the Philippines which means my exchange program has come to an end. After the mobility I will get certificate of recognition and an official transcript of record issued by my host university. One semester exchange program has impacted me greatly, as I have become a lot more open to new things, stronger, more independent, and a world bigger than just my comfort zone.
I was still surprised that it’s been a month since I left the Philippines which means my exchange program has come to an end. After the mobility I will get certificate of recognition and an official transcript of record issued by my host university. One semester exchange program has impacted me greatly, as I have become a lot more open to new things, stronger, more independent, and a world bigger than just my comfort zone.
I hope this post will give you in depth understanding of SHARE scholarship. This post still could not wrap up all the stories and memories from my bitter sweet five months in the Philippines!
“You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.” – Miriam Adeney