The Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) at Universitas Brawijaya (UB) has achieved another outstanding milestone on the international stage. Maritza Inas Tasyakurina, a student from the French Literature Study Programme at FCS UB, has been awarded the prestigious Bourses du Gouvernement Français (BGF) scholarship. This scholarship, granted by the French Government, supports students from various countries, including Indonesia, to study in France for one semester.
Maritza was chosen as UB’s representative among the top 10 Indonesian students who will depart for France in September 2024. Besides participating in academic activities, the students will be immersed in French culture and get the opportunity to further explore the rich cultural heritage of France. This experience is expected to provide them with valuable new insights into understanding cultural diversity.
In an interview, Maritza shared the story of her journey to securing this esteemed scholarship.
“My hopes of going to France were almost dashed. However, my teachers, lecturers, and native-speaker friends encouraged me to keep going. I also realised that opportunities like this don’t come twice. So, I decided to continue the process,” she said.
The long and arduous process made Maritza deeply appreciate every bit of support she received. She hopes that this opportunity will not only enhance her academic knowledge but also open up avenues for conducting research in France. Maritza aims to contribute more to her field of study in Indonesia by bringing back new perspectives that are rarely explored locally.
“I hope to conduct some research there. Gathering data in France and then analysing it in Indonesia. Moreover, I aim to make the most of my time there to explore French culture and improve my French language skills,” she explained.
Maritza is ready to embark on her academic journey in France, bringing with her hope and determination to gain as much knowledge as possible. Her departure to France is a source of pride for herself and the entire academic community of FCS UB. This accomplishment demonstrates that with hard work and strong determination, Indonesian students can compete and excel on the international stage. [trans.acl/ed.al/vidya/PR FCS]