Unforgettable Experience – HOK Student Rocks Indonesia

For the student from Kufstein, it was clear from early on that her semester abroad in the Bachelor's program in International Business Studies (now: International Business Management) at the HOK | University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol would take her to Asia. The decision to ultimately choose Ubaya University in Indonesia was rather spontaneous. In retrospect, however, this choice became an experience that has profoundly shaped her.

She had expected a year filled with international contacts, exciting course content, and the opportunity to immerse herself in a completely new culture. She found all of this in Indonesia – only more intense, personal, and multifaceted than she had imagined.

NEW CAMPUS, NEW ROUTINES

She is particularly grateful for the openness and warmth of the people there. Many things took some getting used to at first: Indonesia differs significantly from Austria culturally, both in everyday life and at the university. At Ubaya University, the student learned, for example, to adapt to dress codes and local customs. Over time, what began as a sense of foreignness grew into a deep understanding of the country, its people, and everyday life, which she came to appreciate more and more.

Student life also brought new routines. Three days a week, lectures with mandatory attendance were on the schedule, usually starting early and often lasting several hours. She was particularly struck by the small class sizes, sometimes as few as four to six students, which made active participation a given. At the same time, she experienced a significantly larger campus than in Kufstein, where each field of study had its own building.

Besides university, there was plenty of time to explore Indonesia and Southeast Asia. On her travels to islands, beaches, temples, and rice paddies, she experienced the country from many different perspectives. This combination of studies, cultural immersion, and travel made her stay particularly rewarding.

A YEAR THAT REWARDS FLEXIBILITY

From the very beginning, the HOK student felt well supported at Ubaya University. The International Office provided organizational assistance, and a personal buddy became an important contact person, especially during the first few weeks. The buddies picked up international students from the airport, helped with finding accommodation, assisted with translation, and thus made the transition easier. During her first semester, she lived in a single room near campus before moving into a shared apartment with other international students for the second semester.

Indonesia challenged the young manager, but also gifted her with many unforgettable moments. She has never regretted her choice. At the same time, she emphasizes that students should be adventurous and flexible for a year abroad there. The city doesn't necessarily reveal itself at first glance, but over time you grow into daily life, forge friendships, and discover places that make the stay special.

She advises other students to approach the culture with an open mind, learn the basics of Bahasa Indonesia (the national language), and try the local street food stalls. For trips to other islands, it's worth venturing off the beaten path – and you should plan plenty of time for this. Besides a bikini and sunscreen, she recommends packing long linen trousers and blouses to dress in a culturally appropriate way. Her most important tip, however, remains to fully immerse yourself in the country and consciously enjoy your time with the local people.

Links:

• International Business Management | ft
• International Partner Universities of HOK | Service
• Our new brand - HOK | University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol