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UNAIR NEWS – June 2022 Graduation is a moment of joy for Gladys Aulia Rizqi. She completed her bachelor’s studies and was awarded two degrees simultaneously: a Bachelor of Psychology and a Bachelor of Behavioral Science (Psych). Gladys got the degrees because she joined the double degree program at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia.

To UNAIR NEWS, on June 27, 2022, Gladys revealed that she had wanted to join the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) since high school. IUP was Gladys’ choice at that time.

“So when I was in high school, I was interested in UNAIR psychology and I did my research through its website. I discovered the Double Degree 2+2 program at that time. Reading the program, I was interested because I could have the opportunity to study at UNAIR and in Australia and get two degrees. Since then, I have been determined to enroll in the program when I graduate,” explains Gladys.

During her undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Psychology UNAIR, Gladys tried her best to study so her GPA is sufficient for the double degree program at QUT. On the other hand, Gladys remains active in activities other than lectures, such as being a member of the Photography club, being a non-athlete administrator at the Basketball club, participating in the 2019 Rector’s Cup committee, and the 2019 Psychofest basketball competition committee.

“Besides, I also took English language courses and IELTS preparation at IALF to continue to QUT,” said Gladys.

Pandemic and Lockdown in Australia

After various preparations, Gladys left for QUT Brisbane, Australia, in February 2020 and a month after that, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. At that time, the woman from Kediri also experienced the lockdown, which was during the college orientation.

“At that time, I remember getting my first essay assignment there, I got bad grades and it made me down at that time. But I didn’t give up, and I enjoyed it after I could adapt to it. Once, I had time to return to Indonesia, but I could not return for a year (in 2021),” said Gladys.

In the process of completing her studies, Gladys failed in an assignment, but she did not give up despite the difficulty. “ Alhamdulillah, I was able to graduate on time, and I flew back to Australia in April 2022 yesterday to graduate at QUT,” said Gladys.

Tips from Gladys

Gladys explained that in addition to lectures, try to contribute more to the faculty and university. She added that fellow students can take advantage of the opportunities provided by the university for outbound mobility, such as student exchange programs to expand networks, knowledge, and experience.

“For those who want to take a double degree, apart from studying for courses, they can take English courses such as IELTS preparation in advance, research about the country they want to go to, and they can contact seniors who are also studying there to ask questions about college, culture , and other things,” she explained.

This is important, she continued, because preparation must be done well. Sometimes students think that studying abroad is difficult, expensive, and complicated. Because when we know all the information, she said, those fears are not necessary.

“Therefore, you must focus and convince yourself to go for a double degree, ” said Gladys.

In the end, the woman with a life motto: “Be yourself no matter what they say”, also revealed that the role of parents is crucial.

“Especially my father, who has supported me to take a double degree program and be able to study in Australia. My mother also motivates me to stay confident in myself and make the most of any existing opportunities,” she concluded. (*)

Author: Muhammad Suryadiningrat

Editor: Nuri Hermawan