Mohawk College welcomes students from Indonesia

Fall 2024 visiting Indonesian students welcome

Mohawk College was selected by the Republic of Indonesia as one of four North American colleges to host students as part of Indonesia’s International Mobility Scholarship Program (IISMA).

The program, funded by the Indonesian government, supported Indonesian students for a one-semester mobility experience at leading universities and colleges around the world. Mohawk College was chosen to host vocational path students during the fall 2024 semester, specifically within the Computer Systems Technician – Network Systems program, to grow their learning and skills in an international environment. This partnership marked the college's first collaboration with the Indonesian government.

Mohawk College’s commitment to creating Future Ready global graduates aligns with the Indonesian government’s vision of preparing students for the global workforce. Sandra Gruosso, Manager of International Partnerships and Programs explained, “We want our students to have the opportunity to work with international colleagues, be adaptable to the global workforce, and bring a wealth of experience that can enhance their future jobs. The IISMA students were able to integrate into the Mohawk community by showcasing their culture and demonstrating the values of being a global citizen.”

During their time at Mohawk, the Indonesian students combined in-class and experiential learning opportunities. They participated in practical studies alongside Mohawk students and participated in industry visits and workshops, enriching their skills and experience while being introduced to Canada’s academic and cultural diversity.

Reflecting on their experiences, these students have shared positive impressions of their time at Mohawk and in Canada.

Student, Berton Charlie noted: “Coming from Indonesia, I’ve noticed it’s quite uncommon to openly express thoughts during the learning process, as judgment often follows immediately. But here, it’s so different - everyone, including professors, are open to opinions, fostering more discussion.” 

Student, Farchan Indrianto, remarked of the support received: “From the day we arrived in Canada until today, Mohawk, especially the LCC, helped and supported us in adapting to this new environment. We bonded a strong relationship with them…by having lunch together on one of our first days.”

Farchan continued by sharing, “…the study materials and resources here cover basic to advanced level IT knowledge and the hands-on labs are useful. The professors are easy to understand and have much more flexibility for assignments or discussions. Overall, Mohawk is a great place to develop your skills and mental wellbeing."

The Indonesian International Mobility Scholarship Program covered registration and tuition fees, health insurance, living allowances, airfare, visa costs, and emergency funds for the ten students.

This partnership not only advanced Mohawk College’s internationalization strategy but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations with the Indonesian government to benefit the wider community. Highlighting the significance of these types of programs, Thea Laidman, AVP International stated, “By cultivating intercultural competencies, this program reinforces our commitment to global learning and solidifies our role as a leader in international education”