Have you ever wanted to go abroad for a certain period of time to learn more about diverse cultures and living independently? If so, then you’re the same with Diva Arya, SBM ITB Alumni, with a focused programme in International Business. As someone who was not even 17, Diva dreamed of studying abroad. Unfortunately, her parents rejected her wish to study abroad. “You are still a minor, we are worried about leaving you abroad for years,” said her parents. As a determined girl, Diva doesn’t stop with the objections. She surfed through the internet and found information about SBM ITB's newly opened International Business focus of Management. She found out that SBM ITB International Business Students are obligated to do an exchange program abroad, which she has been dreaming of. Other than that, different from the other university time to get bachelor degree, Diva would only need three years to get a bachelor degree in SBM ITB.

So, what did Diva learn in International Business SBM ITB and during her exchange period in Rennes School of Business, KEDGE Business School, and The University of Hull? Check this out!

Exploring various education system

Many things are unique when Diva first studies in the UK. Accustomed to a busy schedule, Diva was shocked to see her class schedule in the UK. “It’s only two lectures in a week!” said Diva. Yes, being an abroad student has helped Diva to learn about various education systems in different countries. Later, Diva found out that in the UK students were supposed to learn more outside the class so that when they gathered in the classroom, they were actually discussing and not repeating the same thing they have received from the books.

Challenging Experience

Being an international student in a foreign country is surely a challenging experience for everyone, including Diva. Learning to be more independent, to be more agile, and to be more open-minded, is needed to survive and to learn much more than just a lecture. Thus, these experiences are the ones Diva couldn’t forget even until she’s back in Indonesia and pursuing her career. 

Life-long Lesson

Experiencing various ways of living has led Diva to be someone she is now. She said, without enrolling in SBM ITB International Business and going abroad to study, she wouldn’t be who she is today. Those days were an experience that she won’t ever forget, and she will eventually go back to if she can. 

Well, despite the abroad learnings and in-class experience of Diva, she is grateful that she was in SBM ITB learning International Business. To know more about Diva’s interesting stories as the first batch of SBM ITB International Business, check it out on SBM ITB Talks Episode 49!

Student Announcer: Tjia Alphani Anugrah Putri (Entrepreneurship 2022)
Interviewee: Diva Arya Saskia Putri (Senior Business Development Associate at Shopee, Bachelor of Management - International Business Double degree program with Hull University Alumni Class of 2018)