An outstanding achievement has been attained by one of the students of the English Literature Program, Faculty of Literature and Cultural Studies, State Islamic University (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga. Naufal Ridho, a student of the English Literature Program, class of 2020, has successfully passed the selection and will participate in the MoRA Overseas Student Mobility Awards (MOSMA) 2023 program at Buffalo State University, New York, United States.

A Decree from the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia with Number B-795.1/DJ.I.Dt.I.III/PP.04/07/2023 has established that Naufal Ridho is one of the recipients of the MOSMA 2023 scholarship. This program is a part of the implementation of the Independent Curriculum, providing valuable opportunities for students to gain knowledge at foreign universities.

Born in Majalengka on October 20, 2001, Naufal Ridho is the second child of two siblings. He is known for his interest in watching films. With a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.71, his academic achievements have been one of the contributing factors in achieving this scholarship.

According to Naufal, his decision to participate in MOSMA 2023 at Buffalo State University is not only about realizing his dream of studying abroad but also a crucial step in self-development. With an adventurous spirit and a willingness to face challenges, Naufal believes that his learning experience in the United States will shape his mental and personal growth holistically. A new environment, new culture, and a different language will enrich his life experience, broaden his perspectives, and enhance his independence.

Naufal also sees an opportunity to improve his English language skills, which are crucial for his ambition of becoming a translator. The MOSMA program will provide him with a rare chance to interact with native speakers and enhance his language proficiency.

During his student exchange program at Buffalo State University (for one semester), Naufal has well-thought-out plans. He intends to engage in academic activities for a semester. Besides studying, he plans to join various student clubs and organizations there. The University of Rochester has a community named ABC (Action for Better Community) that offers opportunities for low-income families to become self-sufficient through programs like action front center (educating and assisting those impacted by HIV/AIDS), Summer Youth Employment (providing first work experiences for youth during summer months), training, and more.

Not limited to the academic realm, Naufal plans to utilize this opportunity to establish connections with Indonesian representatives in the United States, namely the local Indonesian Embassy/Consulate. Building rapport with them will strengthen the ties between Indonesian students and their home country.

Since the beginning of his college journey, Naufal has shown commitment to positive activities and self-development. Various organizations, social initiatives, and voluntary work have taught him valuable lessons about leadership, cooperation, and community service. Currently, Naufal is still actively leading the Japanese Division in the Student Activity Unit (UKM) SPBA. He also participated in HMPSSI in his early semesters, followed by joining the Faculty Student Council (DEMA) the following year. Additionally, he actively volunteers in various communities both in Yogyakarta and his hometown, such as Yogyakarta Mengajar, Imah Ajar, and Daun Aksara. He has also been involved in several committees like Sekolah Asa, Litfest-HMPSSI, Bulan Karya, PAB/LC UKM SPBA, and others. Furthermore, he had the opportunity to be one of the awardees of the English Access Microscholarship Program 2020-2022 from the US Embassy.

However, Naufal's journey to this achievement was not without obstacles. He faced challenges in time management and experienced doubts when encountering rejections in his efforts to secure opportunities like the MOSMA Program. Naufal attempted several times to apply for the YSEALI and Global Ugrad programs, but always without success. Yet, his strong determination and principle, "It's better to try and fail than not try and regret," consistently motivated him to keep striving.

For English Literature students at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Naufal Ridho offers valuable advice to achieve positive activities like his own, including opportunities for studying abroad:

Be Active - Information and opportunities don't come on their own. Always actively seek information and opportunities that can develop oneself.
Be Ready - Prepare yourself thoroughly to face every process. Don't underestimate the opportunities given. Prepare everything well in advance. Don't take it for granted.
Master EPT - Enhance your English language proficiency by taking English proficiency exams like TOEFL ITP/iBT, IELTS, Duolingo English test. Try to take the test as having an official EPT certificate and a decent score will provide more opportunities.
Just Do It - Don't let lack of confidence hinder you. It's better to try and fail than not to try and regret.

The MOSMA program opens a golden door for students in the Islamic Higher Education (PTKI) environment to experience learning in an international academic setting. Students like Naufal Ridho have the chance to earn credits recognized at their home campus and gain invaluable personal development experiences.

Congratulations and best wishes to Naufal Ridho in his academic journey at Buffalo State University. May Naufal Ridho's story of achievement serve as inspiration for other students to continue striving and achieving their dreams. (urs/hfs)