Menulis Study Plan ala Gue!

Hai sob!

Beberapa waktu yang akan datang, Saya akan cerita pengalaman mendaftar dua beasiswa belajar ke Korea Selatan kepada kalian. Supaya berbeda dengan postingan kebanyakan orang, dalam part/bagian ini, Saya akan berbagi contoh study plan/rencana belajar yang pernah Saya tulis untuk mendaftar kedua jenis beasiswa tersebut terlebih dahulu. Perlu sekali kalian garis bawahi, jangan jadikan tulisan ini sebagai patokan kalian ketika akan menulis study plan kalian, cukup jadikan sebagai referensi saja. Hal yang terpenting adalah konsep orisinilitas yang muncul dari hasil pemikiran kalian sendiri. 

Bagi kalian yang berminat mendaftar beasiswa tahunan Global Intern Program (GIP) dan Master Student Scholarship di salah satu universitas terbaik di Korea Selatan yaitu Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), menulis study plan merupakan sebuah kewajiban. Tidak hanya akan diminta menulis study plan, kalian juga akan disuguhi pertanyaan-pertanyaan lain yang tentu saja harus kalian jawab. Berikut penjelasannya!  

Knowledge of Major Field

Untuk bagian ini, kalian dapat mengisinya dengan pengetahuan, pendidikan, pengalaman kerja, dan lain-lain yang tentu saja ada kaitannya dengan jurusan yang akan kalian ambil di GIST. Berikut adalah contoh paragraf yang pernah aku tulis.

“During my undergraduate study, I was interested in studying nanomaterial science particularly for environmental applications because I really like both environmental chemistry and nanotechnology. On the other hand, I also have strong motivation to learn bacteria particularly on their role in aquatic pollution treatment. Because of this interest, my thesis research titled “The Effect of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Concentrations to the Performances of Activated Sludge Bacteria of Resin Industrial Wastewater Treatment” is a combination of microbiology and environmental chemistry. Therefore, during my master research, I will combine the above mentioned fields into an area of research that I am interested in. For the master research, I will take a research topic related to wastewater treatment bacteria in nanomaterial synthesis. 

Recently, microbial metal reduction can be a strategy for remediation of metal contaminations and wastes. Bacteria are capable of mobilization and immobilization of metals and in some case, the bacteria which can reduce metal ions show the ability to precipitate metal at nanometer scale. The biosynthesis of nanoparticles using bacteria has emerged as rapidly developing research area in green nanotechnology across the globe with various biological entities being employed in synthesis of nanoparticles constanly forming an impute alternative for environmental chemical and physical methods. However in my opinion, a future challenge for the biosynthesis nanoparticles using bacteria is scaling up for production level processing. Therefore, I will be conducted some research in the optimization process of producing nanoparticles with well characteristics including desired morphologies and controlled sizes, fast, and clean in order to reach successful industrial scale in the future.

During my bachelor study, I have studied nanomaterial science through a nanotechnology class in the 6th semester. I have studied the basics of nanotechnology, synthesis and characterization techniques, also their applications in industrial activities. I got 4,00 score (out of 4,00) on this course. In the 3rd semester, I have studied environmental chemistry. I have studied the sources, reactions, transports, effects, and fate of chemical species in the environment, also their effects on humans. When attending this course, I tried to conduct a mini project for my own accord with the aim of knowing the Fe level in well water of my dormitory. On this course, I got 3,50 score (out of 4,00). I also studied microbiology in the 3rd semester. I have studied the isolation, purification, and identification techniques of microorganisms, also their role in human life particularly in the field of environment. I got 4,00 score (out of 4,00) on this course. In order to explore more about this course, I have also conducted a mini research to know the diversity of bacteria (gram positive and negative) in Air Embung UNNES (UNNES Water Reservoir).

In order to gain more knowledge about nanotechnology particularly on how to characterize it, on June 24-28th 2019, I have attended training on several instruments such as FTIR Perkin Elmer Spectrum 100, GCMS-QP2010SE, Spectrophotometer Fluorescence Tech Fluorostore Omega BMG Lab, HPLC Perkin Elmer Altus A-10, AAS Perkin Elmer Analysie-400, PSA Horiba Scientific nano partica SZ-100, and SAA-BET Quantachrome Nova 1200e. Throughout 2020, I have also tried several times to participate in overseas research internship concerning on nanomaterial science. Actually, I was accepted by one of the universities in R.O.C (Taiwan) to participate in a research internship program this year. However, due to Coronavirus pandemic, the program was cancelled.

From September to November 2019, I have also participated in an industrial research internship as a Wastewater Treatment Lab Technician at a local company. In this research, I focused on the field of aerobic digestion by microorganisms. During my internship period, I have trained in Awareness of ISO 14001; 2015 Version.”

Reason for Study in Korea

Jika kalian mengerti artinya, mungkin sudah langsung tahu maksudnya. Tulislah alasan mengapa kalian memilih Korea Selatan sebagai tempat kalian menimba ilmu. Kalimat yang aku tulis dulu seperti ini.

“South Korea has carefully selected as a leading country in the fields of science and technology. Enrolling to study in South Korean university not only will ensure that I get the very best education this country has to offer, but also will open up a wide range of employment opportunities for me. Graduates from the country’s universities are highly sought-after by institutions in Indonesia. In addition, learning South Korean language and culture directly is something that has great potential. Due to the increasingly close bilateral relations beetween Indonesia and South Korea, the opportunity to develop a cooperation with Korean companies is now growing.

GIST is a Korean prestigious research-oriented institute that providing full financial scholarship opportunities, accomodation, and research funds to me as an international student. I believe the institute will support and foster me with advanced leadership skills and will educate me for highly competent environmental scientists. Environmental Engineering of GIST has prestigious professors and providing a wide variety of fields necessary for the specialization and development of my research career. It is thus no wonder that they excelled in producing publications. I was amazed by their research areas with highly science-oriented and engineering based where I as a prospective student also have flexibility in conducting research and collaboration. Besides that, I have learned that Professor Hor-Gil Hur’s Lab and Professor Heechul Choi’s Lab has same research area with me. The labs are also provided by high tech instruments and suitable work environment that can support my research.

Key Achievements

Untuk bagian ini, kalian boleh menjelaskan buku yang pernah kalian tulis, skripsi atau penelitian yang pernah kalian lakukan, laporan yang pernah kalian buat, patents, R&D, beasiswa, dan kejuaraan yang pernah kalian raih. Pada saat itu Saya menulis bagian ini dengan kalimat berikut.

“I have some research experiences during my undergraduate study. In 2017, I did two mini research. First, I conducted a research entitled “Determination of Fe Levels in Well Water Using Spectrophotometer’. Second, I conducted a research entitled “Gram Positive and Negative Bacteria in Air Embung UNNES (UNNES Water Reservoir). In 2019, I was involved in my supervisor’s research team determinating of total phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of Gracinia mangostana. In 2020, I conducted my thesis research to get a BS degree in Chemistry.

My thesis research entitled “The Effect of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Concentrations to the Performances of Activated Sludge Bacteria of Resin Industrial Wastewater Treatment”. This study set different COD and DO levels, detected the pollutants removal, growth and consumtion rate, and resistance performance of bacteria. Results showed that COD and DO significantly influenced the performances of bacteria wastewater treatment process.

 I am an awardee of Bidikmisi Scholarship. The scholarship is provided by Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education for students with outstanding academic achievements but in reduced economic conditions. During my scholarship period, I get monthly stipend and my tuition fee is waived by the Universitas Negeri Semarang.”

Goal of Study and Study Plan

Nah, di bagian ini, kalian harus menulis rencana belajar yang bisa saja menyatakan proposal penelitian yang akan kalian kerjakan ketika belajar di GIST. Kalian sangat disarankan untuk mengunjungi situs website departemen yang akan kalian daftar untuk mempelajari lebih dalam tentang para profesor dan bidang-bidang penelitian mereka. Bagi kalian yang memiliki keinginan kuat di bidang yang spesifik, diharapkan untuk mengontak profesor dan lakukanlah diskusi proyek penelitian dengan mereka sebelum akhirnya kalian memutuskan untuk mendaftar. Berikut adalah contohnya.

“Goal of Study

First, my goal is to gain knowledge and experience professionally in my field in order to prepare myself to become highly competent environmental scientists with advanced leadership skills, so that I am able to face future career challenges. Second, my goal of study is to get 5-level of TOPIK after I finished my master studies.

Detailed Study Plan

I will pursue my master degree in School of Earth Science and Environmental Engineering. The normal length of master study is about 24 months. Throughout these 2 years, the study and research will be focused on the optimization process of producing nanoparticles using wastewater treatment bacteria with well characteristics including desired morphologies and controlled sizes, fast, and clean.

In order to gain Korean language proficiency, I will apply the “learning by doing” technique during my studies. My strategies are listening to them talk, interacting actively with Korean people, listening Korean songs, also practicing with my Korean friends.

Detailed time arrangement are below:

1st Semester of 2021

I would like to spend my first semester to study at least 9 credits of core courses. The courses are molecular biotechnology, aquatic chemistry, environmental biochemistry, and environment toxicology course. I will attend seminar related to my field and also plan to join Professor Hor-Gil Hur’s Lab or Professor Heechul Choi’s Lab to conduct my research. I will attend in all their discussion as well.

2nd Semester of 2021

I would like to spend my second semester to study at least 9 credits of core and elective course. The courses are biological monitoring, biological wastewater treatment, trace metal chemistry, and special topics in environmental engineering. In this semester, I will conduct some preliminary research.

1st Semester of 2022

I am focusing to study at least 9 credits of elective course. The courses are environmental microbial ecology, environmental nanotechnology, and instrumental analysis on environmental pollutants. In this semester, I will finish my master thesis proposal under the instruction of my supervisor. The proposal is related to my preliminary research. 

2nd Semester of 2022

I am conducting seminar in environmental engineering in this semester. Then, I am joining research group and starting to conduct my research. In this last semester, I will finish my master research and focus on the degree defense of mine. I will also publish my research papers at international academic journal in this period.”

Action Plan After Study

Pada bagian ini, kalian bisa menuliskan rencana-rencana yang akan kalian lakukan ketika dinyatakan telah lulus dari GIST. Ungkapkan secara spesifik dan hindari menuliskan hal-hal yang bersifat umum. Contoh yang pernah Saya tulis adalah.

“After I am finishing my master program, I will divide my own future plans into three periods. Detailed time arrangement are as follows:

5-years future plan

I will work for 5 years in National Institute for Nanomaterials Technology (NINT) or the other Korean Research Institutes that relevant to my field. Because I plan to scale up laboratory process of bio-synthesized nanomaterials to industrial scale in the future, I need to study the optimization of reaction conditions more professionally in this period.

10-years future plan

I will go back to Indonesia and work at wastewater treatment laboratory of Eternal Buana Chemical Industries Company. In this period, I will apply the skills that I have acquired during my studies and career in South Korea. In order to develope my research career, I will also continue to carry out a series of follow-up experiments.

15-years future plan

I will scale up the laboratory process of biosynthesis nanomaterials to industrial scale. In starting this project, of course, it will not be separated from the role and cooperation with South Korea as one of the leading countries in nanotechnology. With this collaboration, both Indonesia and South Korea will get high economic opportunities. In addition, both countries will have new alternative and competitive methods for industrial synthesis of nanomaterials.

Major drawbacks associated with the biosynthesis of nanoparticles using bacteria are tedious purification steps and poor understanding of the mechanisms. The important challenges frequently encountered in the biosynthesis of nanoparticles are to control the shape and size. It seems that some technical challenges must be overcome before I am starting this project. Therefore, I will maximize my study and career in the previous 10 years.”

Self Introduction

Tujuan kalian menulis di bagian ini adalah untuk memberikan informasi tambahan dari diri kalian yang tidak tertulis atau tersampaikan dalam form aplikasi. Sangat disarankan sekali jika kalian mengambil kesempatan untuk mendeskripsikan ketertarikan kalian, kegiatan organisasi, dan lain-lain. Ceritakan secara singkat proses tumbuh, lingkungan sosial dan rumah, pandangan hidup, latar belakang pendidikan, harapan dan cita-cita kalian. Saya dulu menuliskan kalimat berikut.

”I was born in Purbalingga, Indonesia. I am 22 years old and I am a final year undergraduate student of Chemistry Study Program in Universitas Negeri Semarang. During my bachelor study, I have completed 65 courses toward BS degree in Chemistry. I also get a 4-years full scholarship that provided by Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education. Currently, I am doing my final year project and expecting to graduate on 25th November by this year.

Outside of the classroom, I have experienced in several organizations such as the Executive Council of Students as a Head of Internal Affairs Division, the Study Orientation and Campus Introduction Committee as a Head of Equipment and Logistic Division, and as a Chief of Student Association for Environmental and Adventure Activity. I also have participated as a leader of the 45-Days Community Service Program in one of the remote villages in Indonesia. The organizational skills that I have acquired from these experiences have given me a great deal of self motivation. I believe these skills will provide myself to perform well in both adaptation and study process.

I really like adventure activities, especially to the eastern part of Indonesia where I can meet many of tribes there. I have climbed 8 highest mountains in my province, visited at least 30 cities in Indonesia, also had the opportunity to learn at least 5 regional languages. Through adventure, I can find many places with new sides that I can find out. Besides that, I also understand how to build relationships with new people, get to know their special food, even learn about their language and culture.

From childhood until I was 18 years old, I grew up in a farming environment. Both my father and mother are farmer. Most of the foods that I eat are vegetables and fruits that we grow by ourselves. We always try to avoid fast foods. It is thus no wonder that I grew up in a good health. When I was in college, I started living in a big city and surrounded by people with different ethnicities, cultures, religions and languages from all over Indonesia. Such situations have made me accustomed to a culture of tolerance.

In my life, I always remember Robert Warren’s quotes that “Good things are coming down the road, just don’t stop walking”. Whatever difficulties that come to our way will definitely be followed by positive things afterwards. We just neet to hold on, walk, and try. I realized that if one day I live in a new places, I will face several difficulties, including “the culture shock” and also the language barrier. However, I believe that the difficulties that I face will be a plus value for me when I return.

 Everyone has their own hopes and wishes, me is no exception. I expect the best things to come for myself and those closest to me. Some might be big and long-term and may seen impossible, while others might be smaller and possible sooner. However, there are two things that I really look forward. First, I hope to learn somethings new each day that helps me grow into better man and can be more helpful to society. Second, I hope that both my immediate and future plans will be achieved and through achieving these plans I make a real contribution to science.”

Sebagai catatan penting, setelah kalian membuat atau menulis study plan atau jawaban dari pertanyaan yang ada, cobalah baca kembali dua atau tiga kali. Perbaiki kata yang typo, grammar yang salah, atau kalimat yang tidak efektif. Sebab, kesalahan seperti itu bisa membuat kalian akan gagal dalam seleksi. Minta tolonglah kepada teman atau mereka yang ahli berbahasa Inggris, tampunglah saran yang mereka berikan. Semoga bermanfaat!