From Surabaya to Leeuwarden to study Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Brigitta, a graduate in Industrial Engineering from Surabaya, Indonesia, shifted her focus to sustainability studies in Leeuwarden. In this blog post, she delves into her passion for sustainability, the reasons behind choosing Campus Fryslân, and her experiences as a master’s student thus far.

What is your academic background?

I hold a BSc in Industrial Engineering from a university in Indonesia, my home country.

Why did you choose to study Sustainable Entrepreneurship?

After my Bachelor's degree, I wanted to specialise and contribute to something I was passionate about, such as sustainability. I liked the idea of finding a way to make a difference without necessarily getting too technical.

In Indonesia, where I am from, sustainability is not a popular topic, and people are not yet well-informed about it. I saw an opportunity to change that. I felt a strong urge to play a role in educating businesses about sustainability and show them that an alternative is possible.

After completing my MSc at Campus Fryslan, I plan to go back to my home country and raise awareness about sustainability, filling the current knowledge gap in Indonesia.

What convinced you to choose this programme at Campus Fryslân over others?

To be honest, what made studying at CF so appealing, besides the interesting programme, was the chance for a scholarship provided by the University of Groningen.

I explored funding options at different universities and found that UG was offering a full scholarship for non-EU students. This was rare, especially for someone like me from a developing country like Indonesia, where scholarships mainly come from the government or foundations. This opportunity made my decision to study at CF a lot easier.

How have you been finding the workload so far?

Transitioning from a technical and scientific background, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the workload. This was partly because, here at Campus Fryslan, active participation is encouraged. We're expected to voice our opinions rather than just passively absorb information. In Indonesia, it's not common to express your thoughts openly and have them acknowledged. However, in this environment, there's a lot of interactive discussion, making it very dynamic. Here, there's a significant emphasis on generating output. Last but not least, mastering academic English writing has been a gradual process.

How do you find the class?

I really appreciate the supportive atmosphere among my classmates. With around 30 people split into two groups, the small class size allows for quite the personalized learning journey.

Initially, I was a bit intimidated by the diverse mix of ages and backgrounds. I felt like others were a lot more familiar with the field, which made me uncertain about my own abilities. However, as time went on, I realised that I could learn a lot from their firsthand experiences. The supportive nature of my classmates became evident in various ways, making the learning environment truly pleasant and enriching.

What about the interactions with the teaching staff?

One thing I value is the encouragement to express our opinions openly. The teaching staff always manages to transform our comments into constructive learning opportunities, which adds to the overall educational experience.

Are there options for internships, starting your own business, or working on personal projects? How supportive is the programme in these aspects?
In terms of hands-on experience, the Sustainable Entrepreneurship Project offers a valuable opportunity for practical application. You have the freedom to choose a topic in your preferred field, with a focus on local organisations addressing global challenges. While the possibility of an internship exists, it's not a mandatory component of the programme. Personally, I'm looking forward to the Innovative Friesland fair, an event where there will be plenty of networking opportunities. The teaching staff actively facilitates access to these interactions. While we are helped with building our own networks, we are also encouraged to take the initiative and shape our individual paths.

Does the programme meet your expectations?

Overall, yes. Naturally, I consulted the course list and programme details when making my decision to form an initial impression. Now that I am enrolled, the course guide is clear and detailed, helping me manage my expectations. Lastly, I find that the programme primarily focuses on a qualitative approach supported by theoretical foundations.

Is there anything else you would like to share to help prospective students decide in favor of this MSc programme?

In my opinion, the game-changer here is the incredibly supportive environment and the people you collaborate with. The atmosphere is nurturing and encouraging. Despite being new and far from home, I've never felt isolated. This sense of belonging is largely due to the professors, particularly Gjalt, who exhibited a remarkable understanding for individuals coming from distant places. Their support makes a world of difference and fosters a truly inclusive learning experience!

Original source: Campus Fryslân Blog - Brigitta