HUMAS FAHUTA - Studying abroad does not always come easily. Behind the opportunity to experience a new academic and cultural environment are challenges in adapting, managing time, and maintaining the motivation to continue growing. This spirit was the main message conveyed during the Sharing Session with the Chairperson of the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) Türkiye, organized by the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Seminar Room of the Faculty of Forestry USU, Deli Serdang.
The session featured Jawahir Ulwan, a native of Binjai who pursued his education in Türkiye in 2023 after studying at Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor in Java. His organizational experience, which began when he served as a Scout Leader at the pesantren, became one of the foundations that led him to become actively involved in Indonesian student organizations and eventually be entrusted with leading PPI Türkiye.
The sharing session began with remarks by Dr. Anita Zaitunah, followed by an introduction and a presentation of Jawahir Ulwan’s experiences. In an interactive atmosphere, Jawahir shared stories about his educational journey and his experience as part of PPI.
The Indonesian Student Association (PPI) is an organization established to assist Indonesian students and citizens in accessing support and facilitating their lives while pursuing education abroad. Such support can take the form of various activities, including language classes, assistance, and strengthening networks among students. PPI also operates at various levels, ranging from city to national levels.
In his presentation, Jawahir shared various challenges he encountered while pursuing his education in Türkiye. One of them was balancing academic responsibilities with part-time work. For him, this experience became an opportunity to learn about independence, responsibility, and the importance of managing time wisely.
Beyond discussing academic life abroad, Jawahir also encouraged participants to view organizations as spaces for personal growth. According to him, involvement in organizations can serve as a means of developing leadership skills, strengthening communication, expanding networks, and learning to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
Jawahir’s experience also demonstrated that the journey toward success does not always follow a straight path. The willingness to keep learning and the ability to manage time are two important factors in dealing with various demands while pursuing one’s aspirations.
Through this activity, the Faculty of Forestry USU not only provided insights into the experience of studying abroad but also created a space for students to gain a broader perspective on opportunities for personal development through education and organizational involvement. The story shared during the session is expected to encourage students to dare to dream, seize opportunities, and prepare themselves to face future challenges.
The PPI Türkiye Sharing Session was part of efforts to foster an academic environment that encourages students to continue developing both intellectually and personally. This spirit is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through strengthening youth capacity and expanding cross-border networks and collaboration.