
1 Semester
at University of South Dakota
🇮🇩 → 🇺🇸
Global UGRAD exchange
01
From High School Dream to Global UGRAD
Fresh out of high school, Zaki made it his goal to study abroad. In August 2023, he applied for Global UGRAD, and in 2024, he departed to the U.S. to spend a semester at the University of South Dakota.
02
A Broader Academic View
"Even though the topics were similar, it was insightful to see how technological advancements shaped education there. It definitely broadened my academic knowledge."
“It was truly a cultural experience. I was eager to introduce my own culture to the people there.”
— Zaki
03
Sharing Indonesian Culture Abroad
Meeting people from around the world deepened his appreciation for diversity, while also strengthening his pride in Indonesian heritage. His experience became a chapter he later shared as a speaker in the IELS Insight Series.
✍️ Written by Valerine Aubrey Surjadi · 🎨 Design by Zainufri Aziz
Through the Journey
Moments from Muhammad's experience.
Photos from Muhammad's journey coming soon
Photos from Muhammad's journey coming soon
Photos from Muhammad's journey coming soon
Meet more SEAblings
This story is one of many journeys happening across Southeast Asia.
Practice English. Meet people from Southeast Asia. Exchange experiences. Discover opportunities.
More SEAblings to meet

Nyiur Salsabila Frida
Discover how Nyiur Salsabila Frida from Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang joined the Global UGRAD program and studied a semester at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the U.S. Her story of courage, authenticity, and growth will inspire you.
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Ahmad Zakwaan Haniif Herefa
Read how Ahmad Zakwaan Haniif Herefa, an ITB student and IELS Lounge member, pursued an exchange program at Tohoku University, Japan—using English as the key to global academic opportunities.
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Sarah Meuthya Zahwa
Read how Sarah Meuthya Zahwa, an IELS community member, transformed her dream into reality through the Step Up! program, leading to her internship at a Singaporean digital marketing agency.
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