Interview Reyner Jovian Karnali, ICT student from Indonesia,
received the Bachelor of ICT in July 2006


Studying abroad is a challenge, in fact, a big one. Even when you study only in your neighboring country, other country from within the same continent, or even country on the other side of the world, life's never been the same and it will change you, as a person. Going to a completely new place on your own, only for studying and starting a new episode of life, seems to be unimaginable for some people.

The first time I arrived in Eindhoven , the Netherlands , was in August 20 th 2002. The first days were, of course, not an easy period. You're far away from your home country, families, and friends. Simply saying, you are on your own and you have to do everything by yourself. Indeed, it was one of the biggest steps I've taken in my life. For everybody who has taken the same path as me, my respect to you all.

But through times, I settle myself slowly in this completely new environment. I get used to the very beautiful weather of this country (I don't think any weather website can predict Dutch weather accurately), I started to call people by their first names (Leo, instead of Mr. Maessen), I speak out my name the first time I picked up a phone, and I'm enjoying almost everyday on how LEKKER a plain bread and a slice of cheese is for lunch.

About the seasons, I will try to describe here in short although there are also endless stories about them In the autumn, watch out for those strong winds that will make your bike feel twice as heavy, and also watch out for the daylight saving (you'll be late coming to class, if you're lucky, or you'll be late to an exam, if you're not). During winter, the sun is lazier than you. It gets up everyday around 10, and sleeps already around 4. (So when you wake up at 9 in the morning, it's dark outside, and when you go home around 5, it's also dark). Tried to keep your motivation up during this nice period. Spring, my favorite, will give you a boost of new spirit and energy. Lots of holidays, the sun shines again, weather is superb, and you know that summer is closing in. Summer is what I've been waiting for. End of all exams, classes, and a hectic school year. Everybody is happy as they can now use their sunglasses (finally!).

The first year at Fontys, Information Technology, was a very busy period. I got lots of new stuffs I've never studied before, lots of homeworks, readings, and practical lessons. My advice would be, tried as hard as you can to keep up with the pace of the lessons. I can say that the first year (the Propadeus phase, as the Dutch says) is the most important foundation for your upcoming three years, so if you don't get a hold on this first year, you might get some difficulties in the following years.

The second one is special because at that time I got my first internship. So, it was a very new experience for me, although it was only for 50 days. But other than that, you'll also get yourself familiar with projects during this year. You will learn how to work in groups of people, stick to your schedule, cooperative and communicative.

The third year and fourth year are quite similar I think. You get even bigger and heavier projects, and also two more internships (once in each year). The one in the fourth year is of course more important because it's your graduation internship! Nevertheless, the third-year internship will also give you invaluable experiences, which will help you a lot for the preparation to enter your final year.

Finally, the fourth year, is the one that you're waiting for. It's the reason you're fighting for. But don't worry, you have all you need for this final match. You just have to keep focus and show your determination. The last six months of your final year, will be the busiest time of the day. You have to work on your graduation project, yet you also have to finish your final dissertation the same time. Just try to enjoy it and live with it. Time is fast and without you'll ever notice it, you'll be sitting somewhere in the terrace under the nice sun of summer, with a beer on your left, and your Bachelor's diploma on your right. Life can't be sweeter than this. I'm telling you, it's worth the effort!

So, that was a short story of what you can expect during the four years study in Fontys. Well, life is a never ending learning process, and having the diploma already doesn't mean your journey stops here. It's the end of a new beginning. A new chapter in your life. My final words for you are taken from a very famous Dutch line ‘Doe maar gewoon, dan doe je al gek genoeg' The meaning of it? Well, I leave you all to figure it out by yourself.

A very warm greetings from Eindhoven,
Reyner Jovian Karnali