POLISH, part of the English Week series organized by the PSDM Ministry of BEM FPK Universitas Airlangga, continues to provide an inspiring platform for students to enhance their English proficiency. Episode 7, themed “Internship Abroad: What It Took and Why It Was Worth It,” was held to share firsthand experiences of students pursuing international internships, aiming to motivate and broaden the horizons of FPK UNAIR students through interactive discussions in English.
POLISH is an eight-week English-language podcast series that brings together inspiring speakers from the FPK UNAIR community, including both faculty and students. The program is designed not only to improve students’ English skills but also to foster self-development, global awareness, and confidence in academic communication. With its casual yet substantive delivery, POLISH has proven to be an effective non-formal learning platform, engaging students in meaningful conversations while promoting a culture of English-speaking interaction within the faculty. Each episode provides insights from experienced individuals, creating a space for dialogue, motivation, and skill-building.
In Episode 7, two remarkable speakers, Kak Dini and Kak Elisa, shared their journeys toward securing international internships. Kak Dini is preparing for an internship at the University of Malaya (UM), while Kak Elisa is set to participate at University Putra Malaysia (UPM). During the session, they discussed the rigorous selection process, document preparation, interviews, and the mental challenges faced while pursuing these opportunities. Both speakers emphasized the importance of English proficiency, courage to seize opportunities, and the critical support received from academic advisors and student organizations. Their stories illustrated how determination and hard work can turn aspirations of studying abroad into reality.
Beyond academic preparation, Kak Dini and Kak Elisa highlighted the personal growth that comes from international internships. They explained how these experiences foster character development, expand professional networks, and enhance global competencies. The discussion inspired listeners, particularly students aspiring to study or intern abroad, by demonstrating that language is a bridge, not a barrier, to broader opportunities. POLISH Episode 7 successfully combined motivation and practical advice, creating an interactive environment where listeners could engage with the speakers’ experiences and strategies.
The episode concluded with encouraging words from Kak Dini and Kak Elisa, urging FPK students to dream big and prepare early for international opportunities. They stressed that every effort invested in the process yields results, and that courage to try is the key to success. Episode 7 reinforced that even a simple medium like a podcast can drive shifts in mindset and student motivation. The PSDM Ministry of BEM FPK UNAIR remains committed to providing similar personal development spaces for students, leading up to Episode 8, which will close the English Week series by featuring more extraordinary stories from the FPK UNAIR community.
