In commemoration of its 58th Anniversary, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia (UI) held a webinar with the theme “Tracking Study and Career Potential in Kangaroo Country for Indonesian Health Workers” on Saturday, July 15, 2023. This webinar is a collaborative program at the international level conducted by the FPH UI 58th Anniversary Committee and the Excellency Study Education Agent domiciled in Sydney, Australia. “Continuing study and career in Australia is an opportunity to improve education and professionalism the nation’s children who must be welcomed properly. This is also in line with FPH UI’s vision, which is to collaborate synergistically with various parties to advance the quality of the nation, especially through education,” said the Dean of FPH UI, Prof. dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., in his speech.
As the keynote speaker, the Chairman of ILUNI UI, Didit Hidayat A.R. “Australia is a developed country with great career opportunities. Coupled with the existence of the IA-CEPA (Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), the opportunities for Indonesians to have careers in Australia will be even greater,” said Didit.
The webinar presented four speakers and managed to get great enthusiasm from the public. Nikki Salomon, CEO of Rhodes International College, as the first speaker explained about vocational studies in Australia, especially at Rhodes International College. Nikki also explained the reasons why Australia is the right destination to continue her studies. “Universities in Australia already have a world class education level. The environment in Australia is also safe, quality, and friendly to all races and cultures,” said Nikki.
Samantha Vitale from the Australian Migration Agent then explained about the visa mechanism that can be chosen by Indonesian citizens who wish to settle in Australia. There are various types of visa options, ranging from work and holiday visas, visas for students, to permanent residents of Australia. Health workers are a profession that is much needed in Australia so that Indonesian health workers have great opportunities to work and live in Australia.
Furthermore, Muhammad Izzad Lubis as Chair of the FPH UI ILUNI and Founder of the Jejak Serantau Community recounted the ups and downs of being an immigrant. According to Izzad, being a migrant is quite a tough challenge. “The key to being a successful immigrant is having sufficient knowledge and financial resources, being good at doing calculations, as well as support from family and relatives,” he said. Therefore, Izzad built the Jejak Serantau Community with the aim of becoming a forum for sharing information between fellow immigrants.
The webinar closes with the story of the life of the diaspora in Australia by Safira Meyda, an Indonesian actress who is now living in Australia. Meyda talked a lot about the environment in Australia. According to Meyda, the Australian environment is quite comfortable and supportive for Indonesians, especially a Muslim. “In the beginning it might take a lot of adjustments, but gradually you will definitely find happiness in overseas lands,” said Meyda. Meyda also gave tips on things to prepare before leaving for Australia, namely learning basic life skills, learning to always be on time, being open to differences, and learning to respect other people. (WR)
