The  English Literature Study Program held an inspiring alumni talk titled Early Career Navigation: Aligning Your College Goals with Your Dreams. This event featured Indra Pradipa Yudha, better known as Andrew Yudha, an alumnus as well as the CEO and founder of Discovery English and Speakhub.id. He is also an English teacher, edupreneur, and content creator. This seminar was a valuable opportunity for students to gain insight into how to make the most of their college years as a stepping stone to future career success.

During the session, Andrew Yudha shared his personal and professional journey. He emphasized that success is not determined by how fast or slow the learning process is, but by consistency and perseverance throughout the process. Andrew also encouraged students to start with a fundamental question: “Why?”.

The discussion developed into various reasons for choosing to study English Literature, ranging from the desire to continue studying, become a teacher, improve English skills, to opening up wider career opportunities, building networks, gaining international experience, and enjoying the field of study. Not only that, Andrew also introduced a practical framework for life and career planning. He explained the Wheel of Lyfe concept, which divides life into three important aspects: Relationships, Health, and Wealth. This holistic perspective encourages students to balance all aspects of their lives, not just focus on professional ambitions.

Another interesting concept is finding the sweet spot in business opportunities. According to Andrew, the sweet spot lies at the intersection of three things: topics of interest, fields that people need, and markets that are of sufficient size. Various examples of passion-based business ideas were also presented, ranging from English, productivity, investment, fashion, to self-development. The students’ enthusiasm was evident throughout the event. The interactive discussion was lively, with various questions asked to the speakers. Andrew also emphasized the importance of learning from mentors, both paid and free.

The English Literature Study Program hopes this seminar will serve as an important foundation for students to align their academic goals with their career aspirations, as well as provide a clearer roadmap for navigating their future.

The English Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)’s Faculty of Cultural Sciences recently hosted a seminar on academic ethics and the integrity of scientific work. Held as part of a series of welcoming activities for new students, the event’s goal was to equip them with the essential knowledge needed for responsible academic writing.

The seminar featured speakers Mia Riane Bird and Ella Eardahl, fellows from Oberlin Shansi, an organization dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding between Asia and the United States. Their participation offered valuable, real-world insights for the students.

Mia and Ella addressed crucial topics in the academic landscape, including the definition and various forms of plagiarism, practical strategies for avoiding it, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in writing. They provided students with actionable tips and tricks for processing information correctly, such as paraphrasing, summarizing, and using quotations.

A key takeaway was the emphasis on using AI as an ethical tool, not a replacement for original thought and critical thinking. The speakers underscored that while technology can assist in the writing process, it should not compromise a student’s originality.

By holding this seminar, the English Literature Study Program aims to ensure its new students begin their academic journey with a strong foundation in ethical practices, a commitment to originality, and the skills to responsibly utilize modern technology.

Author: Rifqi Wahyu Ilham

A youth-led, non-profit organisation, AIYA seeks to improve the connections between young Australians and Indonesians as well as the opportunities that exist between Australia and Indonesia through cultural and language exchanges, professional programs, and more. AIYA has chapters active in Australian states and territories, and also in Indonesia, including one in Yogyakarta. At the national level, AIYA is governed by an executive committee of early-career professionals.

Bathari Sekar Dewangga, also known as Atha, an English Literature student, secured an internship as an educational events organizer at AIYA. Atha went through two stages of selection for this internship at AIYA. The first was application screening/review, and the second was an interview. Since AIYA is an international organization, in the interview, she had to position herself as a delegate/representative of her country and have a mindset to grow, learn, be tolerant, and understand others.

As an education event officer, Atha’s main task is to organize language exchange events, starting from brainstorming topic ideas and questions related to the chosen topic, compiling event rundowns, surveying places to hold events, becoming MCs and facilitators during the event, and being an intermediary between AIYA and outside parties who want to collaborate with Education AIYA. Not only that, but sometimes Atha also assists the socio-cultural division in running events.

She also served as a link between AIYA and the external parties. Moreover, being part of AIYA allowed her to see the world through different perspectives, appreciating cultural differences and learning to manage her schedule more effectively, especially while balancing academic commitments and preparing for her community service (KKN). At first, she only wanted to strengthen her English skills and make global connections during her internship with the organisation. But she ended up with more than she had needed. She became more proficient in communication, time management, and decision-making. 

Meeting new people and learning about their cultures and languages at each event was both exciting and thrilling for her. Through collaboration, she gained experience in a professional environment and built her career path. “My participation in this organisation has increased my interest in pursuing an overseas job, getting a master’s degree, or establishing a career in Australia,” she shared.

Yogyakarta, July 1, 2025 — Ardhanamesvari Nuringtyas Aji, fondly known as Vari, is a student in the 2023 cohort of the English Literature Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada. Now entering her fifth semester, Vari continues to actively pursue her passion for music, writing, and exploring new creative experiences — all while juggling her academic responsibilities.

Vari’s talent and enthusiasm for music didn’t appear out of nowhere. From an early age, she was introduced to music, and during her junior high school years, she began collaborating with Kak Hamdani, a teacher who is also a music arranger. This creative partnership has continued to this day. Thanks to that connection, Vari was invited to join a music festival project titled Festaland, organized by a BTS fan community called BTS Homeground — a group of BTS-loving mothers who held a self-funded celebration in Prambanan to mark BTS’s comeback.

At the event, Vari performed BTS songs, including the powerful track “ON.” Her appearance was further elevated through collaborations with various performers, such as Key Dance Dynamic, The Seven Percussion, and the Belik drum group from Lombok. In addition to performing BTS songs, Vari also sang an original piece written by Bu Niken, one of the event’s initiators.

Her musical journey didn’t stop in Prambanan. Vari has independently released several original songs now available on digital music platforms like Spotify. Some of the songs the public can enjoy include “Right Time,” “Satu Cita,” “Kita Indonesia,” and “All On You.”

One of her proudest achievements came when she competed in the national song composition competition FLS2N (now FLS3N). Her song “Satu Cita” won first place at the Yogyakarta regional level and received a special award at the national level.

Vari also collaborated with local Yogyakarta musicians, including the band Langit Sore, through songs titled “Cinta Lainnya” and “Selamat Tinggal Sayang.” She also co-wrote “Kita Indonesia” with a fellow event division member named Cinta, which was specially composed and performed in a collaborative performance featuring various UGM student activity units during the Opening Ceremony of PIONIR Gadjah Mada 2024. This song holds a special place in her heart, as it was performed by more than 50 fellow UKM members and watched by over 10,000 participants of Gadjah Mada Muda 2024 at Pancasila Field, UGM.

Beyond music, Vari currently serves as the President of IMAJI (English Literature Student Association). She is also working on an album of original compositions and has recently begun exploring the world of filmmaking after being involved in a film production — a new creative field she is eager to develop further.

Despite her seemingly busy schedule, Vari believes youth is the best time to explore and try new things. “I just simply do the things that I love,” she said. Vari encourages her fellow students, especially those at FIB, to boldly try new experiences without being afraid of what others might think.

“Just go for the things you want to do. Don’t worry about what people say. While you’re still young and have the opportunity — why not?” — Vari

Vari’s story is a true reflection that being a university student does not mean you have to put your creativity on hold. With her exploratory spirit and fearless curiosity, she proves that limits only exist when we create them ourselves.

Her journey also embodies the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in education, creativity, and innovation. By inspiring others to do the same, Vari champions the value of education in developing talent and creativity in the arts.

[FIB Public Relations, Alma Syahwalani]

The English Studies Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, is pleased to announce the names of students who have been officially selected to join the prestigious RWS Internship Program – Batch 2025.

After a rigorous selection process and thorough evaluation of academic performance, motivation, and readiness for professional development, the following students have been accepted:

1. Adeline Diva Hanjani
2. ⁠Nurainina Berliani Natanda
3. ⁠Bathari Sekar Dewangga

We are especially delighted to highlight that this marks the second consecutive time that students from the English Studies Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, have successfully secured all available internship slots at RWS, an impressive achievement that reflects their academic excellence, professionalism, and global readiness.

These outstanding students will represent the English Studies Program in their internship with RWS, a leading global provider of language services and technology solutions. During their internship, they will gain invaluable experience in the field of language, translation, and content management in a professional international setting.

We extend our warmest congratulations to the selected interns and wish them a fruitful and inspiring journey. This achievement reflects their hard work, commitment, and potential to grow as globally competent graduates.