Why studying abroad can change more than your career

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” once said by Nelson Mandela, a statement that continues to resonate across generations.

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, that “weapon” is no longer confined to classrooms within one’s home country.

Instead, it is being sharpened through global exposure, cultural exchange, and the experience of learning in entirely new environments.

Growing up and studying in one environment shapes your idea of what is “normal.”

The way people think, speak, and approach life becomes familiar, almost automatic.

But stepping into a new country—even just imagining it—changes that completely.

It turns education into something more than textbooks and lectures. It becomes an experience - something I came to understand firsthand through my time in Indonesia.

About three years ago, I chose to make that bold decision because life is too short not to. I believe in taking chances and in learning how to truly live by putting myself in different situations.

Studying in Indonesia, where I pursued a Master of Business Administration at one of the country’s top universities, was not just an academic step, it was a personal transformation.

Growth does not happen in comfort - it happens when you are willing to step into the unknown and figure things out along the way.

If I were to write about my full experience in Indonesia, this wouldn’t be a newspaper article. Instead, it would be a memoir. That journey was layered, complex, and deeply personal.

It was not picture-perfect, and that is exactly what made it meaningful. There were moments of uncertainty, challenges that tested me, and situations that pushed me far beyond what I thought I was capable of handling.

But that is where the real value of the experience lies. Life has a way of teaching lessons when you least expect it. Those lessons can shape you but only if you choose how to respond to them.

You can take those challenges as opportunities to grow, reflect, and improve yourself. Or you can allow them to weigh you down and hold you back.

For me, Indonesia was not just about earning an MBA—it was about transformation. It forced me to confront discomfort, adapt quickly, and build resilience.

It changed how I see challenges, not as obstacles, but as necessary steps in becoming a better, stronger individual.

That perspective is something I carried forward when I recently caught up with Aicha Willson, a student preparing to begin her own studies in Indonesia, pursuing accounting.

Speaking with her reminded me of the importance of embracing every part of the journey i.e. the good, the difficult, and everything in between.

She shared that she came across the Indonesian Aid Scholarship advertisement and decided to take a chance. She applied in March last year and waited months for a response.

The waiting period, she said, was filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Despite that, she remained hopeful.

Out of more than 10 applicants from Vanuatu, five students were selected and she was one of them. She describes herself as fortunate to be part of the scholarship and grateful for the opportunity to study in Indonesia. 

After completing her four-year studies, she plans to return to Vanuatu and work in the public sector, contributing to national development. She also hopes to start a business that supports young people in her country.

Most importantly, she says she “wants to inspire people and help them realise their potential”.

Listening to her story was a reminder of why taking bold decisions matters.

Education, especially in a new country, is not just about acquiring knowledge but it is about growth, resilience, and purpose.

It is about stepping into uncertainty and coming out stronger, with a vision not just for yourself, but for the community you return to serve.