EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, IRLANDIA UTARA — Being a Muhammadiyah cadre has not stopped Irnawati Bahtiar from pursuing higher education abroad. Currently studying in Northern Ireland, she recently shared her experiences navigating a different academic environment while balancing motherhood and organizational commitments.
Speaking on TVMu’s Diasporamu program on Wednesday (30/9), Irnawati discussed the challenges of studying abroad, from cultural differences and adapting to a multicultural environment to managing family responsibilities.
Having completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Indonesia, she had to adjust once again to a new academic and social setting.
“Since we encounter so many new things and live in a multicultural environment, there is naturally a great deal of adjustment and adaptation involved,” she said.
As both a mother and a student, Irnawati emphasized the importance of mental and physical resilience, as well as effective time management.
“Here, you need mental and physical resilience, as well as time management, to know when to fulfill your role as a mother and when to be a student,” she said.
Adjusting to Life in Northern Ireland
One of Irnawati’s challenges has been adapting to Northern Ireland’s four seasons, with temperatures sometimes dropping to minus 10 degree Celsius. Preparing for the climate became especially important because she brought her children with her.
Although she had researched the local weather and culture before leaving Indonesia, she found that firsthand experience required additional preparation.
Despite the challenges, Irnawati has found Belfast to be a peaceful and welcoming city for students. She compared it to Yogyakarta because of its relatively relaxed pace of life and friendly atmosphere.
“In Indonesia, Yogyakarta is known for its slower pace of life and as a city that is quite accommodating to students. In the UK, I would say Belfast is similar. It is like Indonesia’s Yogyakarta,” she said.
She also appreciated how local residents greet one another in public, a custom that reminded her of Indonesian social culture.
Preparing for Study Abroad
Irnawati explained that studying overseas requires extensive preparation, particularly for those relocating with their families. The process involves academic documents, visa applications, language proficiency, and scholarship opportunities.
Before departing, she worked out as a lecturer and secretary of the study program she teaches. She took English courses, prepared for the IELTS test, gathered documents, and searched for universities and funding.
According to her, the preparation process can take up to 18 months, including securing a university admission letter.
She is now supported by the Indonesia Endowment Fund of Education (LPDP) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Indonesia Bangkit Scholarship (BIB), which cover tuition, living expenses, and family allowances.
Nevertheless, accommodation and daily expenses in Northern Ireland remain substantial, with monthly rent potentially reaching tens of millions of rupiah.
Balancing Academic Work and Motherhood
Alongside her studies, Irnawati remains involved in Muhammadiyah activities in teh UK. She is part of the leadership of Muhammadiyah Special Branch Board in the UK and Ireland for the 2026–2028 term, participating in meetings and activities both online and in person.
She also noted that several other Muhammadiyah cadres are pursuing higher education in Northern Ireland, including lecturers from Muhammadiyah institutions in Indonesia.
Queen’s University Belfast, a member of the UK’s Russell Group, attracts international students in various fields, including healthcare, engineering, business, and social sciences.
Mengajak Kader Berani Melanjutkan Studi
For Muhammadiyah cadres considering studying in the UK, Irnawati recommended researching universities, scholarship requirements, and local conditions. She also encouraged prospective students to learn from the experiences shared by scholarship recipients through digital platforms.
She particularly welcomed women with families who aspire to pursue higher education, urging them to remain committed to their ambitions.
“I hope they will not lose heart and will stay motivated each day as they work toward their dreams. Never stop learning,” she said.
She also reminded prospective students that preparation does not require perfect circumstances.
“We do not have to wait until everything is perfect to start preparing. What we need is the courage to try, along with mental readiness and broader knowledge,” she concluded.
