After approximately four and a half years working in the industry, Alan Ardiyanto is now preparing to return to academic life. The Indonesian student will begin his studies in the Mechatronics and Robotics program at the Faculty of Physics and Engineering, Tomsk State University, on September 1, 2026.
Alan's journey toward this field began back in Indonesia. A 2020 vocational high school graduate, he previously worked as an engineer in the automotive sector for a Japanese company.
"From that work experience, I learned about programming, robotics, and automation," Alan shared.
Despite his years of hands-on experience, Alan felt that it was by no means the end of his learning journey. He chose to pursue higher education in a field closely aligned with the practical expertise he had already developed.
Interestingly, Tomsk State University had been Alan's top choice from the start. When selecting a university, he considered not only the engineering curriculum but also the overall academic and cultural environment. According to Alan, a comprehensive university offers a valuable opportunity to interact with peers from diverse fields. At Tomsk State University, he can connect with students studying law, history, international relations, and other disciplines.
"So, I'm not just learning about engineering, but also broadening my perspectives beyond my own field," he said.
Alan's interest in studying in Russia was initially sparked by scholarship opportunities he discovered on Instagram. Tomsk caught his attention due to its reputation as a classic student city. Upon arriving, Alan found that the atmosphere fully lived up to his expectations.
"Wherever I go, I run into students. People are always discussing their studies and university life," he remarked.
However, the road ahead is not without its hurdles. One of the biggest challenges Alan faces is preparing to study advanced mathematics and physics in Russian. Throughout August, he has focused heavily on improving his language skills, particularly the technical terminology required for coursework.
"My main concern was the math and physics, so throughout August, I've been fully dedicated to mastering the technical vocabulary first," he explained.
Alongside his academic preparation, Alan is also mentally adapting to the new environment, fully aware that studying in a foreign language demands resilience. Once the semester begins, he hopes to go beyond classroom learning by participating in extracurricular activities and robotics competitions, including building robots and drones.
Heading into September 1, Alan feels ready to embrace student life. He rates his readiness at 100% for enthusiasm, 90% for mental preparation, and 70% for academic readiness.
Text: ILyas Muhammad Adzkari
