"I’m from Indonesia and I came to Amsterdam to do my Master. I am interested in hydrology because I have seen many water related issues in my home country and of course there are many issues across the globe. Drought, flooding and water quality issues. Water management issues are interrelated in such a complex system.
To find the right place to study Hydrology was easy, because the Dutch are very advanced in water related science. Amsterdam is such a vibrant city. People from different nationalities are living together in a harmonious way. Generally, people also speak English, so don’t worry if you’re still working on your Dutch. Hundreds of international students study at VU Amsterdam every year which gives color to the university life.
VU Amsterdam caught my eyes because of the course structure of the program. It offers a structure that integrates different fields like groundwater, surface hydrology, climate process, water quality, water risk, and even water economics. I gives a broad perspective when looking into water related issue. VU Amsterdam has an excellent combination of natural science, social science, and field work that I can apply in my work. Furthermore, VU Amsterdam offers the VU fellowship program (VUFP) to fund international student tuition fee. So, I applied for both the Master Hydrology program and VUFP. I was awarded with both, so that was the start of my journey in Amsterdam.
Studying at VU Amsterdam was an inspiring experience because you are encouraged to think critically and independently but also are encouraged to discuss with fellow students and professors. As an international student, discussion and group assignment were also very helpful to make friends, which I still treasure now.
After I was graduated, I looked for a research opportunity, and found an opportunity in Deltares Delft. I worked in Deltares Delft office for about 4 months and transferred to the Deltares Indonesia office starting January 2020.
Moving back to my home country was always been the plan because I saw many water‑related issues in Indonesia, and I want to contribute in progressively solving them. I also want to keep learning from one of the leading Dutch institutes in water related science, which Deltares is. I was working on a research about groundwater - surface water interaction for a Jakarta case as a trainee. At the moment I work as a junior advisor for Deltares."
