Expanding My Horizons: The University of Groningen as a Gateway to My Future

I have always been interested in learning languages, even since I was a child. This interest began with a sense of awe at the ability of other people to convey ideas, emotions, and diverse cultures using languages that I had not previously understood. Then I began to find out how each language has a unique structure and logic that reflects the way its speakers think. For me, language is more than just a means of communication. Language is a mirror that reflects the diversity of ways humans see this vast world. This interest grew deeper as I began to learn foreign languages little by little, and it made me aware of the richness of the world in it. 

Because my interest in language is very great, I finally decided to continue my studies in the MA/MSc Linguistics: Language Technology and Communication (Dual Degree Program) program because this program offers an ideal combination of in-depth linguistic theory and its application in modern technology, which of course is very relevant in today's era of globalization.  I am very interested in how the communication gap in this increasingly connected world can be bridged by language technology which will certainly be very beneficial, moreover it will also support language learning so that it can be more innovative and effective. 

Also, the opportunity provided by this dual program is very motivating for me so that I can prepare myself thoroughly which allows me to study at two renowned universities with different academic cultural approaches. This environment will not only enrich my academic insight but also help me understand the different perspectives in studying and applying linguistics. I believe this university is the best place to study in the field that I love, while helping me build a solid foundation for my future career and contribution because the international reputation of this university is very strong in research and education. 

The vision that I have is very clear about my academic and professional journey in the future. My main target is to complete this Master's program with the best results, while gaining a deeper understanding of linguistics, especially in the field of language and communication technology. I can believe that this study is the first step to achieve my dream of becoming a linguist who is able to utilize and apply modern technology in language learning and cross-cultural communication. 

 As part of this journey, I also plan to learn a new language. I can assure you that every language you learn opens the door to understanding the world from different perspectives. In addition, I feel like broadening my horizons about linguistic and cultural diversity through interactions with fellow students and teachers from different countries. I would love to build more relationships with many people from different countries. My goal is to explore new ways to combine technology with linguistics, while understanding how language can reflect cultural values and shape social interaction patterns so that they can be applied in society.

My dream is not only to master knowledge for myself but also to share it with others. I aspire to be an educator and researcher who can share my knowledge with the community, especially in areas that have limited access to quality education. Through research, publications, and training, I believe that I can make a real contribution to creating a more inclusive and adaptive language education through the ideas I develop.

One of the most valuable experiences I had was when I was part of a Mandarin translation program for fanbase videos when I was in junior high school. Although I had just started learning Mandarin at that time so my knowledge was still very little compared to my friends' knowledge, this experience had a big impact on the way I view language learning and working collaboratively. In the translation process, I learned the importance of listening carefully to understand the context, as well as listening to input from fellow teammates. This certainly trained me to be more thorough and focused on something that was being worked on. 

In addition, this experience also taught me how to work effectively in a team. I learned to communicate well, respect the opinions of team members, and work together to achieve the best results. This process also trained me to be patient and persistent, especially when facing challenges such as time constraints or technical errors. Most importantly, I learned to dare to step out of my comfort zone, accept mistakes as part of learning to be better than before, and continue to strive to improve myself. 

I also have experience in teaching.  I taught some basic English vocabulary to elementary school students in a course owned by one of my lecturers. This experience taught me how to understand and interact with students who have different characters. 

These experiences gave me more confidence that learning a language is not just about grammar or vocabulary, but also about building bridges between individuals from different backgrounds. Through this experience, I also came to understand that language can be a tool to create meaningful relationships, which transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. This lesson is what continues to drive me to study linguistics and explore how language can be used to bring positive change in society. 

I believe that I am a worthy candidate for this scholarship because I have a strong motivation, as well as a clear vision to develop myself in the field of linguistics. I have a great curiosity about language and culture, which always makes me excited to learn new knowledge. I also have practical experience that is relevant to this study program, such as my involvement in a Mandarin translation program that taught me teamwork skills, the ability to listen carefully and be open-minded in accepting criticism and suggestions from fellow team members.  My teaching experience is also equally useful for the continuation of my chosen study.