Marrik BELLEN

Abstract: Indonesia has emerged as a fastest-growing source of internationally mobile students in the Asia-Pacific region, largely propelled by government-funded scholarship schemes, such as LPDP. However, while institutional focus typically centers on recruitment, selection, and ultimate graduation, a critical structural gap persists. Standard pre-departure academic preparation programs are often too brief and fragmented to prepare students. Because students transition from diverse local academic environments directly into highly competitive global institutions, they can face a steep learning curve. To prevent underperformance and severe culture shock notably the academic landscape in host countries, intervention must happen much earlier. Leveraging our extensive experience in designing and delivering pathway programs and intensive training for Indonesian students, especially scholarship cohorts, this session presents a holistic, proactive preparation model. Drawing on a range of student mobility pathways, the session will examine how differing levels of institutional preparation and support can influence students' readiness for international study. While informed by Indonesian case studies, these experiences reflect challenges and lessons applicable to students and institutions across diverse national contexts. The session provides examples of how structured preparation in language readiness, intercultural competence, and practical transition skills significantly improves student success and wellbeing. Participants will gain practical insights and replicable approaches to embedding pre-departure preparation into institutional mobility strategies. Learning objectives: Participants will be able to: - Understand the specific needs and challenges of Indonesian outbound students, particularly at Master’s level - Recognize pre-departure preparation as a critical stage within the full student lifecycle - Identify key components of an effective preparation model: - Language readiness - Intercultural competence - Practical/logistical preparedness - Explore real examples of collaboration with scholarship bodies (e.g. LPDP), relevant ministries, and embassies - Apply practical strategies to design or enhance their own pre-departure programmes - Reflect on how improved preparation contributes to student success, wellbeing, and retention Target audience: International education professionals in student mobility, recruitment, partnerships, and student support, particularly those working with scholarship programmes, outbound mobility, or in Southeast Asian (Indonesia) markets.