Rizky Wijaya
A recipient of a Manaaki New Zealand scholarship, Rizky is studying towards a Master of Disaster Management. His motivation comes from experiencing the aftermath of the Central Sulawesi Tsunami in his home country of Indonesia and is driven by a deep desire to improve the lives of children and communities, especially in disaster-prone areas.
Rizky chose the University of Auckland for its “excellent reputation in disaster management and community resilience. Additionally, New Zealand's focus on sustainability really connected with my passion for civic engagement and disaster response”.
He loves the practical approach of the programme in learning skills to use in real world situations. “The mix of theory and real-world application, especially learning from NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) in New Zealand, helps us develop strategies to enhance community resilience. We were invited to visit the NEMA office, which was an incredible experience to explore the facilities and see firsthand how disaster management is coordinated at a national level”.
Receiving the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship was crucial. It provided not only financial support but also the opportunity to study at a prestigious institution and gain valuable experiences that will help me achieve my career goals. I also made great connections with Manaaki scholars from other countries.
On his experience as an international student, Rizky reflects that “It's been tremendous! The lecturers are supportive, and the support staff are always there to help. My classmates are from diverse backgrounds, making discussions rich and insightful. The facilities and study resources are also top-notch”.
He also made use of other facilities outside of his studies. “There is an eSports Arena in the Kate Edger Information Commons, so whenever we are stressed with our studies, we can hang out there and play games together with friends to unwind”.
He recommends new students to attend Orientation. “O-Week is an exciting time filled with activities and events to help new students settle in and make connections. It's a great way to get to know the campus, meet new friends, and learn about various support services”.
Studying at the University of Auckland has been a transformative experience. The skills and knowledge I'm gaining here will have a lasting impact on my career and my ability to contribute to disaster management and community development globally. The networking opportunities have really expanded my horizons and opened up new career possibilities.
When he returns home, Rizky plans on working in disaster management. “My degree is equipping me with the skills and knowledge needed to implement effective disaster risk reduction strategies and make a meaningful impact in these areas”.
For those considering making the move to the University of Auckland, Rizky has a simple message. “Be open to new experiences and make the most of the diverse opportunities available. You'll discover new perspectives and gain valuable skills that will help in your future career”.