We Don’t Search for Comfort, We Create One

“Marrakech is a big city and was even voted as the most beautiful city in the world in 2014. I feel grateful to have lived there.” 

Her voice filled with happiness as she described her hometown, vivid memories flooding her mind, compelling her to share the warmth of her city with us.

Yousra Nait El Haj Abdillah spent her childhood in a small neighborhood east of the famous city of Marrakech, Morocco. There, she grew up in a tight-knit community where everyone knew each other.

“Every Friday after Salat al-Jumu’ah (Friday prayer), we would come together and share couscous,” she recalled a traditional Moroccan food that symbolized community and abundance.

This community is what ultimately inspires Yousra’s dream to be a doctor. She always wanted to give back to her people. However, the cost and duration of the study almost sank her childhood dream. 

“I always wanted to help people, but as the cost (medical degree) did not permit me, I have to choose other options.” 

After high school, Yousra spent one year at a university learning physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Believing that studying chemistry is the closest thing to being a doctor. 

“Throughout my life, I’ve been fascinated by chemistry, laboratory work, and medicine. I didn’t want to give up on my dream, and I see chemistry and medicine as interconnected disciplines,” said Yousra.

Yousra is currently studyingChemical Engineering at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS). Initially, she was unsure about the choice because Europe was always the prime study destination in her country.

“I was thinking about going to Spain or Tunisia. Many people (in Morocco) go there to study.”

Yousra valued opportunity over comfort. While staying in Morocco to study chemistry seemed convenient, she craved a wider world as studying abroad promised a richer experience and more opportunities.

After watching a YouTube video by Manal Boujnir, a fellow Moroccan and UMS alumna who completed her Master’s of Civil Engineering, Yousra saw a promising opportunity to study in Indonesia. Boujnir shared her positive experiences, encouraging Yousra to take a chance on UMS.

Ever an inquisitive mind, Yousra also dug into the digital resources of UMS. She found the UMS website very intuitive and full of information about programs and scholarships. She was also impressed by UMS’ rank in QS World University Rankings, one of the most widely recognized ranking systems compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds.

“Funny thing is, at first, I thought this might be a scam because the IPS (International Priority Scholarship) scholarship is too good to be true, but the website really eases my worries,” she said, describing scholarship programs provided by UMS for Muslim youth.

The journey from Morocco had been long, not just in kilometers but also in the emotional distance she traversed from the familiar surroundings of her home to the unknown street of Surakarta. 

Even during the flight, she worried about her decision. “It took me one week to make this decision. It was strange, but I thought, why not take the risk? What’s the worst that could happen?” she said.

However, all that feeling disappeared when she arrived at the airport, the UMS International Office staff greeted her with welcoming smiles and drove her to PESMA (UMS student dormitory), where she was welcomed by international students of UMS. Although none from her own country, she recognized something familiar on their faces, a desire to grow and pursue knowledge far from home

“When I saw the sign for Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta in PESMA, I felt relieved and grateful.” 

Her initial impressions of UMS were favorable. She appreciated the small class sizes, which made it easier for her to focus and made a big difference in her studies. 

“Because of the small size, it is easier to focus during classroom activity, lecturers have an easier time also because they can remember each of their students.”

One aspect she likes about her program is how it applies to real life. Yousra is meticulous in her daily activities, always checking the back of food packages to see the nutritional facts. Her choice of chemical engineering was partially fueled by a desire to understand more than just the basic composition of foods.

“Chemical engineering can help you a lot, and studying it can help you be a more conscious consumer. For example, you can understand the compound and chemistry of food, like the sugar, protein and carbohydrate content,” she explained.

She also noted that the lecturers at UMS are exceptionally approachable and always available to clarify doubts or discuss advanced subjects.

“Being able to work closely with lecturers, especially on practical laboratory work, has been invaluable,” said Yousra.

Yousra enjoys studying at UMS largely because of the friendliness of the lecturers, who make the environment feel like a family.

“One time, they even invited us (international students) to an Arabian restaurant. It was delightful,” she recalled.

“The warm and humid air of Solo is tough to handle,” Yousra remarked. Despite the challenging weather, the warmth of the local people brings comfort.

“There is a sense of community here, everyone is so friendly, it is not that different from Morocco, except the weather and the language,” she noted.

Like Marrakech, her hometown, Solo is a tourist city, which might explain why Yousra has found it relatively easy to adapt. She also observes similarities between the people of Solo and Marrakech.

“I like how people here are friendly and curious about foreigners. They often try to strike up conversations or ask for photos,” Yousra shared.

Living in a local kost (boarding house) has helped Yousra immerse herself in Indonesian life. She participates in everyday activities with her neighbors, learning more about their way of life and traditions.

“I realized I can learn Indonesian culture better if I mingle with local students,” explained Yousra.

Inspired by the sense of community in her hometown, Yousra was determined to share that feeling with the people of Indonesia. She actively participates in community service and cultural festivals that broaden her social interactions.

Recently, Yousra traveled to Pati for a Literacy Competency Test at SD Muhammadiyah 3 Sukolilo. There, she worked with local students to help improve their learning skills. She had previously volunteered in a similar event in Bali at SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Denpasar. During these events, she not only assisted students with their studies but also shared Moroccan stories and traditions.

Reflecting on these experiences, Yousra appreciates how UMS prepared her academically, socially, and emotionally for her future career. Engaging with diverse groups and managing real-world problems have given her practical skills that complement her academic knowledge.

“It was great because I saw how education works in other countries, especially Indonesia. It was fascinating!” Yousra said.

Her active participation in cultural exchanges continues as she prepares for the upcoming ICAC festival, a celebration of cultures around the world. 

“I enjoy meeting new people, and I look forward to ICAC next week. It’s a great opportunity to learn about different cultures,” she noted enthusiastically.

As we approached the end of the interview, Yousra shared her advice for students wanting to study abroad.

“If you want to achieve something, you have to be patient. Just try and do your best to the maximum. Let time pass, and don’t worry too much because if you do your best, you will achieve good results,” she advised.

Writer: Farizal Luqman Majid

Editor: Al-Habib Josy Asheva