Jul 25 / Muslim student staying abroad in Oshkosh heads home
This article was originally published in The Northwestern
By Aldrich M. Tan of The Northwestern
Before she first came to Oshkosh, the only thing that 18-year-old Ninda Kartikadewi knew about Wisconsin was that it’s a cold state in winter.
Kartikadewi came to Oshkosh through the American Field Service’s Youth Exchange and Study program. The program is specifically for students from countries with significantly large Muslim populations.
As she prepares to return to her hometown of Purwakarta, Indonesia, Kartikadewi said she has learned more about Wisconsin, and America, but most importantly, more about herself.
“I feel that I am more independent right now and I think I can solve problems all by myself,” she said. “I have become more aware about myself and the potential that I have.”
This is the first year that Oshkosh is involved in the YES program, said Mary Ann Offer, American Field Service Oshkosh chapter coordinator.
Kartikadewi applied for AFS at age 16. She had always wanted to go abroad and initially wanted to go to Europe. AFS representatives suggested she should apply for the YES program, which comes with a scholarship.
Kartikadewi arrived in Oshkosh in August. She hardly knew anyone, so she formed a close bond with her host mom, Jennifer Little. Little said Kartikadewi couldn’t have been a more perfect student and guest. They connected over their interest in classic music and their favorite song, “September,” by Earth, Wind and Fire.
On her first day at Oshkosh West High School, Kartikadewi was late for class and got lost in the large high school. As time went on, she started to fit in and made a lot of new friends.
Overall, Kartikadewi didn’t face any tension from the community about her background. There was one incident in a French class where one of her classmates made a terrorists joke. “I could see that he felt terrible after that, but I didn’t want to make it into a big problem so I forgave him,” she said.
Kartikadewi also spoke at classrooms and during the high school Global Awareness week about her country and Muslim heritage. She looks forward to seeing her family and friends again. Kartikadewi plans to go to medical school to become a doctor.
Kartikadewi donated most of her clothes to charity. She saved a winter coat for another Indonesian student coming to Wisconsin, along with some advice. “Try cheese,” she said. “Cheese is actually pretty good. And the most important thing is to just be yourself and enjoy the year here.”
Copyright The Northwestern
Photo courtesy of AFS: Indonesian students depart the US.
