Going back to university halfway around the world

ATHENS, Ohio (JP): Education is a precious thing for people from a developing country, especially one like Indonesia which has suffered so much instability following the Soeharto era.

And studying in the U.S. is many people's dream, including mine.

So, here I am, in the middle of Ohio, pursuing a master's degree in fine arts, specializing in international film and television studies. I made this decision because I hope that my studies over the next three years will allow me to develop my career and also help lift the stagnant Indonesian film industry out of the doldrums.

I have been abroad before, but never for so long. The thing is that, even now, when I am among scholars, researchers and graduate students, I cannot forget my hometown and there is the inevitable adjustment I have to make being far from my family.

My family is a big concern for me. I have two daughters, both in their early teens, and when I was at home we did so much together. I would correct their homework, sing and play the piano with them, swim and cook together, and sometimes we would even sleep in the same bed.

It's been difficult for me and them being apart, but I now believe that they are becoming more mature and independent with my absence.

My being away has meant my husband has now taken over domestic chores. He always sounds strong when he calls me to say that everything is going fine, the kids are OK and my orchid garden is full of flowers. But the distance is the big problem, and I have to admit that I often feel a bit lonely.

Adjusting to cultural differences, such as food and language, can be difficult. As a Muslim, I have to be careful that what I eat is halal. However, it may be a bit easier for me than other Muslims traveling around the world because so many students from Southeast Asia on campus here are Muslims, and there are also many Middle Eastern students.

Globalization has made our world smaller, and the influences of American films, lifestyle, studies and work are everywhere. So I have not found too many conflicts in this part of my adjustment, because the way people live, study and work today is pretty much the same wherever you go.

There is one thing I see here that I do not see at home. I hope that one day, God willing, Indonesia will be able to provide its students with libraries with the latest information, sophisticated IT and well-equipped classes.

Language? Well, there are so many English-language courses spread out over Indonesia, but most of us still cannot speak the language well because we have never been exposed to it in daily conversation. I think in my case my adjustment was made easier because of my studies at Atma Jaya University, which provided the language in a particularly conducive environment.

At the moment, I am taking my English preparation class, so I have yet to start "real" classes, which will be an experience, studying with younger students.

There has been a positive aspect to my move to America. At home I am known as an actress and producer, but I am pretty much "anonymous" on campus, except among my fellow Indonesian students. Here I can go out in my rubber sandals and I don't have to worry about keeping up my image. Sometimes, I don't need to put makeup on, and I never have to worry about distractions from my fans. I feel like I have more space to do what I want, and that makes me really happy.

But sometimes my past catches up with me. When my teacher asked all the students in the class to introduce themselves, I had to tell them about my past and what my life is like in Indonesia. The students from the class then asked other Indonesians on campus about me, and before I knew it the students -- and the teacher -- were asking to take photographs with me!

I might be half a world away, but some things stay the same!

-- Marissa Haque Fawzi