USK Lecturer Earns Full Doctoral Scholarship in the US, Honesty Proves Key

A Syiah Kuala University (USK) nursing lecturer, Nani Safuni, has successfully continued her doctoral studies at the University of Rhode Island’s College of Nursing in the United States through an Assistance Scholarship that covers full tuition, health insurance, and living expenses. Nani admitted she initially had no serious plans to study in the US. The opportunity arose after she attended a socialisation event on USK’s collaboration with the University of Rhode Island, featuring URI representative Brooke William Ross. ‘Honestly, my initial intention was simple: just to test my listening skills after a long time away from an English-speaking environment,’ Nani told Media Indonesia on Sunday. After the event, she received assistance in preparing her application to obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) and chose to complete all the documents independently at home. Several weeks later, Nani learned she had been accepted as a doctoral student at URI’s College of Nursing. However, she nearly abandoned the process due to a lack of personal funds and institutional support. ‘I had the LoA, but no personal money, no institutional assistance, and no scholarship,’ she said. For three months, she ignored emails from the university containing visa guidance. She eventually decided to reply openly, explaining her financial situation. That honesty proved to be a turning point. Two weeks later, URI offered an Assistance Scholarship requiring her to serve as a Teaching Assistant at the College of Nursing. ‘I was genuinely surprised by the offer. Truthfully, I only applied to URI on a whim because I had long wanted to resume my studies,’ she said. The scheme provides a tuition waiver, health insurance, and a stipend from her teaching assistant role to cover living expenses in Rhode Island. She initially suspected the offer was a scam before confirming it was a standard funding model at American universities. Now nearly two years into her doctoral studies, Nani says the experience taught her that great opportunities often come from daring to try and being open. She advised young people not to give up on pursuing higher education despite limitations. ‘Openness in communication is the key to breaking through the boundaries of dreams. What once seemed impossible can find a bright and meaningful path,’ she said.