Indos Across Borders

Ep 8: The USA: Writing Essays That Win with Gari Soedarjo’s Esaiku

Welcome to another episode of Indos Across Borders, the podcast where we uncover the personal journeys of Indonesians building their lives abroad. Today, we sat down with Gari Soedarjo, Founder of Esaiku and a virtual assistant for a US-based startup. Gari shares his inspiring journey, from navigating university life in the US, to winning a green card lottery, to founding Esaiku while working in Silicon Valley. His story is about resilience, determination, and his passion for helping others achieve their dreams.
In this episode, we discussed:
How Gari was inspired by his Father and Brother, who studied in the US, to pursue his own dreams abroad
His journey as a university student in the US and how he adapted to a new culture
Why he called himself "the lucky kid", the story of him winning the green card lottery
Landing his first job in Silicon Valley while developing his own project, Esaiku
The founding story of Esaiku and its mission to help Indonesians achieve their academic goals
Returning to Indonesia and continuing to grow Esaiku as a platform for aspiring students
His practical tips for writing standout admission essays and advice for Indonesians dreaming of studying abroad
Schedule a free 1-on-1 advice call with Gari: calendly.com/garicalendar/esaiku-get-free-advice

Ep 7: How Claudia Natasha Montolalu’s Clear Vision Shaped Her Journey in Public Policy in Chicago, US

Welcome to another episode of Indos Across Borders, the podcast where we uncover the personal journeys of Indonesians building their lives abroad. Today, we sat down with Claudia Natasha Montolalu, who has been pursuing her Master of Public Policy at the University of Chicago’s Harris School since 2022. Audi shares her path from Indonesia to the U.S., driven by her commitment to public policy. 
In this episode, we discussed:
Why Claudia chose a Master’s in Public Policy in the US after earning her Economics degree in Indonesia
Her perseverance through scholarship rejections before ultimately securing an LPDP award
Her summer internship experience with the United Nations in Bonn, Germany
First impressions of the U.S., from the clean air to the climate
How life in the U.S. encouraged her to "look within" beyond societal expectations
How familiarity with U.S. pop culture eased her transition, avoiding major culture shock
Observations on U.S. public transportation and infrastructure compared to Europe
Her role as Co-Founder of Yayasan 8detik Indonesia
 
 
"Be confident in anything — whatever the situation is, there’s always a way." - Claudia Natasha

Ep 6: How Novinta Kasenčákova’s Childhood Dreams and Perseverance Led to the Life She Envisioned in Czech Republic

Welcome to another episode of Indos Across Borders, the podcast where we uncover the personal journeys of Indonesians building their lives abroad. Today, we sat down with Novinta Kasenčákova, Marketing Coordinator at Zebra Technologies, who has been living in the Czech Republic since 2019. Novinta shares her journey from early dreams of living abroad to finding her path through cultural adaptation, personal growth, and new creative pursuits.
In this episode, we discussed:
How international TV fueled Inta's dream to live abroad
Meeting her future husband on a work trip to Vietnam
Pursuing her ambitions with inspiration from EduFair
How having a clear goal kept her ambitious and ready for each new step
Inta's unpopular opinion: Learning Czech made German feel easy
Adjusting to Czech culture and building adult friendships
The role of confidence and self-worth in Inta journey abroad
Embracing creativity through thrift selling as self-expression
The reflections on the differences in parenting between Indonesia and Western countries
Inta’s advice for Indonesians aspiring to live abroad
"Know what you want, set aside limiting beliefs, stay curious, and in everything you do, be confident and put yourself forward as an equal human being." - Novinta Kasenčákova
 

Ep 5: How Anissa Chandra Moved to Germany at 18 and is Building a Life Abroad After High School

Welcome to another episode of Indos Across Borders, the podcast where we uncover the personal journeys of Indonesians building their lives abroad. Today, we sat down with Anissa Chandra, Quality Management professional at a leading German company. Having lived in Germany for 12 years, Anissa shares her inspiring story of moving abroad right after high school at SMAN 82 Jakarta. From applying to universities to adjusting to a new culture, Anissa shares practical advice for Indonesians considering a move abroad.
In this episode, we discussed:
How her family’s background fueled her ambition to live abroad.
The process of searching for universities in Germany and adjusting to a new culture
The unique traits of German people, especially their directness and obsession with perfectionism
Cultural adjustments and her first impressions of life in Germany
Overcoming challenges, including winter depression, and the coping mechanisms that helped her thrive
The impact of living in Germany on her personal growth, and how cultural differences shaped her development
Finding love across borders and the emotional journey that came with it.
Anissa’s honest advice for Indonesians thinking about making the move to Germany
 
"Having the right mentality is key. Stay focused on what you want to achieve. Always remember why you're there — it'll be worth it." - Anissa Chandra

Ep 4: Priscilla Giovanny, Found Love, Passion, and Built a New Life in the French Alps

Welcome to another episode of Indos Across Borders, the podcast where we dive into the unique stories and experiences of Indonesians living abroad. Today, we’re joined by Priscilla Giovanny, a Web and Graphic Designer at AppAsia Berhad, who also runs a thriving side business as a lash technician at Lavinia Beauty & Wellbeing in Voiron, France. In this episode, Priscilla shares her story of moving from bustling Kuala Lumpur to the serene foothills of the French Alps, where she discovered not just a new country, but a new lifestyle.
In this episode, we discussed:
How Priscilla left Kuala Lumpur after meeting the love of her life, a Frenchman, and her transition to a slower, more peaceful life in Voiron
The requirements of navigating the French visa process for marriage, and the patience it demands
Priscilla’s unexpected passion for skiing, a hobby she picked up after moving to the French Alps
Cultural differences in daily life—how booking appointments and handling schedules in France is far slower and more formal compared to the fast-paced efficiency of Indonesia
The importance of doing your homework before moving abroad: why it’s essential to research the realities of living in a new country and not just romanticize the experience based on social media
How learning new skills can lead to unexpected opportunities, just like Priscilla’s journey from graphic design to becoming a lash tech at a local beauty salon
 
"Living abroad isn’t always how it’s romanticized on social media. Stay patient, pursue your passions, and prepare ahead to avoid culture shock." - Priscilla Giovanny
 
Connect with Priscilla:
LinkedIn
Instagram
 
Find her work here:
Lavinia Beauty & Wellbeing
Instagram: Lavinia Beauty & Wellbeing
 
Listen on Spotify

Ep 3: Annisa Anjarsari’s Path of Growth from Surabaya to Life in the Netherlands

Welcome to another episode of Indos Across Borders, the podcast where we dive into the unique stories and experiences of Indonesians living abroad. Today, we speak with Annisa Anjarsari, the Move Manager of Schmidt Global Relocations, who has been living in the Netherlands for 6 years. Annisa shares her story about moving from Surabaya to pursue her dream abroad.
In this episode, we discussed:
Annisa's move to the Netherlands, her educational background, and career journey
Dutch directness, which may be shocking to Indonesians
Professional experiences and work environment in the Netherlands, and why confidence and curiosity are essential when living abroad
Annisa's experience with the language barrier and why she believes learning Dutch is necessary
Her daily life in the Netherlands, including using a bicycle as daily transportation
The challenges and benefits of living abroad, and her personal growth
Coping mechanisms and support systems
 
"I think it’s a valuable skill to learn how to give opinions that aren’t based only on feelings, but grounded in logic." - Annisa Anjarsari
 
Connect with Annisa:
LinkedIn
Instagram

Ep 2: How Naufal Johascha is Living the French Way through Cultural Immersion

Welcome to another episode of Indos Across Borders, the podcast where we dive into the unique stories and experiences of Indonesians living abroad. Today, we speak with Naufal Johascha, student of Université de Rouen, Economic major. He has been living in France for almost 4 years since he was 19 years old. Naufal shared insights on cultural adaptation, the importance of a support system, and maintaining connections with family. We also touched on dining etiquette, cooking challenges, and cultural integration. Naufal highlighted the significance of staying informed on global issues for personal growth and shared his future plans and advice for Indonesians planning to live abroad. 
In this episode, we discussed:
Naufal's journey of living in France for almost 4 years, the initial cultural shocks and his adaptation challenges
Why for Naufal it's important to stay true to oneself and his definition of maintaining a positive mindset and be open-minded
The importance of supporting family and exploring new cultures
The French dining etiquette and cultural norms
Naufal highlights the role of news and the benefits of being well-informed for personal and professional growth
Advices for Indonesians planning to live abroad
Naufal's possibility of moving to other countries for new opportunities
 
"Stay open-minded and flexible, embrace the differences, and just look at the positive things. This is how you adapt." - Naufal Johascha
 
Connect with Naufal:
LinkedIn
Instagram
 
More info about bachelor degree in France:
Institut français Indonésie
 
 

Ep 1: Helmi Maghribi’s Story of Representing Indonesia at the UN and Thriving in New York

Welcome to Indos Across Borders, the podcast where we dive into the unique stories and experiences of Indonesians living abroad. Today, we speak with Helmi Alan Maghribi, Secretary to the Ambassador of Indonesia to the UN who has been living in New York, America, for 3 years. Helmi shared his journey from Indonesia to New York, touching on cultural differences and the personal challenges faced, such as living alone and maintaining long-distance relationships. He underscored the necessity of a support system comprising work colleagues and interest groups. 
In this episode, we discussed:
Helmi's  journey from Indonesia to New York, including his educational background and career progression
The cultural differences and the personal challenges faced, such as living alone and maintaining long-distance relationships. He underscored the necessity of a support system comprising work colleagues and interest groups
Why Helmi thinks it's important to have a support system and how he has built one in New York
Helmi's desire to stay in New York long-term, but also acknowledges the possibility of returning to Indonesia
The advices Helmi shares for Indonesians aspiring to work abroad
 
"Be good at what you do. So good that you're the only option that makes sense. Because in the end, it all has to make sense." - Helmi Alan Maghribi
 
Connect with Helmi:
LinkedIn
Instagram
 
 
Listen on Spotify