Yessy Eka Ambarwati is a graduate student in the Educational Technology program at the University of Florida and serves as a member of the International Student Council for Fall 2025–Spring 2026. Originally from Indonesia, Yessy has more than ten years of experience as a physics teacher and has worked as part of her school’s International Curriculum team, teaching IGCSE and A-Level students. Her passion for education and technology has led her to pursue advanced studies in the U.S., supported by a Fulbright scholarship. She has also participated in programs at the University of Michigan, focusing on advanced educational technology, and has won several national teaching competitions in Indonesia. Yessy is particularly interested in improving education in Indonesia through technology and creating more engaging, accessible learning experiences for students.

At UF, Yessy is involved in research projects exploring game-based learning for physics and Edge AI applications in education. She is also active in the Indonesian student community through Permias Gainesville and has completed an internship at the UF Education Library. Yessy’s work combines her extensive teaching experience with her current studies in educational technology, allowing her to design digital learning environments, test instructional tools, and develop solutions to real-world challenges in education. Her long-term goal is to return to Indonesia to implement innovative educational practices and empower teachers and students to embrace technology effectively.

International Students Welcoming Reception 2024. From left: Former UF President Kent Fuchs; Yessy Eka Ambarwati; and UFIC Dean Marta L. Wayne.

Could you tell us a little about your home country and what inspired you to study at the University of Florida?

“I am from Indonesia, a beautiful and diverse country in Southeast Asia. It is made up of more than 17,000 islands, and it is very rich of culture, language, and traditions. What I love most about Indonesia is how friendly and welcoming the people are, both to each other and to visitors. I chose to study at the University of Florida because the Educational Technology program here is strong and fits well with what I want to do in the future. I want to help improve education in Indonesia using technology. Also, Florida’s warm weather is like Indonesia’s, so it felt like a comfortable place to live and study. UF is also one of the top public universities in the U.S., which made it an even better choice for me."

What was your academic or professional journey before coming to UF?
"Before coming to UF, I worked as a physics teacher for more than ten years. I also worked as part of the International Curriculum team at my school for three years. I taught physics, math, and science to students who were studying international programs like IGCSE and A-Level. I got a scholarship from the Indonesian government (LPDP) to join a short program at the University of Michigan, where I studied advanced educational technology. That experience made me even more excited to continue my studies. Now, I’m studying at UF with a full scholarship from the Fulbright program."

What are you studying here at UF, and why did you choose this field?
"I am studying Educational Technology at the University of Florida because I want to help improve the quality of education in Indonesia. I believe that when technology is used the right way, it can make learning more effective and accessible for students. As a teacher, I want to be someone who not only understands the subject but also knows how to connect with students and make learning more engaging."

Are there any research projects you’re currently working on that you’re particularly passionate about?
"Yes! I’m working on two projects right now. The first one is about using games to teach physics. Many students think physics is hard and boring, so I want to show that learning through games can change their perception so they can learn physics in more fun and less stressful way. The second project is about AI hardware, especially something called Edge AI. It is a type of AI that works directly on a device without needing the internet. It is faster and saves energy. I think this kind of technology could be useful in education, especially in places with limited internet access."

This photo was taken during the Symposium held by the College of Education, where Yessy Eka Ambarwati presented her systematic review on how game-based learning can foster 4C skills.

Have you worked on any impactful projects or collaborations in the past that influenced your decision to come to UF?
"Yes, there are two major experiences that really influenced my decision to study at the University of Florida. The first was when I won my very first National Best Practice Competition in Indonesia. I presented a research project on game-based learning, and it was selected as the best paper. That moment was a turning point for me since it made me realize how powerful educational games can be in helping students understand difficult subjects like physics. It also motivated me to explore this topic more deeply and look for a graduate program that could support my interest. After doing some research, I found that UF offers one of the best Educational Technology programs, especially in areas like instructional design and digital learning."

Are you involved in any volunteer work, clubs, or organizations on campus or in the Gainesville community?
"Yes, I am part of Permias Gainesville, which is a student group for Indonesian students at UF. It is a great way to stay connected with my culture and support other Indonesian students. I also did an internship at the UF Education Library during the summer of 2025, where I helped with educational resources and outreach."

What are your goals after graduation? Do you plan to stay in the U.S., return to your home country, or work in another part of the world?
"After I graduate, my main goal is to return to Indonesia and use what I have learned to help improve education, especially in how we use technology in the classroom. I believe that knowledge becomes more meaningful when it’s shared, so I plan to start a weekly program called 'Best Practices in Education.' In the beginning, I will share insights and practical tools I gained from my time in the U.S., both from the Microcredential Program and my master’s studies at UF. As the program continues, I want it to become a space for collaboration. Teachers can come together to talk about the challenges they face in their classrooms and work as a team to find solutions.”

Yessy Eka Ambarwati used a Virtual Reality (VR) kit for the first time. She felt fortunate to have this opportunity, as such technology was not available in her home country. She created a 360° video of a UF tour that can be viewed through a VR headset.