[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Sidartha_Murjani.jpg” caption=”Sidartha Murjani is a third-year economics and political science student at McMaster. Photo by Susan Bubak. “]Sidartha Murjani is one of 1,700 international students at McMaster who bring a global perspective to the University. Born in Indonesia to Indian parents, the third-year economics and political science student immigrated to Canada in 2004.

Although he considered other universities, he chose McMaster for the scholarships it offers to international students.

In his first year at McMaster, he joined as many clubs as he could, and found a variety of learning opportunities outside the classroom.

“I even joined the Polish and German clubs,” said Murjani with a laugh. “I wanted to learn about other cultures.”

He also took up salsa, break dancing, skiing, stand-up comedy and camping by joining the relevant clubs.

In second year, he put his acting skills to the test when he played the role of a foreign student in IRIS, an orientation play for first-year students.

“A lot of my learning happens outside the classroom,” he said. “The opportunities are there for you to grab.”

In addition to broadening his horizons through extra-curricular activities, Murjani also enjoys helping others. Last summer, he did volunteer work, including tsunami relief projects in Thailand as part of the Global Youth Network. Next year, he will travel to Macedonia to continue volunteering.

When he first arrived at McMaster two weeks before the start of classes, he didn't know anyone until he was befriended by another student.

“I really like Canada because the people are really polite,” he said. “Everywhere I went, I always felt welcome.”