In a significant step to expand access to world-class education opportunities, EducationUSA inaugurated its first advising center in Kalimantan at Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT) in Samarinda. This marks the eighth EducationUSA center in Indonesia, offering comprehensive, free guidance to Indonesian students aspiring to study in the United States.
The launch of this center underscores the U.S. commitment to fostering educational exchanges and strengthening the bilateral relationship between the United States and Indonesia, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
A Milestone in Educational Collaboration
The grand opening ceremony on December 19, 2024, was attended by notable dignitaries, including U.S. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs Jason Rebholz, UMKT Rector Dr. Muhammad Musiyam, M.T, Samarinda Mayor Dr. H. Andi Harun, and Prof. Bambang Setiaji, M.Si, Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education and Research.
Jason Rebholz, speaking at the event, emphasized the significance of this milestone:
“We are excited to expand our services in Kalimantan with this new EducationUSA advising center in Samarinda during the 75th anniversary of the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Indonesia. Through this partnership with UMKT, we aim to empower students in Samarinda and throughout Kalimantan with the resources and guidance needed to access world-class educational opportunities in the United States.”
Dr. Muhammad Musiyam, M.T, echoed these sentiments:
“This establishment reaffirms Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur’s commitment to supporting global educational access for our students and the broader community. We believe this collaboration will open more academic opportunities and strengthen the bilateral ties between Indonesia and the United States.”
Expanding Opportunities for Indonesian Students
The EducationUSA center at UMKT offers personalized guidance to students in Kalimantan, helping them navigate the five critical steps to U.S. study:
- Researching Schools: With over 4,700 accredited higher education institutions in the U.S., EducationUSA advisers assist students in identifying programs that align with their goals.
- Identifying Financial Aid Opportunities: The center provides information about scholarships and financial aid to make U.S. education more accessible.
- Completing Applications: Advisers guide students through the often complex application process to U.S. universities.
- Obtaining a Student Visa: The center offers support in understanding and applying for student visas.
- Preparing for Departure: Students receive pre-departure orientations to ease their transition to life and study in the United States.
These free services ensure that students from all backgrounds can access reliable and accurate information, helping them plan their academic journey with confidence.
A Center for Educational Excellence
The UMKT center’s strategic location in Samarinda provides access to resources for students from across Kalimantan, including:
- One-on-One Advising Sessions: Personalized support to help students define their academic and career goals.
- Workshops and Events: Information sessions on topics like financial aid, visa processes, and application strategies.
- Resources for Educators and Counselors: Tools to help education stakeholders guide students effectively.
At the inaugural information session held after the launch, over 100 educators and education stakeholders from East Kalimantan participated, signaling strong local interest in U.S. education opportunities.
Strengthening U.S.-Indonesia Ties
The launch of this EducationUSA center reflects the enduring partnership between the United States and Indonesia. With thousands of Indonesian students currently pursuing higher education in the U.S., the center aims to further increase these numbers, contributing to the professional and personal growth of students and fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.
EducationUSA’s presence in Indonesia now spans eight centers located in Banda Aceh, Jakarta, Malang, Makassar, Medan, Samarinda, and Surabaya. Each center plays a vital role in connecting Indonesian students with opportunities to study in the U.S., providing a gateway to academic excellence and global career prospects.
Why Choose EducationUSA?
EducationUSA is the U.S. Department of State’s official source for international student advising. With a commitment to providing accurate, comprehensive, and unbiased information, EducationUSA helps students make informed decisions about their education.
By leveraging EducationUSA’s network, Indonesian students gain access to unparalleled educational diversity and opportunities, preparing them to excel in a globalized world.
How to Connect with EducationUSA in Samarinda
For students and educators interested in learning more, the EducationUSA center at UMKT is open to the public and offers all services free of charge. To schedule an advising session or inquire about upcoming events, contact EducationUSA adviser Irma Fitriani at [email protected].
The establishment of the first EducationUSA center in Kalimantan is a transformative step in empowering Indonesian students to achieve their academic aspirations. By bridging access to U.S. higher education, this initiative strengthens the educational and cultural ties between Indonesia and the United States, fostering a brighter future for students and communities alike.
