The International Office and the Executive Secretariat (KISE), in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate General Surabaya and Education USA, held the Exchange Program and Study Opportunities in the USA yesterday (6/10) at GKB 2 FEB.

Cultural Affairs Assistant of the U.S. Consulate General Surabaya, Puguh Budi Susetyo, and Education USA Advisor Ambarizky Trinugraheni were present as speakers. Not only for students but this event welcomed lecturers and staff of UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur.

The event started with Mrs. Ambarizky, who explained some programs and scholarships for anyone interested in student exchanges to the United States. Fulbright, LPDP, East-West Center, and IISMA programs were among some of the programs that Mrs. Ambarizky explained. The participant seemed excited about the programs as they asked questions about them. The good news was that Ambarizky is willing to help anyone registering by giving one-on-one feedback sessions about writing the personal statement.

Mr. Puguh, the next speaker, delivered some more exciting programs. One of them is The Study of U.S. Institutes (SUSIs). Mr. Puguh also invited the Head of KISE, Mrs. Maria Indira Aryani, to share her experience as a participant in SUSIs.

“It was exciting to join SUSIS. I had a chance to go to the Pentagon, famously known for its protection and privacy. I must follow six levels of security protocols! The program enabled me to visit Times Square, United Nations Headquarters, and the Broadway theatre. One of the most unforgettable moments was when I got the opportunity to meet the United States Undersecretary of State. It was all a very life-changing experience,” she recalled.

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) was the next exciting program we explored at this event. There are two types of programs: the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program for students or graduate students aged 18-25 years and the YSEALI Professional Fellows Program for lecturers or professionals aged 25-35 years.

Through the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program, students will receive intensive academics, leadership development, study tours, and experience participating in community service activities.

“The United States is one of those dream countries I wanted to go to. Therefore, this program is definitely on my list! Hopefully, in the future, there will be more similar events from more diverse countries,” said Vieri Samuel from the Communication Studies Program, one of the participants of the Exchange Program and Study Opportunities in the USA.

In addition to introducing inclusive programs, KISE, through this program, wanted to show that exchanges are not limited to students only. There are many opportunities that the lecturers and non-academics can explore. KISE also wanted to introduce global exposure and international experience for UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur’s community, which will undoubtedly positively impact campus internationalization.