Webinar Series on Exchange Program in the USA
Office of International Affairs in collaboration with EducationUSA Aceh successfully held a virtual webinar on Exchange Programs in the USA, 27 October 2021. The webinar presented several outstanding speakers, Lilis Su’adah, Adviser of EducationUSA Aceh, Haifa Lana Rizk, a participant of Student Exchange Program at the University of Pennsylvania, Cut Farah Naza Adila, Alumna of Community College Initiative Program at Valencia College, and Cut Ganis Tyawangsa, Alumna of Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program at Yale University.
Lilis began the webinar by introducing EducationUSA profile which is an agency that provides information about study in America, especially for a short exchange program. This agency helps by giving accurate and updated information on further studies and scholarships in the United States for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
According to Lilis, taking a short exchange program is significant and useful because it helps students in broadening their perspective and obtaining valuable cultural insight, improving language, learning new skills, making the lasting connection, and making resumes better for their next study journey and employment. Lilis also shared two useful links that provide updated exchange programs in USA information that can be accessed by the public, they are https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us and https://asean.usmission.gov./yseali
Hanifa took her chance by presenting about the student exchange program that she is currently enrolled in, which is called IISMA 2021 (Indonesian International Mobility Awards). The program is fully funded and offered by the Ministry of Education and Culture for Indonesian students.
“IISMA is part of Kampus Merdeka program and this year is its first year”, said Hanifa.
She explained the kinds of stuff that are needed to be prepared by the applicants including VISA, TOEFL score certificate, proof of taking the course, and many others. She also suggested the applicants need to master particular skills such as speaking and writing skills in English. Applicants should have confident personal, obtain various community and social experiences, or even have experience of studying abroad.
During study at the University of Pennsylvania, Hanifa enjoyed her journey and academic activities. She had the chance to visit several outstanding campuses and famous tourism spots, as well as participate in social activity with other Indonesian students in the USA.
The next speaker is Cut Farah, Alumna of The Community College Initiative (CCI) program. Cut Farah said that CCI is a non-degree academic program at US community colleges that is intended to build technical skills, enhance leadership capabilities, and strengthen English-language proficiency. She added that the program provides chances for the professional internship, service learning, and community engagement activities.
Cut Farah recommend for those who are intended to apply to prepare several required documents, especially for Essay document. Applicants need to pay attention to the essay document because it would be cross-checked in the interview section.
Further, Cut Farah shared her experiences during the study in the USA, especially during the pandemic. She attended class sometimes by virtual or face-to-face. She also got chances to share her own culture with other foreign students, participate in social activities at the non-profit organization of America, conduct an internship program in the industry, and obtain leadership and action planning experiences.
At the end of the presentation session, Cut Ganis explained about Foreign Language Teaching Assistant under the Fulbright program. She said the Fulbright program is the US government’s international exchange program that gives chance for foreign nationals to study, teach, lecture and conduct research abroad. This non-degree program is offered for teachers of English of Indonesian as a foreign language to teach Indonesian at an American university. She added some basic requirements that are required such as the applicant is a teacher of English or Indonesian-as-a-foreign-language teacher with a minimum of one year experience, capable of succeeding in the dual role of teaching assistant and student at an undergraduate or graduate host institution, holding a bachelor degree or master degree and achieve TOEFL ITP score minimum 550 or its equivalent. The scholarship of this program covers visa fees, round trip tickets, study fees, and accident and health insurance.
She also shared her experiences during teaching Indonesian for foreigners from various countries. She taught two classes, beginner class, and advanced class. She said Indonesian is the most favored language by foreigners abroad that made the class is fully registered. Some reasons are because they are pleased to learn the language, or they are interested in the tourism sector, economy, Indonesian history, even religion.
The webinar was attended by many students from different backgrounds of study, and it attracted them to ask various questions regarding studying abroad. The webinar was led by Dr. Mailizar, the OIA Coordinator.
