Public Relations of UPNVJ - In order to strengthen the internationalization of the campus and open up student access to global education levels, the Office of International Affairs (KUI) of the National Development University "Veteran" Jakarta (UPNVJ) held a socialization activity for the EducationUSA program on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Taking place at the Diplomacy Laboratory of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UPNVJ, this event is a strategic momentum to bridge students with academic and youth opportunities in the United States.
Present as the main speakers in this activity were Ms. Mary Treschock, Public Diplomacy Officer from the United States Embassy for Indonesia, Senior EducationUSA Advisor Muhammad Iqbal, and the supporting team from EducationUSA.
In her presentation, Ms. Mary emphasized three main reasons why the United States is a study destination worth considering:
- World class education,
- Many options in terms of financing, location, study programs, and academic degrees,
- Extensive opportunities to explore the world and build long-term connections internationally.
In addition, the US Embassy also introduced six main programs open to Indonesian students to access leadership education and experience in the United States, namely:
- EducationUSA
- Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI)
- Study of the US Institute (SUSI)
- Youth Exchange and Study
- TechGirls
- Youth Leadership Program
Of the six programs, the three leading programs that are the focus of this socialization are EducationUSA, YSEALI, and Study of the US Institute (SUSI).
YSEALI: Preparing Young Southeast Asian Leaders
Launched in 2013, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is the United States Government’s flagship program to foster and strengthen networks of young leaders in Southeast Asia. The program aims to equip participants with leadership skills in the civil, economic, and non-governmental sectors, and to foster cross-border collaboration on regional issues.
The various schemes offered by YSEALI include:
- YSEALI Academic Fellows (ages 18–25): a five-week short-term academic program that includes lectures, field trips, volunteer activities, and leadership development. Applications open around June–July.
- YSEALI Professional Fellows (ages 25–35): a four-week professional exchange program for individuals with at least two years of work experience, who will be placed at a partner organization in the US. Applications open around August–September.
- YSEALI Seeds for the Future: a grant competition of up to USD 15,000 to support innovative social projects.
- YSEALI Regional Workshop: a cross-country workshop involving youth from 11 Southeast Asian countries.
SUSI: Academic Deepening and Global Issues
The Study of the US Institute (SUSI) program is designed for undergraduate students aged 18–25 who have at least one semester left in college. The five-week program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the United States and strengthen their leadership skills.
Special themes for participants from Indonesia include natural resources, religious freedom, and pluralism. Registration is expected to open in November.
EducationUSA: Free and Reliable Education Consulting
As one of the flagship programs of the U.S. Embassy, EducationUSA provides free, independent academic advising services. These services include individual or group face-to-face sessions, information seminars, pre-departure orientations, and higher education fairs held in various cities in Indonesia. EducationUSA does not act as an agent, but rather as a trusted information provider for anyone interested in continuing their studies at an accredited institution in the United States.
This activity is part of UPNVJ's commitment to encouraging students to have a global perspective, while strengthening international cooperation networks which are important pillars in improving the quality of higher education.