143 Indonesians win Dutch scholarships<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Netherlands Embassy will send 143 Indonesian
\nprofessionals to study post graduate programs under government
\nscholarships this year.<\/p>\n
The professionals, who will go under the Studeren in
\nNetherlands (STUNET) scholarship program, were selected from
\namong 376 applicants.<\/p>\n
Unlike other Dutch government scholarships, STUNET was tailor-
\nmade to meet the needs of Indonesian professionals, Claudine
\nHelleman, the first secretary for education, science and culture
\nat the Dutch Embassy, said on Saturday.<\/p>\n
The program, administered by the Netherlands Education Center
\nhere, was launched in 2000 with 85 students.<\/p>\n
It covers tuition fees for studies for period of up to 24
\nmonths, a monthly living allowances of 1,545 guilders (Rp 3.8
\nmillion) and other expenses, including health insurance,
\ninternational travel, and the cost of buying books and materials
\nrelated to the field of study.<\/p>\n
The program is closely linked to the effort to enhance
\nbilateral relations between the two countries, Helleman said at a
\npre-departure briefing with the participants on Saturday.<\/p>\n
They are scheduled to leave for the Netherlands in October.<\/p>\n
Monique Soesman, coordinator of the program, encouraged
\nparticipants to return to Indonesia and participate in building
\nthe country with their newly acquired knowledge and skills.<\/p>\n
"I hope you will all come back and help the development of
\nIndonesia," she said.<\/p>\n
Azwar Hasan, a freelance journalist who studied at Leiden
\nUniversity under a Dutch government scholarship, cautioned the
\nparticipants about possible distractions while studying.<\/p>\n
"I saw friends get distracted because of the cultural shock.
\nOthers were unable to focus on their study because of
\nhomesickness," he told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
For Azwar, it was well worth the effort.<\/p>\n
"I was able to learn more about new cultures and surroundings.
\nIt was a truly enriching experience," he said. (06)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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