AMINEF'S unfair treatment

AMINEF'S unfair treatment

I went to the American-Indonesian Exchange Foundation (AMINEF)
recently to find out more about a Fulbright scholarship, which I
had read about on the Internet. The scholarship is for 1999/2000.
Due date for applications is July 31. It was stated that to get
an application form I would have to give a copy of my curriculum
vitae (CV). Then, to be selected, it is required that all
applicants insert a letter of reference from a former lecturer
and supervisor at work, and a copy of one's TOEFL test score with
the application form.

To my surprise, a female employee said something that confused
me. She told me that the CV had to be reviewed two days before I
could get the application form. Also, I had to ask for a letter
of reference from my rector and my work supervisor. I was
confused because it was written that a letter of reference from a
former lecturer was needed. Everybody knows that lecturer in
English does not only mean a rector but also our teacher at
college.

Last of all, and this is what I am criticizing most, despite
my assurances that I could hand in all the documents before July
31, she assured that it would be impossible for me to complete
all documents required. Actually, I could meet the deadline.

Another woman applicant told me that she was given the
application form even though she did not submit her CV. Not only
that, she was permitted to complete the documents the following
week.

I always of think America as a fair and honest country, but
what I experienced showed differently. A big institution like
AMINEF should be fair in dealing with the public and give
reliable explanations.

NURHAYA

Jakarta