Dollar victim

I am a graduate of Institute of Teachers Science and Pedagogy Jakarta majoring in German as a foreign language and work as a freelance teacher and translator. From the German Academic Exchange Service, I got a scholarship to do research in a German university. The scholarship itself doesn't include the transportation to and from Germany.

Since I applied for the scholarship four months ago, I have been saving for the transportation expenses. Unfortunately, the dollar has been rising so sharply against the rupiah during these last two months. On Oct. 6, when I wanted to book the flight, I was shocked to find that the latest exchange rate was Rp 4,000 per US$1. Thus, due to the currency situation, my savings aren't even enough to buy the cheapest ticket.

PIPIT APRIANI

Jakarta