Germany offers further educational support

Germany offers further educational support

Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Germany has shown interest in having closer cooperation with
Indonesia in the education sector.

"We are interested in having more qualified foreign students
in our universities," vice president of the German Academic
Exchange Service (DAAD) Prof. Max G. Huber told The Jakarta Post
on Friday.

"It is important for us to have personal and professional
links," he said.

Studying in Germany, he said, would allow Indonesians to
understand European affairs.

Huber was in Indonesia as a member of the German delegation
led by the Deputy Minister for Education and Research, Dr. Uwe
Thomas who arrived here on Oct. 30.

Dr. Thomas also took part in Friday's opening ceremony of the
6th International Postgraduate Education Expo at Atlet Century
Park hotel in Jakarta.

Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, director general of higher
learning at the Ministry of National Education said he hoped that
Germany with its strong academic and research tradition could
help in providing young Indonesians with quality education.

According to DAAD Jakarta office, there are currently 2,300
Indonesians studying in Germany. Around 300 are studying under
scholarships from the German government.

Huber said his government had reformed its education system to
serve the needs of foreign students.

It has adjusted its education system by offering courses in
English and with international bachelor and masters degrees.

Second, it has also adjusted its legal system to allow more
students to enter the country.

"It will be easier for foreign students to apply for a visa
for studying or research. It is less time consuming," Huber
added.

Another significant change underway in the legal system is
that the German government is working on a new law that will
allow foreign students to work in the private sector for up to
five years in Germany.

At present, foreign students can only work for 90 days in
universities and research institutes. In addition, they have to
return to their country as soon as they finish their studies.

According to Huber, the new law is expected to be passed in
several weeks.