Students check out educational expo on U.S. universities

Students check out educational expo on U.S. universities

JAKARTA (JP): In the midst of the local currency crisis,
dozens of senior high school students flocked to a one-day
education fair Saturday which was held to attract Indonesians to
earn undergraduate degrees (S1) at an American college or
university.

Hailed as a success, the exhibition was hosted by the
American-Indonesian Exchange Foundation (Aminef) and the
International Students College Exchange at the Balai Pustaka
building in Central Jakarta.

Many students -- most of whom were flanked by their parents --
expressed their concern over the rupiah's fall against the U.S.
dollar.

"I really want to go to an American university. But I have to
consider my parents' financial ability because the education
tuition has now almost doubled compared to last year due to the
drop of the rupiah's value," 18-year-old Yose Santosa of SMA
Pangudi Luhur high school told The Jakarta Post.

Yose said his elder brother had studied at the University of
Alabama.

Another visitor, Indra Gunadi, who claimed he had studied
abroad for three years, said he would reconsider plans to earn a
master's degree.

"I have to be realistic due to the current monetary condition.
Things are a little bit rough right now. But I'll try to get a
sponsor in order to reduce my parents' burden," he said.

Most of the fair's visitors said their parents were a little
worried about the slide of the rupiah, but still wanted their
children to study overseas.

Student Dimas Djajanegara said he would wait for the right
moment to study abroad.

"My parents actually have set aside funds for me, but with the
unstable monetary condition, I've decided to wait and prepare
myself to take a course here," he said.

Since early July, the rupiah has depreciated by about 35
percent.

Saturday's fair featured admission officers from 24 colleges
and universities from throughout the United States. They
explained to visitors about undergraduate programs at
participating institutions, admission requirements, financial
aid, curriculums, student life, career planning and the U.S.
higher education system.

Among the participants were The American College, Bucknell
University, Purdue University, The University of Colorado,
University of Delaware, University of Tulsa, Webster University
and Whitman College.

Tricks

The visitors' currency concerns were also voiced at the
exhibitors' counters.

"Many students and their parents here have asked us to help
clarify to them the monetary crisis' impact over potential plans
to study in the States," Andy Kelly, an education consultant,
told the Post during the fair.

However, he said the current rupiah monetary crisis had little
effect on Indonesian students interested in studying abroad,
particularly in the United States.

"Education is a long-term investment. Students go to
university for about three to five years. And I think this
monetary crisis is a temporary one, so in the long run, it will
not affect the education process for Indonesian students in
America," Kelly added.

There were tricks to deal with the monetary crisis while at
the same time receiving a good education abroad, he said.

"Indonesian students could first go to certain colleges that
are cheaper. After one or two years, they could then enter a
university with a certain major, such as journalism, and before
earning their degree, the university could recommend to them a
job at, for instance, several prestigious publications in
America," Kelly added.

A similar fair, in which more than 100 universities and
colleges will participate, will be held by Aminef next Saturday
at Kartika Chandra Hotel on Jl. Gatot Subroto in South Jakarta.

Aminef is a binational commission which assists Indonesians
seeking educational opportunities in the United States and
Americans wishing to pursue academic interests in Indonesia.

Aminef administers the U.S. government's Fulbright Exchange
Program and other educational exchange programs between Indonesia
and the United States.

It will also hold a seminar here on Dec. 2 for Indonesian
students preparing to live in America. (07)