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)