Triumph and Homecoming: Indonesian Students Return as Scholars from Yale University

download

Jakarta, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology – A total of 20 students participating in the 2023 Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) Program have officially completed their studies at Yale University for one semester and become the first group to return to their homeland. Their arrival was warmly welcomed by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology (Ditjen Diktiristek) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), along with the IISMA Program implementation team.

The experience of studying at one of the finest universities in the United States (US) has undoubtedly been a valuable moment for the 20 selected students, who underwent a rigorous selection process. This valuable experience is closely tied to the fact that Yale University is one of the oldest institutions in the US, part of the Ivy League group, and holds a high prestige among academics, having produced various prominent figures.

Acting Director General (Plt. Dirjen) of Diktiristek, Nizam, congratulated the students for successfully completing their studies while upholding the noble values of the nation at the host university and country.

“Surely, there are many wonderful experiences to be shared as inspiration for their peers at their home campuses,” Nizam explained in Jakarta on Saturday (August 19, 2023).

Nizam also expressed hope that these students would contribute to Indonesia. He mentioned that one example of a positive practice by IISMA alumni is the publication of an anthology of essays on Indonesia’s diplomatic relations with Eastern European countries, written by the 2022 IISMA alumni who studied in the region for a semester.

“I hope that these positive footsteps can be continued so that the good stories from these students can be read and shared with a wider audience,” he added.

The Head of the IISMA Program, Rachmat Sriwijaya, also warmly welcomed the IISMA students who studied at Yale University. He stated that they are the nation’s finest sons and daughters, selected to study at the best university in the US.

“The inclusion of Yale University as a host university is a source of pride for the IISMA Program. This year, out of the 8 top US universities in the Ivy League, 4 have agreed to host. The hope is that next year, all of these universities can become study destinations for IISMA students,” Rachmat stated.

Aditya Manggala, Co-Student Representative (SR) representing IISMA students at Yale University, shared that during their study period, he and his peers received ample support from various parties, which made them feel comfortable despite having to learn and adapt in a new environment.

“This unique experience has expanded our world and made all possibilities seem more attainable,” he said.

Meanwhile, the implementation of the IISMA Program also garnered appreciation from Domestic Higher Education Institutions (PTDN) which play a role in sending students. Iman Harymawan, the Director of Airlangga Global Engagement at Airlangga University, expressed that through the IISMA Program’s implementation, it is hoped to accelerate progress in supporting Indonesia’s advancement.

In 2023, the IISMA Program sent more than students abroad. Since its launch in 2021, over 20,000 students have registered for the IISMA Program, and a substantial number of academic and vocational students have been sent abroad to enrich their perspectives and introduce Indonesian culture to various parts of the world. Further information regarding this program can be accessed through the website https://iisma.kemdikbud.go.id/.