UIN Jakarta Library, News Online - Ciputat, July 12, 2024 - Last Thursday (11/07/2024), the American Corner of UIN Jakarta Library was crowded with enthusiastic students attending "All About Education USA," a discussion hosted by Santika Salim, EducationUSA Indonesia Adviser. The event took place from 13.00 to 15.00 WIB on the 7th floor of the American Corner Room, UIN Jakarta Library Building.

Santika Salim provided important insights on how to continue studying and get scholarships in the United States. The discussion began with an explanation of the education system in the United States, from community colleges to leading universities, as well as the various types of study programs offered.

Application Processes and Requirements
Santika outlined the steps that need to be taken to apply to universities in the United States. She emphasized the importance of doing research to choose a university that suits your interests and academic goals. In addition, she explained the application requirements such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and standardized test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, or ACT.
Santika also provided tips on writing essays that attract the attention of the selection committee, as well as how to prepare for interviews. "The personal essay is your chance to showcase your uniqueness and the compelling reasons why you want to study in the United States," she said.

Scholarship Opportunities
One of the most anticipated parts of the discussion was the information on scholarships. Santika explained the various types of scholarships available, both those provided by the US government, universities, and private institutions. Some popular scholarships mentioned included Fulbright, LPDP, and scholarships provided directly by universities.
He gave tips to increase the chances of getting a scholarship, such as preparing the application carefully, writing a strong essay that reflects motivation and study goals, and seeking recommendations from lecturers or mentors who know the applicant's academic ability and character well.

International Student Life
Not only about academics, Santika also shared her experiences about daily life as an international student in the United States. She gave advice on how to adapt to a new culture, manage finances, find accommodation, and build social networks. "Connecting with the international student community and utilizing campus resources is very helpful in the adaptation process," she added.

Positive Response from Participants
The event received a very positive response from the participants. Many of them felt that they gained new insights and practical information that was very useful. The Q&A session was interactive with many participants asking specific questions related to the challenges and opportunities of studying in the United States.

Agus Rifai, Head of UIN Jakarta Library, highly appreciated the event. "We are very grateful to Santika Salim and EducationUSA for their cooperation. This discussion is very useful to open up insights and provide the right information for students who are interested in continuing their studies abroad. We hope to hold more informative events like this in the future," he said.

With the "All About Education USA" event, it is hoped that more Indonesian prospective students will get adequate information and preparation to continue their studies in the United States. EducationUSA, as an organization supported by the US Department of State, is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information about higher education opportunities in the United States.

For those who want to know more about education and scholarship opportunities in the United States, visit UIN Jakarta Library's American Corner or contact EducationUSA for more information and assistance in planning your study abroad. (Rizki Mulyarahman)