Building U.S.-Indonesia Mutual Understanding Since 1994

NOTICE: Applications Open for the 2026 USINDO Summer Studies Program

2026 USINDO Summer Studies Program: Explore Indonesia

Language, Culture, and Contemporary Indonesia

 

Yogyakarta and Jakarta, Indonesia 

June 2 – August 7, 2026 

 

Deadline: February 14, 2026

 

This program covers all costs of a premier U.S. student cultural and language
immersion program this summer except for a student fee of $2,000.
Some scholarships are also available. Please see the details below!

 

Program Overview 

The United States-Indonesia Society (USINDO) has been deepening mutual understanding between the United States and Indonesia for over 30 years. This mission is advanced through its flagship initiative, the annual Summer Studies Program in Indonesia for young American students.

With over 270 million people, Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country and its third-largest democracy. Its strategic location between the Pacific and Indian Oceans makes it a crucial player in global trade and politics. It is also known for its vibrant cultures, diversity, dynamism, and stunning landscapes. Yet many Americans are unaware of Indonesia's unique contributions and global significance.  

USINDO Summer Studies Program was established to help bridge this gap in understanding. For over 25 years, the program has offered an immersive language and cultural experience and has become one of the leading programs of its kind. To date, more than 260 alumni have participated, many of whom have gone on to pursue academic and professional paths connected to Indonesia. The program is supported by the Freeman Foundation and USINDO.

Building on this strong foundation, USINDO Summer Studies is a custom-designed, intensive language and cultural immersion experience that distinguishes it from most other summer study programs. The ten-week program will take place from June to August 2026 in Yogyakarta and Jakarta, combining formal language instruction with cultural studies, interactive lectures, field trips, and homestays with local families, offering students a deep and meaningful immersion in Indonesian language and society.

The program concludes with Jakarta Week: Indonesia Now, a newly enhanced component that brings classroom learning into real-world context in the heart of Indonesia’s capital. In the final week, students will travel to Jakarta to meet with leaders, experts, and practitioners, gaining firsthand insight into the political, economic, and social forces shaping Indonesia today.

The program is open to U.S. citizen university students currently enrolled as juniors, seniors, or graduate students, as well as recent graduates who earned their degree within the last six months.

For more detailed information, please check our 2026 Program Information available at bit.ly/INFO_SS2026 or apply directly at bit.ly/USINDO_SS2026. For questions, please contact gmelatunan@usindo.org and usindojkt@usindo.org.

 

Eligibility

Applicants must be U.S. citizens aged 18 to 30, currently enrolled as juniors, seniors, or graduate students in an accredited program, or recent graduates (within the past six months) from any accredited U.S. college or university.

 

Selection Criteria

  • Applicants will be evaluated based on the clarity of their personal statements, as well as their demonstrated interest in Indonesia and engagement with its society and culture.
  • A strong academic record is required.
  • Applicants must demonstrate both an interest in and a proven ability to succeed in learning languages.
  • Career plans will be assessed based on their potential to involve sharing knowledge of Indonesia with a broader audience.

 

Application

To be considered for the Summer 2026 intake, applications and all required documents listed in the Application Checklist must be submitted via this application link no later than February 14, 2026, by 5:00 PM (EST).

Application Checklist - Required Documents:

1. Personal Statement:

A 500-800 word essay describing:

  • Your academic interests and career goals.
  • Your interest in Indonesia, and how participation in this program will support your academic and professional aspirations.
  • How your career goals align with USINDO’s mission to promote greater awareness of Indonesia in the United States.
  • Why are you applying for the 2026 USINDO Summer Studies Program.

2. Introductory Video (Optional):

  • A video of no more than one minute to help us better understand your motivations and personality beyond your personal statement.

3. Resume:

  • Must be in PDF format and no longer than 2 pages, and no smaller font than Arial 12.

4. Academic Transcript(s):

  • Your most recent academic transcript from the institution where you are currently enrolled or recently graduated.

5. Letter of Recommendation:

  • One recommendation letter from someone who can evaluate your character, potential, accomplishments, and suitability for the 2026 USINDO Summer Studies Program. Letter must be sent directly to usindojkt@usindo.org.

Additional Notes:

  • Applicants are responsible for ensuring their applications are submitted on time
  • Only complete applications will be considered.

 

Fee

The Summer Studies Program is largely subsidized by USINDO, with program costs totaling approximately $10,000 per participant. Students contribute $2,000 toward the overall program cost. Personal and incidental expenses not included in the program remain the responsibility of the student.

USINDO support covers core program expenses, including round-trip international and domestic airfare, tuition, cultural activities, field trips, experiential classroom visits, accommodation, two meals per day with the host family, visa processing, travel insurance, and the post-program component in Jakarta. USINDO also arranges and purchases participants’ airfare and travel insurance and handles visa processing.

To further support access to the program, up to six need-based scholarships are available to candidates otherwise selected for the program based on application strength, who can also demonstrate financial need, reducing the student contribution to $500. Applicants aged 25 and under, or those who are still dependents, are required to submit their parents’ most recent U.S. Federal Income Tax Return, while applicants aged 26–30 may submit their own Tax Return.

 

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed between February 16 and 27, 2026, during which shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to a Zoom interview with USINDO as part of the selection process.