Building U.S.-Indonesia Mutual Understanding Since 1994

Summer 2025 Program Opportunity Notice – USINDO Summer Studies Program

USINDO Summer Studies Program

Yogyakarta and Jakarta, Indonesia 

June 3 – August 8, 2025 

Application deadline: February 14, 2025 

(Applications may be submitted earlier, when ready) 

 

Program Overview 

The United States-Indonesia Society (USINDO) has been deepening mutual  understanding between the United States and Indonesia for 30 years. Our flagship  program to do this is our 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. 

To remedy this gap in understanding, USINDO has for over 25 years operated its  renowned Summer Studies Program for young Americans. Summer Studies has  become one of the world’s leading language and culture immersion programs. The  program has made a lasting impact, with more than 260 alumni, many of whom  have gone on to pursue professional careers related to Indonesia. It is supported  by the Freeman Foundation and by USINDO.

This is a unique, custom-designed language and cultural immersion experience, setting it apart from most other summer study programs. An intensive ten-week fellowship will be held from June to August 2025, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, combining language and cultural studies, interactive lectures, field trips, and stays with host families, providing participants with 24-hour immersion into Indonesian language and culture.

The program concludes with: “Discover Jakarta”, a post-program component designed to broaden perspectives and provide valuable exposure and networking opportunities through discussions with government officials, experts, academics, NGOs, and the private sector.

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.

The final application deadline is February 14, 2025. For more detailed information, please check our 2025 Program Information Booklet available at https://bit.ly/INFO-SS2025 or apply directly at https://bit.ly/USINDO_SS2025. For questions, please contact gmelatunan@usindo.org and ghattari@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

  • Clarity of communication in applicant’s personal statements, including their statement of demonstrated interest in Indonesia based on either past exposure or future aspirations. For learning about and connecting with Indonesia.
  • 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

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 may support your academic and professional aspirations.
  • How your career might further USINDO's mission to promote greater awareness of Indonesia in the United States.
  • Any other pertinent information about why you are applying for the 2025 USINDO Summer Studies Program and how you believe it will benefit you.

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 a person who can evaluate your character, potential, accomplishments, and suitability for the 2025 USINDO Summer Studies Program.
  • For scholarship applicants only: An electronic copy of the most recent U.S. tax return filed. For students aged 25 and under, this should be the parents tax return. For students 26 and above, it can be their own U.S. tax return or their parents’ tax return (see below)

6. Zoom Call Interviews:

Prospective finalists will be contacted to arrange Zoom interviews, after which the final 2025 class, and alternates, will be selected.

Additional Notes:

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

 

Fee

The Summer Studies program covers a wide range of expenses, including roundtrip international and domestic airfare, tuition, cultural activities, field trips, experiential classroom visits, accommodation, two meals per day with the host family, visa, travel insurance, and the post-program component in Jakarta. USINDO will arrange and purchase participants' roundtrip airfare, travel insurance, and process visas.

Each student is responsible for paying a fee of $2,000 that contributes toward these total costs, with the USINDO Summer Studies Program covering the remaining expenses. All other incidental costs are the student's responsibility.

 

One Needs - Based Scholarship

One financial needs-based scholarship is available that reduces the student’s contribution fee to $500. To be considered, applicants aged 25 and under must submit their parents’ most recent U.S. Federal Income Tax return with their application. Applicants aged 26-30 may submit their own tax return.

This one scholarship is awarded based on a combination of demonstrated financial need (required) and the strength of the other aspects of the application. For questions, please contact gmelatunan@usindo.org and ghattari@usindo.org.