Differences Of Education Between Indonesia and American

The strengthening Indonesia-U.S. partnership has led to several important education initiatives. Officials from both countries have expressed the conviction that education is the base upon which future understanding and cooperation will be built. As the two democracies draw closer, this foundation grows stronger.

Cooperation spans all levels of education. For young children, the U.S. sponsors an Indonesian version of the popular American show "Sesame Street." This show, called Jalan Sesama in Indonesian, should begin broadcasting in November 2007.

To help improve grade-school education, the U.S. has launched a $157 million dollar education initiative. First announced in a joint statement between President Megawati Sukarnoputri and President George W. Bush in 2003, this program is beginning to show results. To date, it has reached over 1,500 schools, 24,000 teachers, and 400,000 students - an incredible set of accomplishments.
University-level cooperation has also been strong. Education and cultural exchange has blossomed under Indonesia's Darmasiswa scholarship and America's AFS and Fulbright programs. Further, university-to-university links - such as those with 50 promising Indonesian universities - are expanding quickly.

In addition to government efforts, non-governmental organizations have also helped strengthen Indonesian-U.S. educational ties. The Indonesian American Education Foundation (www.aicef.org), and the Indonesian International Education Foundation (www.iief.or.id), for instance, offers fellowship support for Indonesians to pursue graduate study in the United States, The U.S.-Indonesia Society (www.usindo.org), works to expand cultural education opportunities in Indonesia to all Americans through its Summer Program.

Further details about Indonesian-U.S. education cooperation follows.
1. Darmasiswa Scholarship
The Darmasiswa scholarship supports Americans as they study Indonesian culture, arts, and language at Indonesian universities.

2. American Field Services
The AFS/YES exchanges high school students for greater cultural understanding among youth.

3. AMINEF
The American Indonesian Exchange Foundation offers Fulbright scholarship programs for Indonesians to study at American universities.

4. USAID Indonesia
The website of the U.S. Agency for International Development's efforts to support education in Indonesia.

5. The Indonesian International Education Foundation
The IIEF manages a variety of scholarship programs from non government sources for Indonesians to study at American universities.
http://www.embassyofindonesia.org/ina-usa/education.htm