study in US for Indonesian students

SUGGESTION FOR STUDYING IN THE UNITED STATES

The U.S. Embassy encourages Indonesian students contemplating study abroad to consider American educational institutions. Study in the U.S. can provide a high-quality education, while also promoting mutual understanding and expanded ties between our two countries.

The Embassy wishes to advise prospective students of the following services:

1. Educational Advising: A U.S. education is most beneficial when the right match is found between an academic institution and a student's objectives and achievement level. Experienced educational advisors, orientation sessions about the application process, and a comprehensive collection of university catalogues, and other helpful information are available at:

AMINEF (The American-Indonesian Exchange Foundation)
Gedung Balai Pustaka, 6th floor
Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya No. 4, 7:30 to 16:00 Monday-Friday except US and Indonesian Holidays
Jakarta 10720
Phone: (021) 345-2016 or 345-2018
Fax: (021) 345-2050, Web site: http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/aminef

EAS (Educational Advising Service)
EAS Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 09:00 - 15:00
except US and Indonesian Holidays
First Saturday every month: 9:00 to 15:30
Phone: (021) 345-2024; Fax: (021) 345-2050

Prospective students may become members for a nominal fee of Rp. 150,000 for a year membership, and obtain unlimited access to AMINEF's advising facilities. Branches of the AMINEF Educational Advising Service also exist at:

SURABAYA:
International Village,
2nd Floor
Universitas Surabaya
Jl. Raya Kalirungkut-Tenggilis
Surabaya 60293
Phone: (031) 298-1320 or 847-1809
Fax: (031) 298-1321

Hours of operation:
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday,
except US and Indonesian Holidays
MEDAN:
(EAS-Supported Center)
Yayasan Persahabatan Indonesia-Amerika
Jl. Mansur III No. 1-A, Medan 20121
Phone: (061) 821-3197
Fax: (061) 821-1240

2. Testing : U.S. educational institutions routinely evaluate student performance on standardized tests, such as TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, and SAT, as a key admission criterion. These tests are administered at the International Education Foundation (IEF). Effective July 1998 there will be computer-based testing available. Information about these tests can be obtained from:

International Education Foundation (IEF)
Menara Imperium 28th floor, Suite B
Jl. HR Rasuna Said, Metropolitan Kuningan Superblok Kav 1 - Jakarta 12980
Phone: (021) 831-7304; Fax: (021) 831-7306
E-mail: ief@indo.net

Wisma Dharmala 10th floor (TOEFL Testing only)
Jl. Panglima Sudirman 101-103
Surabaya
Phone: (031) 5480077

3. Visas: A student (F-1) visa is required for all non-U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who intend to study in the United States. Applications for student visas may be made at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and at the Consulate in Surabaya.

The Embassy strives to provide courteous and efficient service to all visa applicants. The vast majority of student visa applications are approved. Passports and visas for students whose applications have been approved may be picked up on the following working day.

Each applicant must demonstrate his or her eligibility for a visa under United States immigration law. Most students traveling to the U.S. for the first time must be interviewed by a consular office. Interviews for returning students are generally brief. Students should be prepared to provide evidence of their academic qualifications and intention to depart the United States at the conclusion of their studies. Because a large number of students seek visas during the months August and September, all students should come prepared with appropriate supporting documentation when applying, namely:

A. Form I-20, Evidence of Admission of a Foreign Student, issued by the U.S. educational institutions. This form must be current and properly endorsed by an authorized school official.

B. Original SMA diploma and/or university transcripts.

C. TOEFL or other test score results, if applicable.

D. Evidence that personal or family funds exist sufficient to pay for a full course of study in the U.S., such as bank drafts, travelers checks, bank account balance statements, bank transfer receipts or receipts for tuition payments. This list is not exhaustive, and a combination of more than one type of evidence may be necessary. Cash is not acceptable evidence of financial resources.

E. For returning students, evidence of valid student status, such as grade reports or transcripts, showing that they have been enrolled as full-time students. U.S. immigration law requires that student visa holders maintain their students status by undertaking a full course of study. While consular officers are sensitive to the difficulties of study in a foreign language and the adjustments that must be made to life abroad, students who fail to maintain a full course load or who spend an inordinate period of time in the United States without completing the requirements for a degree may encounter difficulties in establishing bona fide student status in subsequent applications for student visas.

Also, each applicant is required to pay a non-refundable application fee in Rupiah, equivalent to USD 100. Please note that eligible applicants cannot be issued visas no more than 90 days before the date of entry stipulated on I-20 form. Also, incomplete applications must be denied. Students whose applications are refused because of lack of documentation will be asked to return with appropriate documentation..