Ambassador Marciel recently participated in the launch of a credit facility that would provide $5 million to support student loans for Indonesian students over the next 20 years, including those interested in studying in America, the US embassy said in a press statement here on Monday.
The Ambassador also spoke to Indonesian students, parents and educators who attended the Indonesian International Education Foundation`s 2011 U.S. Higher Education Fair. At the Fair representatives from 60 U.S. universities answered questions about studying in the United States.
"The student loan program announced today highlights the U.S. Government`s commitment to increase education opportunities for Indonesians by making available much-needed credit to finance university studies, including in the United States. The program is an example of a public-private partnership between the U.S. Government and Indonesia`s private sector," Ambassador Marciel said.
Through USAID`s Development Credit Authority, the U.S. has agreed to insure student loans that private partners ?UBS Ag, Raiffeisen Bank International Ag, and the Sampoerna Foundation?have committed to fund and manage. Making available student loans will provide Indonesian students of all economic backgrounds the financial means necessary to pursue their educational goals.
Ambassador Marciel also opened the Indonesian International Education Foundation 2011 U.S. Higher Education Fair at the Kartika Chandra Hotel, Jakarta. Sixty U.S. universities exhibited at the Fair, and Indonesian students were able to speak one-on-one with university representatives and get answers to their questions about study in America.
The number of visas issued to Indonesian students going to the United States rose over 20% this summer to the highest level in ten years.
"The U.S. Embassy continues to improve the student visa process to ensure that anyone with a legitimate desire to study in the United States has that opportunity. This summer more than 90% of student visa applicants received a visa," the embassy said.
(T.F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
