The event commenced with a speech delivered by Prof. Ir. Nizam, M.Sc., DIC., Ph.D., the acting Director-General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology at the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbudristek). During his address, Nizam announced that around 1.500 students have been granted the IISMA scholarship for the year 2023. He highlighted that students' international experiences are not solely focused on acquiring knowledge but also on gaining valuable experiences and forming friendships with peers from various countries.

"While the IISMA program is in progress, students have achieved remarkable results at partner universities they have visited for six months. These achievements are truly remarkable and prove that our students are on par with international students," Nizam stated.

Based on surveys, individuals who have completed this program demonstrate enhanced competence, communication skills, and self-confidence. Nizam believes that these benefits will positively impact their chances of finding employment in the job market.

During this departure period, a total of 121 students, consisting of 105 undergraduate students and 16 vocational students, were provided with the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the educational setting of the United States. The resources are allocated to different partner universities, including:
1. The University of Chicago (5 students)
2. Michigan State University (49 students)
3. University of California, Davis (25 students)
4. Arizona State University (11 students)
5. University of Colorado Boulder (10 students)
6. University of Texas at Austin (5 students)
7. University of Missouri-Kansas City (16 students)

Nizam aspires for the IISMA program to serve as a foundation for cultivating exceptional future professionals who remain connected to their cultural heritage. He also urged the students to maintain the reputation of their nation and exhibit the friendly and hospitable culture of Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of inviting friends to visit Indonesia and experience its natural beauty, delicious cuisine, diverse languages, and ethnic diversity.

The event proceeded with a speech delivered by Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., the Rector of ITB. She stated that choosing recipients for the IISMA scholarship from a large pool of highly skilled and promising Indonesian students was a challenging endeavor.

The chance to take part in IISMA is extremely competitive and selective because it demands significant resources. She conveyed her optimism that the students would develop into a more influential and productive generation for the country.

Furthermore, the Rector of ITB provided guidance to the recipients of the IISMA scholarship, emphasizing the importance of promoting Indonesian culture and maintaining their authentic Indonesian identity. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of cultivating empathy and fostering an understanding of the cultural nuances in the destination country, particularly in the United States as a highly developed nation.

In attendance at the event was Ida Bagus Made Bimantara, the Acting Attaché for Education and Culture of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington DC, United States. Ida commenced his speech by extending congratulations to the recipients of the IISMA 2023 scholarships. He highlighted the potential of this program to enhance the presence of Indonesian students in the United States. Enhancing the proficiency of human resources in science and technology (IPTEK) can contribute to the widespread adoption of technology across the country. Ida is of the opinion that the IISMA program can facilitate the attainment of this goal.

Ida also emphasized the significance of being mentally prepared to confront academic challenges and adjust to an environment away from family. "To maximize personal growth, we need to step out of our comfort zones," he emphasized. He recommended that students should welcome and accept differences and establish connections not only with other students on campus but also with people in the local community.

The event concluded with a pre-departure briefing session conducted by Dr. Andika Putra Pratama, a lecturer at ITB's School of Business and Management (SBM ITB) and the Head of International Relations at ITB's Partnership Bureau. The speakers discussed a range of topics, including Prof. drg. Diah Ayu Maharani, Ph.D. from the Education and Culture Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington DC, Oktavianus Marthin from the Police Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington DC, and Hafiza Nofitriani, a recipient of the LPDP scholarship in the Master's program at the University of Southern California.

The speakers offered advice and support to the recipients of the IISMA 2023 scholarship during their academic journey in the United States.

In conclusion, Dr. Rachmat Sriwijaya, the Head of the IISMA 2023 Program, expressed that the IISMA team has made significant efforts to enhance the caliber of partner universities this year. Their objective is to offer top-quality education to the most exceptional students from Indonesia.

"This year serves as a steppingstone for next year. We hope to have the opportunity to establish partnerships with other universities," he concluded.

Reporter: Hanan Fadhilah Ramadhani (Civil Engineering, 2019)

Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Management, 2021)

Editor: Vera C.U.