During the event, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Drs. Anter Venus, MA., Comm., the Rector of UPNVJ, and Dr. Arif Abdullah Sagran, representing UNDIL. In his speech, the Rector of UPNVJ emphasized that this collaboration is a significant step towards expanding UPNVJ’s international cooperation network. He stated that UPNVJ is ready to welcome students from UNDIL to study at UPNVJ with scholarships provided by UPNVJ, including free tuition fees and accommodation. Additionally, UPNVJ plans to conduct guest lectures at UNDIL.

This initiative was warmly received by the Vice Rector for Cooperation of UNDIL. He provided information about UNDIL, highlighting that it is the oldest university in Timor-Leste, with 7 faculties and 6,000 active students. Regarding the student exchange program, UNDIL will send 2 students to UPNVJ. Furthermore, UNDIL invited UPNVJ to engage in tripartite cooperation in research and publication with Angola and Portugal. This cooperation is seen as an effort by UNDIL to enhance the human resources of Timor-Leste, as the country aims to become a member of ASEAN.

The final remarks were delivered by Mr. Ikhfan Haris, the Education and Cultural Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Dili (Atdikbud KBRI-Dili). He stated that this cooperation exemplifies the interconnectivity between the two countries and is expected to be implemented soon through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). Atdikbud KBRI-Dili also recommended pursuing tripartite cooperation with Angola and Portugal in research and publication, as well as collaboration in the health sector, considering UPNVJ’s strengths in Medicine and Health Sciences. KBRI-Dili is also ready to provide preparatory training, particularly in the Indonesian language, for UNDIL students who will study in Indonesia.

In addition to discussing the UPNVJ-UNDIL cooperation, Atdikbud KBRI-Dili encouraged UPNVJ to participate in educational fairs in Timor-Leste and collaborate in MBKM (Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka) activities in Timor-Leste, as there are 5 Indonesian state-owned enterprises (BUMN) operating in Timor-Leste.

The University of Pecs is one of the best universities in the world, ranked in the QS World University Ranking #701-750, located in Pecs City, Hungary. For active UPNVJ students who want to gain experience studying in Europe, especially Hungary, they can register for this program. Flyer attached.

For further information, please contact KUI UPNVJ via email international@upnvj.ac.id.

For UPNVJ academic community members aged 18-25 who wish to study in the United States briefly and for free, you can apply for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship Fall 2023. The YSEALI Academic Fellowship is a short-term, intensive academic program designed to provide a group of young leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States and a specific theme while enhancing their leadership skills. The fellowship will focus on one of three themes: Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues, and Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.

Requirements :

1. Aged between 18 and 25 at the time of application;
2. Citizens of one of the following countries: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam;
3. Residents of one of the following countries: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam;
4. Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.A full-time undergraduate or graduate student, or graduated less than five years ago from a higher education institution;
5. Proficient in English, able to read, write, and speak English in a U.S. university classroom. (Note: TOEFL, IELTS, or other test scores are not required;
6. English proficiency will be assessed through the application form and an interview with YSEALI program staff);
7. Eligible to receive a J-1 visa (The J-1 visa is for individuals approved to participate in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs to the United States sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. As an Indonesian recipient of the J-1 visa for the YSEALI Academic Fellowship program, you will be subject to a two-year Foreign Residency Requirement, meaning that for two years after you return from the fellowship program, you will not be eligible to apply for a visa to immigrate to the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident or to apply for a work visa allowing you to accept employment in the United States without a waiver. However, the Foreign Residency Requirement does not affect your eligibility for student, tourist, or business visas in the U.S.).

Selection Criteria :

1. Strong leadership qualities and potential in their university, workplace, and/or community;
2. Interest, knowledge, or professional experience in one or more YSEALI themes (civic engagement, social entrepreneurship and economic development, environmental issues);
3. A commitment to or interest in community service, volunteerism, or mentoring;
4. A serious interest in learning about the United States and ASEAN as a region;
5. Willingness to actively participate in an intensive academic program, community service activities, and study tours;
6. A commitment to returning to their home country to apply leadership skills and training to benefit their community, country, or the Southeast Asia region; and
7. Little to no prior experience in the United States.

For further information and to register, please visit the following page https://id.usembassy.gov/education-culture/yseali/yseali-academic-fellows/ .