After a year of cultural exchange and learning, five American high school students concluded their time in Indonesia as part of the YES Abroad Program. This U.S. government-sponsored initiative allows young Americans to live and study in Indonesia for a year. The farewell dinner on May 2 in Jakarta was hosted by Bina Antarbudaya, bringing together students, host families, and teachers to celebrate the shared experiences.
Naomi Ifeabata Onyekweli from Little Rock, Arkansas expressed her attachment to Surabaya and her friends at school, stating that "Indonesia has truly become my second home." Host families shared fond memories of their time with the students. One family recalled how Nalani, another student, grew to enjoy bubur ayam, a dish she initially hesitated to try.
Nalani lived with her host family in Depok, West Java during her exchange experience. Schools such as SMAN 38 Jakarta and SMAN 5 Bogor welcomed these students into their classrooms, providing not only education but also insights into Indonesian life. In return, these schools gained new perspectives from hosting international students.
The impact of the YES Abroad Program extends beyond academics. Students left with an understanding of Indonesian culture and pledged to act as cultural ambassadors upon returning home. They aim to share their experiences and foster connections between the United States and Indonesia.
Mary Trechock from the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta remarked on the significance of these exchanges: “These students are living examples of how people-to-people connections create mutual understanding and respect.” The YES Abroad Program is part of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program initiated in 2001 to promote mutual understanding among young people globally.
Currently, 57 Indonesian high school students are studying in the United States through this program.