Samintang, a first-generation college student (FGCS) hailing from a rural village in Luwu Timur, Eastern Indonesia, as well as a former UNHAS SDGs Campus Ambassador (2020-2022) and recipient of the Gender Equality for Student Award 2021, recently shared the extraordinary narrative of her journey during her exchange study in the United States as part of the Study of the United States Institutes for Global Student Leaders Programme in 2023.
Upon receiving the final announcement of her acceptance into this esteemed program, Samintang openly conveyed her initial disbelief, expressing, “At times, I found it hard to believe that I would be studying in the United States, given my background as an FGCS from a modest village in Eastern Indonesia.”
In 2023, Samintang was appointed as the Awardee of Study of the United States Institutes for Global Student Leaders on Climate Change and the Environment Cohort. The Study of U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders are programs designed and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) with funding provided by the U.S. Government. SUSIs are five-to-six-week academic programs designed for foreign undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 25.
The aim of these programs are to promote a better understanding of American people and institutions, explore the diversity and culture of the United States and develop or expand curricula in the U.S. The Institutes include a four-week academic residency consisting of interactive classroom activities, discussions, lectures, readings, site visits and workshops; a one-week educational study tour to a different region of the United States; leadership skills building activities; community service; and opportunities to interact with their American peers on a college campus. Each Institute includes approximately 20 participants from selected countries.
The program provided an intensive five-week academic experience that transformed undergraduate students’ learning by focusing on leadership, addressing climate change issues, communicating climate science, and combating misinformation. Throughout the program, Samintang participated in volunteer and community service activities, attended leadership workshops, experienced homestays, and went on cultural excursions. Samintang also had the opportunity to meet with community leaders and representatives of non-profit organizations, enhancing their overall experience.
As a participant in the SUSI program in 2023, Samintang had a memorable and enriching experience. She had the opportunity to meet and learn from other students from Indonesia, Brazil, Bangladesh, and her fellow Nigerians who shared her passion for environmental issues and climate change. Additionally, she had the chance to explore the city of Reno and its surrounding areas, immersing herself in the natural beauty and cultural attractions that characterize this region of the United States.
In a bid to preserve the pristine beauty of Lake Tahoe, a dedicated group of volunteers, including Samintang and students from Nigeria, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Brazil, united to participate in a volunteer service initiative. This program was conducted in partnership with the Keep Lake Tahoe Blue initiative, which is committed to restoring the clarity and ecological balance of Lake Tahoe. Through their involvement in this initiative, their dedication to fostering a sustainable environment and promoting climate action was evident. They diligently worked to clean up the lake and its surrounding areas, removing accumulated trash and debris. These collective efforts significantly contributed to improving water quality and enhancing the overall aesthetics of Lake Tahoe.
