Presentation given at @atamerica Jakarta on August 12, 2012, at "Towards a U.S. Higher Education" by Indonesia Mengglobal and Indonesian Club at Stanford. Delivered by Derianto Kusuma, a B.S. in Computer Science graduate from Stanford University.

1. Studying in the US
Derianto Kusuma
Stanford University

7. What you will find in the USA
1. A different culture
2. A different economy
3. A different society
4. Societal melting pot
5. Technological and scientific leadership
6. Political and economic leadership

8. What you will find abroad
1. A different culture
2. A different economy
3. A different society

9. Reasons for studying in the US
1. Academic education
2. Professional education
3. Working
4. Networking
5. Learning the language

10. What to gain
1. Perspective
2. Tolerance
3. Knowledge
4. Work experience
5. Network
6. Independence
7. Travel

11. Sacrifices
1. Money
2. Comfort

12. Making the best of your experience
1. Choose your institutions carefully
2. Join programs, activities, immersions
3. Get employed
4. Build networks
5. Make the best of your time

13. Concerns
1. Financial ability
2. (Negative) influence
a. Cultural frictions
b. Critical challenges
3. Fears
a. Language barrier
b. Cultural shock
c. Lack of support
d. Cannot catch up academically

14. Conclusion
1. Identify your goals
2. Make your sacrifices worth it
3. Take a leap of faith