Study Abroad Opportunities Highlight eSTEP Global’s Visit to Three OKI Schools
Kayuagung, South Sumatra – Interest in higher education abroad continues to grow among Indonesian students. Access to accurate information and guidance remains an important factor in helping students prepare for study abroad.
On 12 June, eSTEP Global visited three schools in Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI), South Sumatra. The schools are MAN Insan Cendekia OKI, SMAN 3 Kayuagung, and SMAN 1 Kayuagung. The visit brought together the academic community for discussions on higher education pathways and preparation for study abroad.
The sessions focused on helping students understand the steps they can begin taking while still in high school for study abroad. Topics discussed included university selection, English language preparation, scholarship opportunities, and academic planning. Throughout the discussions, many students expressed curiosity about studying abroad. The students also shared concerns commonly faced by Indonesian students for study abroad.
Beyond benefiting students, the school visits also supported Guidance and Counseling (BK) teachers in strengthening their role as higher education advisors. Gaining a deeper understanding of study abroad opportunities, admission requirements, and scholarship pathways. Counselors are better equipped to provide accurate guidance to students as they explore university options both in Indonesia and abroad. The discussions also encouraged closer collaboration between schools and education partners in preparing students for their next academic journey.
Study Abroad Trends in Indonesia and Around the World
The discussions also reflected broader national efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s future talent through increased access to quality education and global exposure. Programs like the Sekolah Unggul Garuda initiative have brought renewed attention to the importance of preparing Indonesian students to study abroad.
Teachers also highlighted the growing interest among students in studying abroad. Particularly as access to information about study abroad becomes more readily available. The important messages delivered during the visits were that studying abroad should not be viewed as an opportunity reserved for a select group of students.
For many students attending the sessions, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to ask questions directly. Students gain a clearer picture of what studying abroad might look like. The topic ranges from selecting a university and preparing for English proficiency tests to exploring scholarship options and planning future careers.
As Indonesia continues to invest in developing globally competitive talent, collaboration between all academic communities will play an important role. Thus, ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue their goals, whether in Indonesia or abroad.
Through initiatives such as these school visits, eSTEP Global hopes to continue supporting students and educators by providing access to information and guidance that help young Indonesians prepare for study abroad.
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Continuing the Study Abroad Conversation Through an Online Webinar
Following the school visits, eSTEP Global continued its engagement with students by organizing an exclusive online webinar for SMAN 3 Kayuagung. The webinar provided students with a more comprehensive overview of studying abroad. Covering topics such as choosing the right university, scholarship opportunities, English language preparation, application timelines, and practical steps students can take.
The session received an enthusiastic response, with many students actively participating throughout the discussion. Students raised a wide range of questions about studying abroad. The engagement demonstrated the strong interest among students in exploring international education.
The visit also opened opportunities for future collaboration between schools and eSTEP Global. Through this engagement, school leaders gained insights into global education pathways and potential partnerships that can support students’ international study aspirations, strengthen career guidance initiatives, and expand access to overseas education information for their school community.
