The first annual US Fulbrighters Conference took place from February 20–23, 2025, in Jakarta. The event brought together 22 current American Fulbright grantees placed across Indonesia, offering opportunities to network, share experiences, and learn about each other’s work on various Fulbright grants. Attendees included nine English Teaching Assistants (ETAs), seven Fulbright Student Researchers, and six Fulbright Scholars.
This marked the first time AMINEF organized a conference of this nature, as past events typically involved American grantees from a single program. The idea for the conference was inspired by feedback from former grantees who expressed interest in networking opportunities that connected all American Fulbright grantees in Indonesia.
The conference was officially opened by AMINEF’s new Executive Director, Dr. Sandra Hamid. Grantees participated in a range of lectures, workshops, sharing sessions, and presentations showcasing the work of both researchers and ETAs. Topics covered included building community in Indonesia, highlights and challenges of living abroad, post-Fulbright opportunities, and more.
ETA Maria Osman shared, “The conference was a powerful reminder of the impact we create, bringing together scholars, researchers, and ETAs who are all driven by curiosity and a commitment to cross-cultural exchange. It allowed me to network, learn more about research, and explore new interests.” Osman also noted, “The conference deepened our understanding of the Fulbright program and of the diverse ways we can make an impact.”
ETA Brady Allen suggested the conference “…was an incredible opportunity to connect with fellow Fulbrighters and learn about their research.” Participants widely agreed that the conference was a success. Osman added, “It should be repeated in the future because it builds a strong community of support, inspiration, and collaboration that enhances our work and shared purpose.”
AMINEF extends its gratitude to all grantees for their active participation throughout the US Fulbrighters conference and wishes everyone continued success for the remainder of their time in Indonesia.
