On Monday, 2 February, Cahaya Rancamaya Islamic Boarding School had the distinct honor of welcoming special guests from EducationUSA (U.S. Embassy – Public Affairs Section) and the University of Wisconsin–Madison as part of the U.S. Higher Education Roadshow to Sekolah Unggul Garuda Transformasi. This meaningful visit aimed to broaden students’ perspectives on international higher education opportunities, particularly in the United States.
The session provided a comprehensive introduction to the U.S. higher education system, including insights into academic structures, campus life, admission pathways, scholarship opportunities, and student support services. Students were also introduced to selected U.S. universities recommended under the Beasiswa Garuda program, helping them better understand potential academic pathways aligned with their interests and aspirations.
EducationUSA was represented by Ms. Santika Salim, Adviser of EducationUSA, who explained the step-by-step process of applying to U.S. universities, from choosing the right institution to preparing required documents and understanding standardized testing requirements. Meanwhile, the University of Wisconsin–Madison was represented by Ms. Sarah Woller, Manager for International Recruitment & Relationships, who shared detailed information about academic programs, research opportunities, campus facilities, and student life at her institution. She also highlighted the university’s strong commitment to innovation, global engagement, and academic excellence.
The information session was attended by all SMA Cahaya Rancamaya IBS students, reflecting our school’s strong commitment to preparing students for global opportunities. Several parents also joined the session, demonstrating their active involvement in supporting their children’s educational journeys. The atmosphere was highly engaging and interactive. Students showed remarkable enthusiasm, actively participating in the discussion and asking insightful questions about admissions strategies, scholarship competitiveness, campus culture, and career prospects after graduation. Selected students received special souvenirs in appreciation of their thoughtful and critical questions.
This visit not only provided valuable technical information but also inspired students to think bigger about their future. The United States continues to be one of the top destinations for higher education worldwide, known for its academic flexibility, research-driven environment, multicultural campus communities, and wide range of study programs. Through this session, our students gained a clearer understanding of the pathways available to them and were encouraged to pursue their ambitions with confidence and global readiness.
We sincerely appreciate the visit and collaboration, and we look forward to more enriching international engagements that empower our students to become future global leaders.
