Winding it up!

Our last day in Bandung couldn't have possibly gone better. It started out hectic, as we did last minute packing and waited on our landlady to count knives, forks, spoons and everything else in the apartment before we could “settle up.” The day before I had packed pretty much everything (bedding, kitchen stuff, etc) for Aisah (she cried of course) and we said our last goodbyes. After leaving our apartment for the last time, Ferry dropped us off at ITB where Ronnie had planned a special ceremony for his students.

almost 100 year old ITB - "MIT of Indonesia"

notice Dutch colonial style architecture

students make presentations

presenting booklets to Tom Healy and Mike McCoy

 

Tom Healy, head of the Fulbright Program (DC) who happened to be in Indonesia, AMINEF personnel (who administer Fulbright in Jakarta) and the other 3 Fulbright recipients stationed in Bandung, along with students from both semesters attended. Ronnie was excited that “those in charge” took the opportunity to meet with and hear from the students first hand so that they could understand the work they had been doing.

After a short welcome from Dr. Dwi Widyantoro (Dean of Informatics at ITB) and Ronnie, several students explained how they had teamed with students at Texas A&M University to develop software programs and how they have benefitted from the partnership. Ronnie also put together a booklet with the students photos along with excerpts from the course questionnaires. Some of the most exciting responses had to do with the relationships the students developed as they teamed with partners halfway around the globe as they learned about each others work habits, interests, cultures, etc.

 

 

One student voiced that he had a certain idea of Americans (cocky, arrogant, etc) but that his stereotype had dissolved as he realized that Americans were “people, just like us.” It’s interesting that Westerners on the whole know little-to-nothing about Indonesians (why would we?) while Indonesians have definite perceptions of Americans, solely based on all the TV they watch. One student even commented “I think I have been tricked by Hollywood.”

Semester 1 Class

Semester 2 Class

Each student received a Certificate of Professional Development and had their photograph taken with Mr. Healy (FULBRIGHT) and Mike McCoy (AMINEF). Afterwards ITB hosted a lunch that allowed for more one-on-one visiting between guests and students. It was a very informative time for Fulbright and AMINEF officials and a great close to Ronnie's Fulbright experience.

Mike McCoy (AMINEF) and Tom Healy (DC) with 4 Fulbright Recipients

Based on discussions that have already taken place, it seems probable that Fulbright will want to consider this teaming/collaborative model for the future.  It certainly gives the American taxpayers "more bang for their buck" as it involves so many more people in the process and results. No doubt Ronnie could have shared much better on this subject but he’s in conference today and I’m trying to hurry and close out the blog before we leave for the airport in a few hours!

Ronnie with 3 excellent ITB Informatics students

Tom Healy chats with students over lunch

Ronnie returns his office key to Dwi as we are driving away

I think one of us was heard to say "happiness is Bandung in the rear view mirror" as we drove away (ok, I confess it was me) but all in all I must say that serving as a Fulbright scholar in Indonesia has been a rewarding experience for Ronnie. Rarely has he felt that his teaching has had as much impact on the lives of young men and women as it has here.