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In a strategic move to expand its global presence and foster new international partnerships, Politeknik Negeri Jember (POLIJE) conducted an inaugural visit to the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya on Friday, July 25, 2025. The meeting, which took place from 08:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Consulate’s meeting room, marked an important step in POLIJE’s internationalization agenda.
The POLIJE delegation was led by Mr. Agung Wahyono, SP., M. Si, Ph. D Vice Director of Planning, Collaboration and Information System Affairs, accompanied by Mr. Vigo Dewangga, SS., M.Pd., Coordinator of International Affairs, and Ms. Renata Rinda, S. Pd., M. Pd., Head of Language Center. They were welcomed by representatives of the U.S. Consulate General, including Public Affairs Officer Ms. Genevive Judson-Jurdain, Deputy Public Affairs Officer Ms. Kayla Smith, Public Engagement Coordinator Mr. Puguh Susetyo, and Staff Officer Mr. Rizqi.
The main objective of the visit was to explore potential areas of collaboration and to build a foundation for stronger academic and cultural ties between POLIJE and institutions in the United States. Discussions reflected mutual interest in broadening cooperation through joint research, student and faculty exchanges, and the development of innovative academic projects.
The meeting highlighted past collaborative efforts, including an information-sharing session on U.S. scholarship programs such as YSEALI and SUSI, and a guest lecture by Professor Paulus Wahyudi of Marshall University. These initiatives have already sparked interest among POLIJE students and faculty in pursuing academic opportunities in the United States.
During the session, POLIJE also presented its institutional profile, showcasing its nationally recognized Teaching Factory (Tefa) model, a hands-on learning approach simulating real industry environments. POLIJE’s academic strengths span across departments including Information Technology, Health, and Agribusiness Management—areas identified for potential future partnerships with U.S. institutions.
Although POLIJE currently has no formal collaborations with American universities, the visit resulted in several proposed initiatives. These include co-developing Tefa projects with U.S. partners, engaging in joint community programs, and establishing department-level partnerships. Furthermore, POLIJE expressed interest in joining NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, to access a global academic network.
The U.S. Consulate General also extended an invitation to POLIJE to participate in international forums and exclusive sessions with American institutions scheduled for early October 2025—an opportunity seen as a promising entry point into the broader U.S. higher education ecosystem.
This milestone visit aligns with POLIJE’s long-term vision to become a globally recognized polytechnic through the promotion of sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration. As part of its Green Campus Initiative and growing reputation in applied sciences, POLIJE continues to position itself as a forward-looking institution committed to global engagement and excellence in education.