Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi is preparing to host the Fulbright Specialist Program, following an online meeting with American scholar Dr. Marie Lina Excellent on August 15, 2026.
The Fulbright Specialist Program, a short-term academic exchange initiative funded by the US Department of State, allows Indonesian institutions to invite leading academics and professionals from the United States for two to six weeks. The programme is designed to strengthen curriculum development, enhance faculty quality, deliver public lectures and workshops, and build long-term institutional partnerships.
During the meeting, UIN Jambi’s International Office and Dr. Excellent agreed on a schedule running from November 17 to December 19, 2026. The collaboration will span 32 days, with activities including seminars, workshops, and the drafting of a training syllabus.
“I am very proud and cannot wait to come to Jambi, Indonesia. Thank you for this opportunity,” Dr. Excellent said.
Dr. Dion Ginanto, Director of UIN Jambi’s International Office, welcomed her commitment.
“We are ready to learn and hope Dr. Excellent can help expand our networks, particularly in developing more COIL classes,” he noted.
In a separate statement, Dr. Fridiyanto, head of UIN Jambi’s Research and Community Service Institute, emphasized the broader impact.
“We hope the arrival of a professor from the University of North Carolina will benefit both lecturers and students. This experience should pave the way for sustainable COIL programmes across faculties,” he said.
The programme will operate under a cost-sharing arrangement: Fulbright will cover international flights, honorarium, and visa, while UIN Jambi will provide accommodation, local transport, and meals.
With preparations underway, the initiative is expected to strengthen UIN Jambi’s academic capacity and deepen ties between Indonesian and American institutions.