Boston, New York, Washington D.C., USA (September 29 – October 9, 2025) — A proud moment for UIN Walisongo Semarang as one of its English Education lecturers, Eka Harisma W., who also serves as the Program Manager of American Corner Semarang, was selected to participate in the prestigious Digital Literacy and American Spaces: American Experience Program in the United States.
The program, held from September 29 to October 9, 2025, brought together 19 participants from 18 countries worldwide, aiming to enhance participants’ understanding of digital literacy, higher education, and community engagement in the U.S.
The first leg of the journey began in Boston, where participants explored the Freedom Trail, immersing them in the rich history of American independence, concluding the day with a warm dinner hosted by Ed and Sue Cronin.
On the second day, the group visited Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) to learn about the vital role community colleges play in the U.S. higher education system, particularly in serving international students. Later, they toured Emerson College’s School of Journalism, where they met faculty members, observed a photojournalism class, and experienced student life firsthand.
The learning continued on the fourth day with a historical session led by Jonathan Lane at the Dorchester Heights Monument, discussing the “Revolution 250” movement. The group also visited the Boston Tea Party Museum, deepening their understanding of pivotal moments in U.S. history.
The fifth day offered a stimulating visit to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), featuring an insightful campus tour showcasing innovation and technology that drive the institution’s global reputation.
The journey then moved to New York City, where participants explored the Museum of the City of New York and the 9/11 Memorial Museum, reflecting on the resilience and cultural identity of the city.
The final leg took place in Washington, D.C., where participants visited Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) to learn about its educational model and community engagement strategies. The group also spent a volunteer day at Tregaron Conservancy, assisting in planting native species and removing invasive plants — a hands-on experience emphasizing environmental stewardship.
In addition, participants toured the Kennedy Center, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, where they learned about innovative maker spaces and public engagement programs, and concluded their journey with a visit to the Smithsonian Museums.
Reflecting on the experience, the lecturer from UIN Walisongo expressed pride in representing Indonesia and gaining valuable insights into American culture, education, and digital innovation. “This program not only broadened my global perspective but also inspired new ideas to develop digital literacy programs and cross-cultural collaborations at American Corner Semarang,” she said.
This international training underscores UIN Walisongo’s commitment to global engagement and academic excellence, as well as its continued collaboration with American Spaces to empower students and communities through education and technology.