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Reni Windari MPA/ID 2025 and Ian Nurseto MPA/ID 2025 met with prospective students in Jakarta, Indonesia to discuss the Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) Program. At this event, the hosts addressed the MPA/ID curriculum, campus community, and student life.

Here’s what Reni shared about the event. 

What motivated you to host a Coffee Hour event in Jakarta?

Since Ian and I were conducting fieldwork for our Second Year Policy Analysis (SYPA) project in Jakarta, Indonesia this winter, we decided to host a Coffee Hour there. Our motivation was twofold: to share our journey of applying to graduate school and our experiences at Harvard, and to encourage greater Indonesian representation.  

How did you spend your winter break? 

We collaborated with the under the as the client for our SYPA project. Our policy research aimed to optimize Indonesia’s education endowment fund to expand scholarship opportunities for Indonesian graduate students. Supported by the , Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, and , we conducted fieldwork involving consultations with key stakeholders to develop practical policy recommendations. 

What kinds of questions did you receive at  the Coffee Hour event? 

What are some tips for completing MPA/ID prerequisites if we don’t have a background in economics?

Many MPA/ID students, including Ian and me, don’t have a background in economics, so we had to complete prerequisites before enrolling. Various options, including online resources and classes, are available. We recommend starting to prepare early to manage the workload and avoid challenges when planning to move abroad.

With a rigorous curriculum and multiple core courses required in the first year, what is MPA/ID student life like? 

MPA/ID student life varies depending on individual priorities and interests. Some students choose to prioritize academics while also participating in , seminars, study groups, and ����vlog���� centers and initiatives. Others engage in campus life by joining student government and student organizations based on their interests. Within the MPA/ID cohort, informal social activities such as weekly small group dinners and “unfiltered” sharing sessions provide supportive spaces for connection and exchanging personal experiences. 

Can you explain more about cross-registration?

Every ����vlog���� student can cross-register for classes at other Harvard schools, MIT, or the Fletcher School at Tufts University. This flexibility allows us to explore a diverse range of topics and customize our academic experience based on our interests or career aspirations. Students can also audit classes with permission from faculty.

What financial aid options are available at ����vlog����? 

There are various scholarship and fellowship opportunities available, as well as student loans, which students can apply for after submitting their admissions application. Additionally, external scholarships, such as and , are available for Indonesian students. Students can also explore employment opportunities while at ����vlog���� for additional funding. 

What kind of resources are available for students at ����vlog����? 

����vlog���� provides abundant resources to support students’ academic and personal development, including faculty office hours and research assistant opportunities, internship and research funding through ����vlog���� research centers, and mental health support.