Georgetown Jakarta Study Abroad
“We thought Indonesia was an extraordinary laboratory for working on so many of the problems that we deal with here in the School of Foreign Service,” said Joel Hellman, SFS Dean, according to The Hoya.
Georgetown University will launch a new undergraduate study abroad program at its campus in Jakarta, Indonesia, in Fall 2027. The university announced the expansion on Nov. 3, marking the first fully Georgetown-operated undergraduate program in Southeast Asia.
The program builds on the existing Georgetown School of Foreign Service Asia Pacific branch, which opened in January 2025. That launch made Georgetown the first American university to open a branch in Indonesia, initially focusing on mid-career master’s programs and policy research.
The new offering expands the university’s network to 155 study abroad programs, with 24 located in Asia. SFS Dean Joel Hellman explained that Jakarta offers students direct engagement with one of the region’s prominent democracies.
Program Curriculum and Hands-On Experience
Students participating in the Jakarta semester will earn 15 academic credits that can fulfill major requirements. The curriculum includes two required courses, titled “Indonesia and the Global South” and “Indonesia in Time and Space,” supplemented by student-chosen electives.
Prior to starting classes in Jakarta, students must complete a two-week intensive Indonesian language course. The program also features group bonding excursions designed to showcase local culture and the country’s biodiversity.
“Everything that we do out here is basically with one mission, which is to meet the challenges of the Global South and the Asia Pacific, so all our programs are effectively working on that,” said Yukhi Tajima, GSAP program director.
Tajima said that undergraduates will gain practical experience through immersive electives and policy labs. Previous student researchers, such as Luke Hughes (SFS ’27), have already utilized local research labs to investigate issues like Indonesia’s fishing industry for senior theses.
University leaders anticipate program expansion through student interest
University leadership anticipates that student interest will drive the program to expand in coming years. Tajima suggested that the availability of Georgetown classes in Jakarta could eventually support full-year study abroad options.
“We have great ambitions to deepen our students’ experience around the world, to get them to the parts of the world that are going to be shaping the global order to come,” Hellman said.
What students need to know about the Jakarta program
What prerequisites are required for the Jakarta study abroad program?
Undergraduate participants must complete a mandatory two-week intensive Indonesian language course immediately before starting their regular semester coursework in Jakarta.
How many academic credits do students earn during the semester?
Students earn a total of 15 academic credits for the semester, with specific courses counting toward SFS major requirements.
Which graduate programs already operate at the Jakarta campus?
The Georgetown School of Foreign Service Asia Pacific branch previously established a mid-career master’s program, a graduate policy research program, and an accelerated master’s track for senior undergraduates following its opening in January 2025.
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