The Development of International Education towards Migration Abroad by Indonesian Women

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the degree of empowerment education towards ex-migrant women in the economic field, to explore the use of remittance sent by emigrant women to their families, and to identify the role of ex-migrant women to educate the community. A mixed-method research approach was used to obtain comprehensive information with questionnaire and in-depth interview with 45 participants. The research was undertaken in Subang, West Java, Indonesia, which was chosen due to the large number of Indonesian workers. The results of the study showed that women, who have migrated overseas for work, obtained a lot of international education experience, especially in terms of economic empowerment, and as a result were able to undertake economic activities upon returning to their home, such as opening a small food stall, and working in small to medium enterprises making and selling handicrafts as well as teaching Arabic language. The research also showed that the use of remittance by the families of ex-migrant women generally takes the form of material (economic) for day-to-day need, tuition fee and investment. The research concluded that ex-migrant women appear to gain international education experience, economic and social empowerment and have a willingness to educate and share their experience in community activities such as mutual cooperation, social gathering, and also in Posyandu (local health center) activities. Continuous investment in skills has not been done entirely by ex-migrant women. The results of working abroad are still used to meet daily needs.