It seems good to me to focus on the STEMI seminary in Indonesia, should I enroll in a theological seminary.
Not that the others in the West such as the Westminster Theological Seminary are any lesser than Dr. Stephen Tong's. But if I have the choice of observing and learning in an institution not just academically, but foundationally, historically and administratively, I would say, leave the other prestigious schools as my encyclopedia of everything else academic. Just as I would treat a monastery as a place for mere study and meditation instead of as my livelihood.
I cannot say the other institutes are any lesser quality or I may be disappointed when attending the STEMI seminary in Indonesia. However, should all these institutes be equal from many aspects, then certainly a wise use of financing my study is brought to my attention.
Despite support from others in the West, the means of paying for one's own growth in the knowledge of Christ is nonetheless an important discipline. How can I treat any discipline of studies so irresponsibly?
In terms of borrowing, then the restriction is a debt time and financial gratitude. Of which I think unnecessary in my pursuit of truth.
In terms of unofficial audit (for I thank God's grace here for the internet and the abundant conveniences in obtaining resources), then the restriction is a less intimate fellowship with other elects and slower study.
Of the latter, I can easily obtain a list of syllabus used in any good theological institutes, I'm sure. Since I'm not rich, I believe its restriction can be ignored, for the time being, not to mention the possibility to virtually overcome it to some extend in my ordinary life style.
The necessity of Seminary institution is therefore, I believe, limited to one's seriousness in studying God's word. But it cannot be a means to gain recognition or to obtain a gift (in terms of borrowing money). It is like the disciples of Christ, they laid down everything else but the works necessary to be His followers. So should one works himself to be qualified to enroll. And should financial aspect and others the like of such prevent one from enrolling without compromising important principles, God will provide another way, provided it is not an excuse to avoid enrolling.