New Colombo Plan - Connect to Australia’s future - study in the region.

Indonesian Language Short Course

Miranda Lucas is a New Colombo Plan Scholar from Monash University. Miranda undertook the Indonesian Language Short Course at Satya Wacana University in Salatiga during the summer university break in 2019.

Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Indonesian Language Short Course?

I decided to undertake ILSC in order to develop a foundation in the language before my upcoming semester in Yogyakarta.

Q: What do you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?

I found the pace of the first week, when paired with the usual stresses of acclimatising, was the most challenging aspect of ILSC. I am now very grateful that I was able to learn so much in such a short period of time.

Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the Indonesian Language Short Course influence your future career or study?

As I noted before, I will be completing one semester studying and interning in Yogyakarta. My participation in ILSC has been, and will continue to be, absolutely fundamental to this period of time. Upon my return to Australia I hope to share my experiences with my friends and continue to practice my Indonesian.

Q: Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? If so, how different is in-country Indonesian language learning to your previous experiences? If not, how do classes in Indonesia compare to classes in Australia?

I really enjoyed the small class sizes in Indonesia as compared to the very large ones in Australia. I found this to be highly beneficial to my learning experience.

Q: Would you like to return to Indonesia for future study or work?

Yes, I would like to return to Indonesia.

Q: What have you enjoyed most about the course?

I really enjoyed learning and then applying my Indonesian in my host family. I am so glad that I decided to stay with a host family! My Ibu actually cried when I left.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Salatiga?

I liked to go and study at Aromia and spend time with my host family.

Q: What is your favourite Indonesian food? 

My host family’s cooking!

Q: What is your favourite Indonesian phrase?

Adalah