Following the easing of the Australian Government restrictions pertaining to international travel, the reduction in the overall level of travel advice for Indonesia and consultation with our partner universities and relevant Indonesian authorities, ACICIS intends to resume in-country delivery of our Flexible Language Immersion ProgramDevelopment Studies Immersion Program and Indonesian Business, Law and Society Program from August 2022.

While ACICIS aims to keep the information on our website as accurate and up-to-date as possible, any advice is provided as a guide only and should not be relied upon when formulating travel and study plans. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, rules and regulations pertaining to study in Indonesia (e.g. visa and entry requirements) have changed significantly and regularly at short notice.

ACICIS anticipates that relevant rules and regulations, alongside the overall COVID-19 situation as it pertains to Indonesia, will continue to change at multiple junctures between the time of publication and the start of the August 2022 semester. Prospective participants will therefore need to be flexible in their planning, and have contingencies in place in terms of their study plans, travel plans and budget. Participants should not make any travel arrangements prior to receiving further advice in their formal “welcome letter” from ACICIS.

Agriculture Semester Program (ASP)

What does the Professional Placement involve?

Is the Professional Placement compulsory?

  • Yes, the professional placement is a compulsory part of the Agriculture Semester Program.

Where will I be placed?

  • Students will be asked to submit their sectors of interest for the placement in their application.

Why type of host organisations are offered?

  • ACICIS partners with many different types of host organisations for the Professional Placement. See a list here of potential host organisation on offer here.

When will I find out what organisation my placement will be with?

  • Students will find out about their placement when they arrive in-country. ACICIS will arrange for students to visit their host organisation before beginning their placement.

When will I undertake my placement?

  • Students may undertake the ASP Professional Placement either alongside their IPB classes (e.g. one to one-and-a-half day/s per week around classes), or as a ‘block’ at the end of their semester.

East Java Field Study (EJFS)

Can I undertake an ACICIS Field Study as part of my honours degree?

Some students in the past have completed an ACICIS Field Study program as part of their honours degree.

However, this would be dependent on your home university. It is best to get in touch with your home university study abroad office or faculty administration office to discuss this option.

Can I undertake the EJFS as my first semester option?

Students can only undertake this program as a second semester option. It is recommended that students complete a semester on the Flexible Language Immersion Program at UGM in Yogyakarta prior to commencing the East Java Field Study.

What can I expect on the Field Study Program?

Watch this video to hear about what to expect on the Field Study Program.


Development Studies Immersion Program (DSIP)

What are the two streams of DSIP?

The DSIP offers students the opportunity to undertake either an eight-week community development fieldwork module known as ‘Student Community Service (SCS)’, or an eight-week professional development placement with a local community-based organisation, as part of their semester in Yogyakarta.

What does the Development Placement involve?

Where will I be placed?

  • Students who select the placement option will be asked to submit their sectors of interest for this placement in their application. We will also consult you during pre-departure as to what type of organisation you are most interested in being placed with. ACICIS will place you with an organisation that suits these interests.

Why type of host organisations are offered?

  • ACICIS partners with many different types of host organisations for the Development Placement. See a list here of potential host organisation on offer here.

When will I find out what organisation my placement will be with?

  • Students will find out about their placement when they arrive in-country. During the first few weeks of the program, students will be taken to meet potential host organisations, and then select where they would like to be placed.

 

What does the Student Community Service (SCS) option involve?

Who determines the SCS projects?

  • Faculty workshops coordinated by LPPM determine the projects for each semester. Faculty lecturers then put forward proposals in consultation with students. Communities may approach UGM, or alternatively programs may be designed to meet the conditions set by specific donors. Most projects are semester specific, although more complex projects may roll over for number of semesters. That said, it is really you and your student group (unit) that determine what projects that you will work on, as the details of SCS activities are worked out with the host community during the initial two weeks of the program.

Who participates in SCS?

  • All UGM undergraduate students must complete the SCS semester, usually in their final year of study. A typical SCS unit will consist of 30 students drawn from four disciplinary clusters. This group is then sub-divided into smaller teams of 5-6 people. A typical project may be located in ‘Village A’ with the 30 participants then divided into smaller units that are placed in four or five sub-village units.

Do I choose what project I will join?

  • Yes and no. Each semester approximately six to ten projects will be available. However, the announcement of projects is only made approximately two weeks prior to departure for the field. Applicants cannot, therefore, choose their projects prior to departure from abroad. Students will be consulted on their preferences for field placements. However, final placement is at the discretion of ACICIS staff. While all efforts are made to accommodate student preference, ACICIS risk management and pastoral care requirements are taken into account. The quota system (whereby each unit must consist of a minimum number of participants from four discipline clusters), also influences placement decisions.

Where will the project be located and how will I get there?

  • Projects will be located in the province of Yogyakarta. No site will be more than two hours from the UGM campus. You will travel to the site with your unit. This will be arranged during the briefing prior to departure.

Do I have to pay for rent and meals in the village?

  • No. The sub-unit pays for all of this out of money which ACICIS pays to LPPM. However, the group budget for meals is usually not enough, so students may be asked to top it up over the course of the program. The sum is marginal.

Where will I live?

  • During the first six-weeks of the program, you will rent a room in a boarding house close to Gadjah Mada University (UGM). You may elect to maintain this room for the entire semester, or you may move out when you depart for the village. In the village, you may be placed with a host family or the sub-unit may be allocated a house which becomes a communal living space. Male and female students are housed separately in line with local norms. During the pre-departure briefing, your unit coordinator will tell you all the things that you will need to take to the site (for example, students may be told that they will need sleeping mats, sheets, towels etc.). ACICIS staff will assist DSIP students in getting all of this organized. For more information about accommodation options near UGM, see here.

How do I get around in the village?

  • In the village you do not need transportation as everything is very close. It is not always easy, however, to arrange transport in and out of the field placement sites. Students may return to the city (or UGM) by public transport (bus or train), but it may take a few connections. Usually, a fellow student with a motorbike will give students a ride back into town if necessary. You may take a motorbike to the village, but it is not recommended.

Will I be the only ACICIS student in my unit?

  • It will depend on how many ACICIS students participate in the SCS (Student Community Service) stream. Should there be enough students participating, there is a possibility that more than one students will be placed in the same unit.

What if I do not want to take all my belongings to the Field Placement site?

  • You can box them up and make arrangements to store them with ACICIS or a friend in Yogyakarta. If you would like to take a bicycle or other large items to the village, hiring a ute for a couple of hours is relatively cheap.

Will I be able to buy necessities in the village?

  • Yes! There will be shops selling all the necessities of life (food, drinks, toiletries, groceries) and small restaurants (warung) where you can eat (although meals are included in the program). You can top up phone credit at the corner store and access Wi-Fi internet with a modem on your laptop (yes, you can take your laptop). You will learn to live without certain conveniences (such as hot water, a private bedroom, western-style toilet, muffins and espressos for breakfast), but otherwise life on-site is very pleasant.

Can we take a holiday during SCS or leave the location?

  • No. The placement is eight weeks, fulltime. Students are allocated five days off during this time. You may not take a holiday or invite guests (visitors from overseas) to the village. Do not organize for family or friends to visit during this time. Technically you are not allowed to leave the site beyond your five day allowance. In reality, the rules tend to be a bit more flexible and students are able to head into to town for a half day or so if no activities are scheduled.
What skills do I need?

Observational and critical thinking abilities. SCS units are composed of students from four disciplinary clusters: science and technology, health, agriculture, and social sciences. Most DSIP students will be from the latter, which is generally regarded as the most important. Engineering is easy. Managing technology transfers is tricky. Social scientists play a critical role in surveying needs, engaging with the community, and monitoring development initiatives.


Flexible Language Immersion Program (FLIP)

How do I choose regular curriculum subjects?

Several methods of choosing regular curriculum subjects are suggested. One possibility is for students to choose a subject about which they know nothing and study it at a basic level, for example, Ethnography of Java. The readings would be in Indonesian. Another method is to choose subjects in which the concepts are already understood, for example, Sociology, and study it at basic level to focus on the language. Alternatively, choose a higher level subject in your own area of specialization and really stretch yourself.

As the Flexible Language Immersion program is focused on Indonesian language acquisition, students must select courses in which all lectures, tutorials, and assessment are in Bahasa Indonesia, and as far as possible, all texts as well. In practice, however, the set readings for many subjects are in English as books available in Indonesian may not be available. Whilst ACICIS discourages students from studying subjects where the readings are in English, this can’t always be avoided. ACICIS encourages students to take as many subjects in Indonesian as possible to maximize the immersion experience. Students must consult ACICIS Yogyakarta staff before finalizing their subject choices. Home institutions have the right to determine guidelines for their own students who should notify ACICIS staff of these. It is not possible for students to find out precisely which courses are offered at UGM in any particular semester prior to departure, and ACICIS will not attempt to convert or translate Indonesian university units into Australian or other university equivalents.

In addition to the courses outlined above, ACICIS offers several cultural activities which all ACICIS students at UGM may choose to join according to their interests. Information about these activities is provided during Orientation.

What mix of language and regular subjects should I take at Gadjah Mada (UGM)?

ACICIS requires students to study at least 12 credit points (known as “SKS”), and no more than 15. Most subjects are worth 2 or 3 credit points, so students should take four to six semester subjects. Students may make their own choices, but will need to obtain approval from the ACICIS Resident Director. For the Indonesian Language subject choice, the Resident Director will take advice from UGM based on the placement test.

Beginners (with no or little previous Indonesian language) should choose the full 12 credit points of language offered, at either beginners or intermediate level. A total of 12 contact hours per week, over 14 weeks amounts to 168 hours of instruction.

Intermediate student (with less than 4 semesters of university level Indonesian language, or equivalent) should choose at least 10 credit points of language at intermediate or advanced level.

Advanced students (with 4 or more semesters of university level Indonesian language, or equivalent) should choose about 4 credit point of advanced language (somewhere between 0 and 8 credit points depending on language competency). The better the student’s language, the less language classes will be needed.


Indonesian Business, Law and Society Program (IBLS)

What does the Professional Placement involve?

Where will I be placed?

  • Students who select the placement option will be asked to submit their sectors of interest for this placement in their application.

Why type of host organisations are offered?

  • A range of different types of host organisations for the Professional Placement are available. See a list here of potential host organisation on offer here.

When will I find out what organisation my placement will be with?

  • Students will find out about their placement when they arrive in-country.

Will the placement be credited to my semester?

  • Yes, the Professional Placement is a total of 6 SKS worth of credits. Students will enrol in this unit.

 


Indonesian Language Teacher Immersion (ILTI)

Are there any pre-requisites for the ILTI course?

There are no prior requirements for the course in terms of pre-service teaching hours or pre-requisite units. The program is open to all students from all universities. Students will require to have at least intermediate Indonesian skills.

What is Sanata Dharma University like?

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International Relations Program (IRP)

What does the Professional Placement involve?

Where will I be placed?

  • Students who select the placement option will be asked to submit their sectors of interest for this placement in their application.

Why type of host organisations are offered?

  • A range of different types of host organisations for the Professional Placement are available. See a list here of potential host organisation on offer here.

When will I find out what organisation my placement will be with?

  • Students will find out about their placement when they arrive in-country.

Will the placement be credited to my semester?

  • Yes, the Professional Placement is a total of 3 SKS worth of credits. Students will enrol in this unit.

When will I undertake my placement?

  • Students can undertake the placement for 1-2 days per week during the semester. Students enrolled in the January-June semester will have the option to undertake the placement as a 5-week block at the end of their semester of studies.
What is the International Relations Program like?

When do I choose my subjects?

Students are required to submit their subject selection at the time of application. ACICIS will then work to enrol you in these subjects at the university in Bandung. In some circumstances, the university in Bandung may change their subject offerings before the semester begins. If this is the case, ACICIS will contact you to ask you to resubmit your subject selection.

When does the placement start?

Students can undertake the placement for 1-2 days per week during the semester. Students enrolled in the January-June semester will have the option to undertake the placement as a 5-week block at the end of their semester of studies.


West Java Field Study (WJFS)

Can I undertake an ACICIS Field Study as part of my honours degree?

Some students in the past have completed an ACICIS Field Study program as part of their honours degree.

However, this would be dependent on your home university. It is best to get in touch with your home university study abroad office or faculty administration office to discuss this option.

Can I undertake classes at the university, on top of my field study?

If interested, WJFS students can take up to two classes at UNPAR as part of their semester of study. To see a list of subjects available each semester, see here.

ACICIS will contact you during the pre-departure process to confirm what units you would like to take during your semester.

What can I expect on the Field Study Program?

Watch this video to hear about what to expect on the Field Study Program.


General Semester Abroad FAQs

Can family members come to Indonesia with me?

ACICIS students often take their children and spouses with them when they go to Indonesia to study for a semester.

Read more about taking your family to Indonesia here.

If you are planning on taking family members to Indonesia, ACICIS will assist in obtaining an appropriate visa for your child/spouse. You will need to contact the ACICIS Secretariat (enquiries@acicis.edu.au) to request a Family Member application package, and submit this by the application deadline for your semester program.

Can I apply after the application closing date?

If you have missed the application deadline, please contact the ACICIS Secretariat (enquiries@acicis.edu.au) as soon as possible to enquire whether a late application is possible.

Please note, however, that ACICIS deadlines are set to meet strict host university enrolment and immigration processing timelines. Therefore we may be limited in our ability to accept late applications.

Can I take an ACICIS program as part of an Honours year?

Yes, a number of students have completed ACICIS programs and gained credit towards their Honours degrees. This, however, is at the discretion of the student’s home university.

The majority of Honours students have completed semester-long field study programs, whereby the student completes a single research project on a topic of their own choosing. These programs are largely self-guided and hence most suitable for Honours students. ACICIS therefore suggests that students interested in taking ACICIS as part of an Honours year look into the West Java Field Study Program or the East Java Field Study Program and discuss possible credit arrangements with their home university contact person well in advance of the application closing date.

Honours students have generally found that a semester in Indonesia has significantly enriched their studies and final dissertations. However, students must remember that an Honours year is very demanding. Therefore students who elect to take an ACICIS program as part of an Honours year must prepare adequately so as not to run themselves short of time. Foremost, their chosen topic for their field study and dissertation must be approved by ACICIS and their home university prior to their departure to Indonesia. Students must ascertain whether they are required to gain approval from their ‘home’ university’s ethics committee prior to undertaking fieldwork and commence any ethics approval process as early as possible.

Secondly, ACICIS strongly advises Honours students to undertake preliminary research at their university library prior to departure for Indonesia. This will give students a better frame of reference when making fieldwork enquiries and allow them to access source materials that may be unavailable in Indonesia. Finally, Honours students are strongly advised to liaise regularly with their home university supervisor while in Indonesia to ensure that their studies ‘in-country’ remain relevant to the aims of their Honours year.

Can I travel in Indonesia before/after my program?

Before commencement of your Semester Program:

The short answer is no.

Due to strict Indonesian immigration requirements pertaining to the VITAS visa used by ACICIS semester program students, you may not arrive in Indonesia until three days prior to orientation.

After conclusion of your Semester Program:

Students are welcome to travel around Indonesia for one month following the conclusion of the final exam period. If you’re undertaking two semesters of study with ACICIS, you are free to travel around Indonesia during the vacation period between semesters and for a month following your final semester.

Note that due to visa regulations, your final exit from the country must be arranged from your last city of study. You need to return at least two weeks prior to your departure date to organise an exit permit. Once this exit permit is issued you must leave Indonesia within a short period (usually within seven days). It is therefore not possible, for example, to complete a semester in Yogyakarta and have a two week holiday in Bali immediately prior to returning to Australia. If you leave Indonesia without obtaining an exit permit you will likely be classified as an immigration offender and jeopardise your ability to return to Indonesia in the future.

 

Can I undertake postgraduate study with ACICIS?

Most students undertaking study with ACICIS do so as part of their undergraduate studies. However, ACICIS does and has accepted numerous postgraduate students onto its in-country programs over the years. These have included students pursuing graduate diploma qualifications, master’s degrees, and PhDs.

Postgraduate students have undertaken in-country programs as accredited components of their postgraduate qualifications (with prior approval from their home university) or as unaccredited preparation for postgraduate fieldwork and research. Please note, that these students have done so as participants in undergraduate level programs offered by Indonesian universities. ACICIS does not currently offer semester long programs at a postgraduate level (eg. master’s-level coursework programs).

Postgraduate students undertaking study with ACICIS may not use their time in Indonesia while on an ACICIS program to conduct fieldwork or postgraduate research in Indonesia. Conducting research of this nature in Indonesian requires a separate level of approval from the Indonesian government, specifically from RISTEK, the ministry responsible for issuing research permits.

See here for more information about obtaining a research permit for Indonesia.

Can I work in Indonesia between semesters or after my semester?

No. Semester students are on sponsored study visas that do not cover paid internship or work activities. For paid internships, students should seek visa sponsorship from the host organisation and re-enter the country. Working is strictly prohibited on a study visa. The penalties are stiff if you are caught. You cannot convert your study visa to a work visa. You will need to exit and re-enter the country on a new visa arranged by your employer. ACICIS will not assist students on visa matters not related to its ‘in-country’ programs.

Agriculture Professional Practicum (APP)

Is the program specifically aimed at a certain level of participant?

The program is aimed at those who, by the commencement of the APP, have had the equivalent of at least one year of undergraduate study of agriculture, or science, or related discipline. We anticipate many applicants will have more experience than this.

What areas of agriculture does this program cover?

This program is on offer to students from variety of agriculture related disciplines. There are placements available in a range of disciplines including conservation, agribusiness, resource management, and more. Read more about the placements on offer here.


Business Professional Practicum (BPP)

Is the program specifically aimed at a certain level of participant?

The program is aimed at those who, by the commencement of the BPP, have had the equivalent of at least one year of undergraduate study of business or related discipline. We anticipate many applicants will have more experience than this.

What areas of business does this program cover?

This program is on offer to students from variety of business related disciplines. There are placements available in a range of disciplines including commerce, finance, marketing, accounting, managements, economics and more. Read more about the placements on offer here.


Creative Arts & Design Professional Practicum (CADPP)

Is the program specifically aimed at a certain level of student?

The program is aimed at those who, by the commencement of the CADPP, have had a minimum of at least one year of undergraduate study in creative arts and design or a related discipline, or are undertaking postgraduate studies. We anticipate many applicants will have more experience than this.

What areas of creative arts and design does this program cover?

This program is on offer to students from variety of creative arts and design related disciplines. There are placements available in a range of disciplines including architecture, animation, art education, arts management, retail design, ceramics, film, graphic design, sustainable design, printmaking, textiles, urban planning, social media and more. Read more about the placements on offer here.


Development Studies Professional Practicum (DSPP)

How do I apply for a Working with Children Check in my state?

Students who are accepted on the ACICIS Development Studies Professional Practicum will be required to supply a scan of a valid Working with Children Check card issues by an Australian state or territory government.

If you do not already have a valid Working with Children Check, here is a guide on how to apply for this in your state or territory.

Is the program specifically aimed at a certain level of student?

The program is aimed at those who, by the commencement of the DSPP, have had a minimum of at least one year of undergraduate study in development studies or a related discipline, or are undertaking  postgraduate studies. We anticipate many applicants will have more experience than this.


Journalism Professional Practicum (JPP)

Is the program specifically aimed at a certain level of student?

The program is aimed at those who, by the commencement of the JPP, have had the equivalent of at least one year of undergraduate study of journalism or communications. We anticipate many applicants will have more experience than this, and applications are welcomed from working journalists and others.

Is this program only available for Journalism students?

No. The Journalism Professional Practicum is available to students from a variety of communications disciplines, or for those with an interest in gaining professional experience in the Indonesian media sector. Related disciplines may include (but are not limited to) communications, media studies, and more.


Law Professional Practicum (LPP)

Is the program specifically aimed at a certain level of participant?

The program is aimed at those who, by the commencement of the LPP, have had a minimum of at least one year of undergraduate study in law or a related discipline. We anticipate many applicants will have more experience than this.

Is this program only available for Law students?

No. The Law Professional Practicum is available to students from a variety of law related disciplines, or for those with an interest in gaining professional experience in the Indonesian legal sector. Related disciplines may include (but are not limited to) legal studies, criminology, justice studies, policing, governance studies, or public policy.


Sustainable Tourism Professional Practicum (STPP)

Is the program specifically aimed at a certain level of participant?

The program is aimed at those who, by the commencement of the STPP, have had the equivalent of at least one year of undergraduate study of sustainability or tourism, or related discipline. We anticipate many applicants will have more experience than this.


General Summer Abroad FAQs

Are there any prerequisites?

ACICIS does not set any prerequisites for the Professional Practica programs.

However, ACICIS does recommend that you contact your home university to clarify if there are any prerequisites set by the university.

Can I apply after the application closing date?

If you have missed the application deadline, please contact the ACICIS Secretariat (enquiries@acicis.edu.au) as soon as possible to enquire whether a late application is possible.

Please note, however, that ACICIS deadlines are set to meet strict host university enrolment and immigration processing timelines. Therefore we may be limited in our ability to accept late applications.

Can I choose the host organisation where I undertake my placement?

Applicants should be aware that they are applying for the program, not a specific placement. Whilst ACICIS will endeavor to match student preferences to the places available, students must accept that they may not get their preferred placement.

In addition, all ACICIS placements with host organisations in Indonesia depend entirely on the good will and preparedness of such organisations to host participants. Such organisations retain the right to withdraw from the program or vary the number of participants they host at any stage. Therefore, while acting in good faith in preparing students for placements, ACICIS cannot guarantee any specific internship site and participants must accept this need for flexibility as a condition of participation in these programs.

Can I take an ACICIS program as part of an Honours year?

Yes, a number of students have completed ACICIS programs and gained credit towards their Honours degrees. This, however, is at the discretion of the student’s home university.

The majority of Honours students have completed semester-long field study programs, whereby the student completes a single research project on a topic of their own choosing. These programs are largely self-guided and hence most suitable for Honours students. ACICIS therefore suggests that students interested in taking ACICIS as part of an Honours year look into the West Java Field Study Program or the East Java Field Study Program and discuss possible credit arrangements with their home university contact person well in advance of the application closing date.

Honours students have generally found that a semester in Indonesia has significantly enriched their studies and final dissertations. However, students must remember that an Honours year is very demanding. Therefore students who elect to take an ACICIS program as part of an Honours year must prepare adequately so as not to run themselves short of time. Foremost, their chosen topic for their field study and dissertation must be approved by ACICIS and their home university prior to their departure to Indonesia. Students must ascertain whether they are required to gain approval from their ‘home’ university’s ethics committee prior to undertaking fieldwork and commence any ethics approval process as early as possible.

Secondly, ACICIS strongly advises Honours students to undertake preliminary research at their university library prior to departure for Indonesia. This will give students a better frame of reference when making fieldwork enquiries and allow them to access source materials that may be unavailable in Indonesia. Finally, Honours students are strongly advised to liaise regularly with their home university supervisor while in Indonesia to ensure that their studies ‘in-country’ remain relevant to the aims of their Honours year.

Can I travel around Indonesia on weekends?

Yes, students can go travelling to areas in and around Indonesia on weekends, however students do need to inform ACICIS staff when and where they plan to travel. Students will also need to inform their mentor, to ensure there are no extra tasks to be performed on these weekends during the placement period. Students should ensure they are covered by their compulsory travel during these trips, and if not, seek extra cover.

Can I travel in Indonesia before/after my program?

Students are permitted to travel prior/past their program in Indonesia as long as the student does not overstay their visa.

All Professional Practicum Program participants must enter Indonesia on a pre-purchased 60 day Social-Cultural Visa. This is a single entry visa that is valid if presented within three months from the date of issue. Please doubly note that the visa is single entry, non-extendable and, once issued, must be used on your next entry into Indonesia (including Bali). Indonesian Immigration Law does not permit foreigners to hold more than one visa (or tourist visa exemption) at a time, so you should not obtain your Social-Cultural visa until any other travel plans to Indonesia have been completed.

Whilst we encourage participants to get as much exposure to Indonesia as possible, this is not the main objective of the intensive 6-week practicum. The participant gets a 60-day visa, and the program lasts for 6-7 weeks. This does not leave much time for a holiday before or after the program.

Neither ACICIS nor Atma Jaya University will support visa extensions and there are hefty fines for overstaying your visa, so be careful. If you want to stay longer than the 60 days, it is best to fly to Singapore/ Kuala Lumpur and then return on a tourist visa exemption/visa on arrival.

Can I undertake postgraduate study with ACICIS?

Most students undertaking study with ACICIS do so as part of their undergraduate studies. However, ACICIS does and has accepted numerous postgraduate students onto its in-country programs over the years. These have included students pursuing graduate diploma qualifications, master’s degrees, and PhDs.

Postgraduate students have undertaken in-country programs as accredited components of their postgraduate qualifications (with prior approval from their home university) or as unaccredited preparation for postgraduate fieldwork and research. Please note, that these students have done so as participants in undergraduate level programs offered by Indonesian universities. ACICIS does not currently offer semester long programs at a postgraduate level (eg. master’s-level coursework programs).

Postgraduate students undertaking study with ACICIS may not use their time in Indonesia while on an ACICIS program to conduct fieldwork or postgraduate research in Indonesia. Conducting research of this nature in Indonesian requires a separate level of approval from the Indonesian government, specifically from RISTEK, the ministry responsible for issuing research permits.

See here for more information about obtaining a research permit for Indonesia.

How do I increase my chances of being selected?

You can increase your chances of being selected for an ACICIS program by submitting a strong application.

When submitting your application, students are encouraged to provide the following:

  1. An updated and professional Resume (CV)
  2. A well written and well structured ‘Statement of Objectives’ (similar to a job application cover letter)
  3. Nomination of a referee who will provide you with a good reference
How does the selection process work in terms of the placement?

Here is a summary of the process:

  • Applications are first reviewed by Perth Secretariat staff and then forwarded to the ACICIS Resident Director (RD).
  • The ACICIS RD vets all students applications, and applicants are notified of the outcome one month after the application deadline.
  • Applications are forwarded to nominated host organisations for consideration (based on sectoral interests, qualifications, and experience of applicants).
  • Host organisations indicate preferences.
  • The Academic Program Officers and the ACICIS RD will allocate placements in accordance with sectoral interests, qualifications and experience, and the knowledge of current host organisation programs.
  • Placements are announced by the end of November.
  • Placements cannot be altered at the request of applicants upon the announcement of all positions by ACICIS. Applicants who are dissatisfied with the placement may withdraw from the program with the usual penalties.
  • More information about the selection process can be found here.
Is selection of participants a matter of ‘first in best dressed’ or does it depend on merit and the application process?

ACICIS will select participants on a number of criteria including: academic record, industry experience, life experience, the student’s flexibility in choice of placement, the skills that the applicant can bring to the placement, and the general quality of the student’s application.

When do I found out about the outcome of my application?

Outcome of application notification is sent via email approximately one month after the application deadline.

School Tour

Can the ACICIS School Tours be counted towards a student’s WACE? (WA schools)

ACICIS School Tours can be counted towards a student’s WACE (Western Australia Certificate of Education) as an Off-Campus Enrichment Program. This counts for one unit on a student’s Statement of Student Achievement. For more information or a template for assessment, please contact the ACICIS Secretariat.

Can we choose the activities and field trips the students complete on the tour?

Yes, once dates have been selected we will ask you to look through the activities and field trip options we have available. We will then be able to include these in the draft itinerary we send to you.

How do I go about booking a school tour?

Read through the information on our website about the ACICIS Indonesia School Tour program and please refer to the ‘How to Book a School Tour‘ page.

What are the School Visits like?

As a part of the School Tour – students have the opportunity to visit an Indonesian School in Yogyakarta.

What do the language classes involve?

As part of the School Tour program, students undertake intensive language classes at Sanata Dharma University.


Public Health Study Tour (PHST)

Do you need Indonesian language skills to participate in the tour?

No, you do not need any Indonesian language skills to participate in the tour. There is a one-day introduction to the language at the start of the tour. These classes will be catered to all language levels.

Is accommodation included?

Yes, accommodation for the entire tour is included in the tour fee, and is arranged by ACICIS. You will be notified of where you will be staying as part of your pre-departure email series.

Is the tour specifically aimed at a certain level of participant?

No, this tour is available to students from undergraduate studies, or postgraduate studies.

Students in relevant fields are all welcome to participate on this tour.


Indonesian Language Short Course (ILSC)

ILSC

New Colombo Plan

Am I eligible to receive an New Colombo Plan Grant?

To check if you are eligible for a New Colombo Plan Grant, please see these links:

Semester Program

Practicum Programs

Short Term Programs

Can ACICIS change the eligibility requirements for the New Colombo Plan?

The eligibility requirements for the New Colombo Plan are set by the Australian Government and ACICIS is unable to amend the terms in any respect.

Can I receive New Colombo Plan Grants for two semester abroad experiences?

No. Students can only receive one semester New Colombo Plan grant during their undergraduate degree.

Can I receive New Colombo Plan grants for two short-term study programs?

No. Students can only receive one short-term New Colombo Plan grant during their undergraduate degree.

How do I apply for the New Colombo Plan Grant?

There is no separate application for the New Colombo Plan grant.  To be considered for a grant, you simply apply for the ACICIS program. You will automatically be assessed of your eligibility for a grant, and we will work with your home university to confirm this and to award you the grant.

If I complete a semester with ACICIS, can I then receive a New Colombo Plan grant to undertake an short-term program with ACICIS?

If you’ve not received a short-term grant previously, and you meet the eligibility criteria for the New Colombo Plan, you can!

When will I be awarded my New Colombo Plan Grant?

When ACICIS offers you final acceptance into the program, we will also tell you if you have been provisionally awarded a New Colombo Plan grant.  Once ACICIS has confirmed your eligibility to receive the grant with your home university, either your home university or ACICIS staff will be in touch with you to arrange the payment of the New Colombo Plan grant.

It is important to note that the time it takes to confirm a student’s eligibility does vary. ACICIS does endeavour to ensure funding is awarded to students before they travel on their ACICIS program. On rare occasions, confirmation of eligibility can be delayed and payments might not be made until students are in-country.


OS-Help

How do I apply for OS-HELP?

To apply, students need to apply through their home university. Students should search OS-HELP on their home university’s website to find out the application process, deadlines and more information.

How much can I apply for?

In 2018, the maximum you can borrow for a six-month study period is:

  • $7,998 if you will be studying in Asia; and
  • an additional $1,065 if you will be undertaking Asian language study in preparation for study in Asia.

Keep in mind that you do not need to apply for the full amount.

What is OS-HELP?

OS‑HELP is a loan available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place who want to undertake some of their study overseas. OS‑HELP can be used for a range of expenses such as airfares, accommodation, and other travel or study expenses. Students may receive one loan per six-month study period and can access a total of two OS‑HELP loans over their lifetime. A student’s overseas study must take place within the relevant six-month study period of the OS-HELP loan.

See more details here.


Endeavour

What is the Endeavour Program?

The Endeavour Asia Post Graduate Program for study in Asian countries, including Indonesia, is a suitable option for postgraduate students considering undertaking study on an ACICIS program. Eligible student exchanges include provisions for tuition fee waiver and credit transfers. Short-term grants of $2000 per student, semester grants of $5000 per student and language support grants of $1000 per student are available. Semester study must be for academic credit and short term study must be for academic credit or otherwise be a mandatory component of the students course.

Your home university is responsible for applying for Endeavour funding, so it is best to contact your Study Abroad office, or your Faculty student office, to find out more information about what funding might be available to you.


Travel Grants

Are there other travel grants available?

Many Australian universities offer travel grants to student studying abroad. It is best to get in touch with your home university Study Abroad/Exchange office to find out what other funding options, such as travel grants, are available to you.


Can I receive Centrelink payments when I am overseas?

Yes, if you are receiving Centrelink for the duration of your university degree, when you are overseas on a study abroad program such as ACICIS, you can still receive those payments. To arrange this, you will need to request a letter from your home university, noting your study period overseas, and you will then need to submit this to Centrelink.