Charlie Locke is a student from the University of Melbourne. Charlie undertook the Indonesian Language Short Course at Satya Wacana University in Salatiga with the assistance of a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant in 2019.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Indonesian Language Short Course?
To be able to use Bahasa Indonesia everyday so that my speaking and comprehension skills could improve.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
Yes. It gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in the Indonesian culture and it helped me to regain my confidence in communicating in Bahasa.
Q: What did you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?
Continually interacting in a foreign language is quite taxing and I am very tired at the end of each day.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the Indonesian Language Short Course influence your future career or study?
It opens up new opportunities for me to take my experiences and passions overseas and work internationally.
Q: How different is in-country Indonesian language learning to your previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia?
The difference is that in Australia you enter a room and for an hour or two hours you are with the language and with the culture and are somewhat immersed. When you exit the room you return to your normal way of living. However when you’re in Indonesia you are truly living the Indonesian lifestyle, immersed in the daily activities, the food and of course the language. It’s everywhere you go and because of this you’re forced to use the skills you have! It’s such an interesting experience!
Q: Would you like to return to Indonesia for future study or work?
Absolutely, no doubt! I love the country, the people and the language!
Q: What did you enjoy most about the course?
The most enjoyable or satisfying thing for me on this trip has been the everyday conversations I have had with people in a grab, at a restaurant, with friends, in the classroom and on the street. Simple things such as these boost my confidence and make me feel so much more Indonesian!
Q: What did you like to do in your spare time in Salatiga?
Nongkrong, ngobrol, berenang, berkunjung ke tempat wisata dan belajar! (Hangout, chat, swim, visit tourist sites and study!)
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian food?
Nasi goreng pizza ole from Kafeola!
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian phrase?
Keren Bunget!!!