Zoe Pearce is a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient from The University of Western Australia. Zoe undertook the Flexible Language Immersion Program (FLIP) in 2025.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the Acicis program?
I chose to undertake the Acicis FLIP program as I am very interested in Indonesia and studying Indonesian language. I was lucky to previously take an Acicis course while in high school and had been to Yogyakarta before and knew I always wanted to go back. I currently study Asian Studies and Indonesian language and knew this program would help me with my language and gain a better understanding of Indonesian culture.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
Yes I received the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant. This grant helped cover the cost of tuition and fees along with some extra money to help with necessary costs eg housing. This helped enormously as it meant the program was affordable and accessible for me.
Q: What classes/units are you currently enrolled in?
I am currently enrolled in the INCULS program at UGM, I take five Indonesian language classes; Writing, Reading, Listening, Vocabulary and Translation along with one immersion class in the social and political studies faculty.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the Flexible Language Immersion Program influence your future career or study?
My Indonesian language has improved significantly since partaking in the FLIP program and I now feel confident in my ability. This will influence my future as I now have confidence to state my proficient ability in Indonesian for future employers. I have always wanted to direct my future career so I can use my Indonesian as a skill however now feel more confident to do so and have even more of an interest to further my studies in Indonesia and Bahasa.
Q: How different is in-country Indonesian language learning to your previous experiences in an Australian classroom environment?
In country learning is significantly different from Australian classroom environment. All my classes in Indonesia have been taught in Indonesian, which at the start was overwhelming however as I progressed slowly became more understandable and easier. Being able to sit in class and only speak Indonesian has really helped with my progression of the language in the short time of being here. Also being surrounded by people who only talk Indonesian forces you to push yourself and talk in Indonesian even when it is easier to talk in English, which means you have to practice every day. Living in Yogya, I have also learnt many phrases and slang, along with some Javanese, which I wouldn’t have learnt if I only studied in Australia.
Q: Did you undertake an internship or volunteering while in Indonesia?
Yes, I am currently interning at the Centre for Southeast Asian Social Issues. This is a research facility based out of UGM which focuses on research of social issues in Southeast Asia. Interning at this centre has been very interesting and beneficial for me. Experiencing not only a new office environment but one in Indonesia has been exciting and interesting. My role in the office is helping and undertaking any task set for me, such as proofreading, social media posts and I have just finished a presentation which I was assigned by the organisation.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Yogyakarta?
In Yogyakarta there is endless possibilities for activities to do in my spare time. Throughout the semester I have found an amazing yoga centre where I go to classes most days a week. I have also made an amazing group of friends so we usually will go to cafes or delicious warungs, and do some exploring around the city. Every day it changes on what I do in my spare time however there is always something happening in the city.
Q: What challenges did you face during your program and how did you overcome it?
Homesickness and missing people at home is the biggest challenge I faced while being here. I was able to overcome it by keeping in contact and regularly face timing home for updates and to talk to familiar faces. I also think its important to know when your feeling sad or down and take some time to yourself or treat yourself to something nice, weather it be a massage or a yummy meal.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase? Why?
I love the basic word iya, I feel like I can use it for anything and particularly when talking to grab or gojek drivers.
Q: What’s the most interesting new discovery or story during your stay in Indonesia?
I have loved learning about the different dialects and differences in culture within Indonesia. Before coming here I knew there were cultural differences amongst different areas, however getting to know people and learning about what their culture is like back home whether it be in West Java or Sumatra, has been really interesting. Learning that there is so many different cultures within one country has been really exciting and interesting for me.
Q: Will you recommend Acicis to other students?
Yes of course! This program has been so much fun. It has been beneficial to me for my language and furthering my knowledge of Indonesia, along with being an amazing experience personally. Being able to live in a new country which is so different to being at home has been amazing and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in pushing themselves and learning new things. Acicis is a great facilitator in organising anything you need and being there if you have questions and made me feel really safe while being on exchange.
Q: Favorite Indonesian food / favorite place to eat?
Lotek! Waroeng Special Sambal for dinner!
