From January to June 2025, Acicis has successfully hosted 19 students undertaking 4 semester-long programs in Indonesia: Flexible Language Immersion Program (FLIP), Development Studies Immersion Program (DSIP), Indonesian Business, Law and Society (IBLS), and International Relations Program (IRP). These programs are in collaboration with esteemed universities in Yogyakarta and Bandung, where students are participating not only in the academic life, but also in the social and cultural activities. Many students have been supported by the New Colombo Plan (NCP) mobility grants in their participation in the Acicis programs.
In the beginning of the programs, a three-day orientation session was organised. These sessions covered various topics, including finding accommodation, gaining insights into Indonesian culture, and an information session on immigration and police procedure. Practical information such as knowing the buildings in the universities as well as selecting classes based on language proficiency and interests was also part of the comprehensive orientation days. This thorough orientation was designed to equip students for a successful and enriching semester.
Flexible Language Immersion Program (FLIP)
Acicis hosted 9 students in the Flexible Language Immersion Program (FLIP) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This program combines Indonesian language courses from INCULS UGM with regular immersion classes offered by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, and the Faculty of Law. All of the FLIP students were enrolled in classes at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, and one student was enrolled in a class at the Faculty of Law.
Throughout the semester, students in the Acicis FLIP program engaged and immersed themselves in an array of activities beyond the classroom. This program offers opportunities to the students to undertake professional placements with local host organisations. Zoe from the University of Western Australia and Cameron from the University of Queensland completed a professional placement at the Centre for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) UGM. Jeffrey from Murdoch University did a professional placement at PPMK (Perempuan Memerangi Kemiskinan), an organisation that empowers women to fight poverty. Lily, from the Australian National University, completed a professional placement program at Caritra, an organisation that focuses on the development of urban and rural areas. Naroa, from Leiden University, chose to undertake a professional placement with Yayasan Vesta, a civil society organisation that actively engages in education, health, culture, and social humanitarian issues.
In addition to the internships, many FLIP students engaged in various extracurricular activities during their free time. They explored Indonesia and travelled to different cities and islands such as Sumatra and Lombok. They also climbed mountains and visited beaches in Indonesia. Some of them joined local communities through volunteering work or sports clubs, where they deepened their understanding of Indonesian culture.
The memorable semester concluded with an Acicis farewell dinner and an INCULS graduation ceremony at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. During the farewell dinner, Cameron from the University of Queensland delivered a wholesome speech, reflecting on his experience navigating life as a FLIP student in Indonesia. He expressed how he valued his time and memories made in Yogyakarta as an Acicis student.
We are beyond happy to see the students always excited being involved in various activities throughout the semester and immersing themselves with the people and culture of Yogyakarta.
Learn more about the Flexible Language Immersion Program (FLIP) here
Development Studies Immersion Program (DSIP)
Acicis proudly hosted 3 students in the Development Studies Immersion Program (DSIP) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) from January to June 2025. The DSIP program is designed to provide students with practical development experience, including eight-week of professional placement, engaging in seminars, and insightful case study visits that would deepen their understanding of contemporary development issues in the Indonesian context. Additionally, the students partook in eight weeks of Indonesian language courses offered through INCULS UGM to enhance their communication skills and cultural awareness.
Throughout the semester, students actively engaged in seminar classes related to development and participated in case study visits to local host organisations, gaining practical experience in the field. The DSIP program places a strong emphasis on professional placement, where all students completed their internships with local organisations, which provided them with real-world insights into development work in Indonesia. Raihan from the University of Queensland interned with Yayasan Kanopi Indonesia, an organisation that focuses on empowering Indonesian society to protect biodiversity wisely and socially responsible. Thomas Fyfield completed an internship at KONEKSI, or Knowledge Partnership Platform Australia – Indonesia. It is a collaborative initiative in the knowledge and innovation sector that supports partnerships between Australian and Indonesian organisations for inclusive and sustainable policy and technology. Ezekiel from University of Sydney completed an internship at Eko Nugroho Art Class. This organisation offers various programs of fine arts activities that aim for creative growth and development.
The memorable semester concluded with an Acicis farewell dinner and an INCULS graduation ceremony at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. During the farewell dinner, Raihan from University of Queensland delivered a touching speech, reflecting on his experience navigating life as a student who was nervous in the beginning but ended up learning a lot of things and gained new friends throughout the semester. He expressed how he valued his time in Yogyakarta as an Acicis DSIP student. Acicis is incredibly proud of the students’ accomplishments during this impactful period. We hope that with this experience of diving into the realm of development studies in Indonesia, the students will gain valuable knowledge for their future careers.
Learn more about the Development Studies Immersion Program (DSIP) here
Indonesian Business, Law and Society (IBLS)
The Acicis Indonesian Business, Law, and Society (IBLS) program welcomed Alannah Yuen and Jordan Curry, both from the University of Western Australia. The IBLS program provides students with the opportunity to study alongside Indonesian and international peers at Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII)’s Faculty of Economics and Faculty of Law. This semester, Alannah and Jordan enrolled in the Faculty of Law, taking courses together such as International Law, Criminal Law, and Methods of Legal Research.
During their time at UII, Alannah and Jordan engaged themselves with the local community as well as fellow Acicis students. They participated in the first Acicis field trip to Pantai Ngandong in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta. They joined the games with the other Acicis students and staff, creating fun conversations and building meaningful connections. In their free time, they engaged in various activities. Alannah volunteered in Yayasan Rumah Impian, an organisation founded in 2006 to assist street children. Meanwhile, Jordan also took his time to stroll around Yogyakarta to get to know Indonesian culture more deeply.
The IBLS program for Semester 60 concluded with an Acicis Farewell dinner at Padiku Coffee & Eatery in Yogyakarta. During this dinner, Alannah gave a heartfelt speech about her experiences and what she learned as an IBLS student in Yogyakarta. She expressed how much she cherished her time in Yogyakarta. Acicis is immensely proud of the achievements of Alannah and Jordan throughout this impactful semester.
Learn more about the Indonesian Business, Law & Society (IBLS) program here
International Relations Program (IRP)
Acicis welcomed five students: Ned, Joalin, Josephine (Jo), Benedict (Ben), and Nicholas (Nick) to Bandung for the International Relations Programme at UNPAR. Over five months, they blended IR coursework, including Indonesian Domestic Politics, Indonesian Foreign Policy, International Organisation, Global Migration, and Security Studies, with weekly BIPA classes (Bahasa Indonesia untuk Penutur Asing).
For the professional practicum component, Benedict (Ben) conducted research at AKATIGA, focusing on Swakelola Tipe III, a government-community collaborative procurement model that empowers community organisations in public service delivery. Joalin, along with Josephine, served at the Resilience Development Initiative (RDI). Joalin worked with the Outreach team, contributing to the planning and execution of Indonesia’s net-zero emissions conference. Josephine (Jo) researched adaptive social protection schemes for Indonesia’s elderly populations as well as comparative studies on social safety systems in the EU, Australia, and the United States.
The programs also include recreational activities. Students enjoyed a traditional West Java music session at Saung Angklung Udjo, where they experienced the Angklung, a traditional West Java musical instrument crafted from bamboo. They travelled to Kampung Cirendeu, engaging with local artisans and the community life of the Sunda Wiwitan people.
Outside formal activities, they participated in local student life, joining many student clubs and engaging with the local chapter of the Australia-Indonesia Youth Association, among other activities. During the program, they managed to travel around Bandung, including Kawah Putih and Tangkuban Perahu, as well as travel outside to Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Banyuwangi, Malang, and Karimunjawa.
On 24 June 2025, the cohort celebrated the completion of the program at Miss Bee Providore, located near UNPAR. The evening featured presentations of certificates and tokens of appreciation, honouring the students’ academic pursuits, cultural immersion, and community impact.
Learn more about the International Relations Program (IRP) here
An Unforgettable Experience
6 months of studying, living, and growing in Indonesia has brought a lifetime of experience for all of the students. Acicis is extremely proud of all of the students’ achievements during this short but impactful period. We encourage them to continue enhancing their Indonesian language skills and expanding their academic and intercultural perspectives.
Congratulations to all participants, and we look forward to the impact that you are going to bring to the world!
Terima kasih semuanya, selamat jalan dan sampai jumpa lagi!
Apply for Acicis semester programs here
