Kathy Coady completed the Flexible Language Immersion Program in 1998 as part of her Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies) at the University of Western Sydney.
Kathy Coady is now Head Teacher of Languages at North Sydney Boys High School, where she has spent the past 23 years teaching Indonesian. Her ability to confidently use and teach the language every day can be traced back to one decision: applying for the Acicis Flexible Language Immersion Program in 1998.
While studying a Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies) at the University of Western Sydney, Kathy heard about Acicis through friends. “My friend Alina and I heard about the Acicis program, and we signed up. We couldn’t wait and were warmly welcomed and looked after….”
She joined the program in 1998 and studied at Universitas Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta. The intensive language experience had an quick effect. “Academically, my Indonesian improved greatly! I probably learnt more Indonesian there in six months than I did in my 5 semesters at uni in Australia,” she said. “All day long, you are hearing Indonesian around you, seeing Indonesian, speaking it and writing it in class. You can’t help but improve.”
For Kathy, this immersive experience was more than just formal learning. It was everyday communication, friendships, and navigating a new environment. Rather than spending time with other Australians, she connected closely with local students. “We spent our days chatting and laughing at Café Excelso in Mal Malioboro and our evenings listening to the bands at Djogya Café. They are friendships I have cherished.”
She also learned how to adapt to cultural differences. “’Jam karet’ took some time to get used to and was sometimes frustrating,” she said, describing a time she arrived at 2pm for a meeting scheduled for “sore” – and waited over two hours. But this too became part of the learning. “You just had to bravely stride out in front of the oncoming traffic while they drove around you,” she said of crossing the roads. These daily interactions helped her develop resilience, independence and cross-cultural communication skills – all vital in her current role as a teacher and school leader.
After completing her degree, Kathy enrolled in a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary), specialising in Indonesian and History. “Luckily for me I really enjoy teaching.” She credits Acicis with giving her the confidence and fluency to teach Indonesian long-term. “It’s really rewarding seeing students come into high school not knowing anything about Indonesia and leaving in Year 12 being quite fluent.”
Acicis played a key role not only in her studies but in shaping her career. “I get to use my Indonesian every day and share my passion for the language and country with my students,” she said. She’s also part of a strong professional community, working closely with fellow teachers and organisations like the Australia Indonesia Youth Association, Australia Indonesia Association, and the Consulate-General of Indonesia.
Her advice to students considering Acicis is to take the chance. “Studying abroad opens up your world to new friends and experiences. It helps develop you as a person at the same time as improving your linguistic and academic skills. I have never regretted joining the Acicis program – it has left a lasting impression on my life.”
