Semester 59/2024 Wrap Up.
From July 2024 to January 2025, Acicis successfully hosted students across four semester programs in Indonesia: the Flexible Language Immersion Program (FLIP), the Development Studies Immersion Program (DSIP), International Relations Program (IRP) and the Indonesian Business, Law, and Society (IBLS) program. These programs, hosted in collaboration with leading Indonesian universities located in Yogyakarta and Bandung, provided students with unparalleled opportunities for academic, professional, and cultural growth. Many participants were supported by the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP), enabling them to immerse themselves in Indonesia’s rich culture and gain valuable international experience.
“An unforgettable experience of complete cultural immersion and amazing career development!”
“I am so happy that I did this exchange! Such a good learning experience. I feel much more confident to live independently and travel overseas now that I have had this experience. I also feel more comfortable speaking Indonesian, made lots of friends (Australian and Indonesian), and had so much fun.”
– Anonymous student testimonials taken from post-program survey.
Flexible Language Immersion Program (FLIP)
The FLIP program, hosted at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed 13 students from July to December 2024. Combining Indonesian language courses from INCULS UGM with immersion classes in the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Geography, the program offered a well-rounded academic experience. This semester marked the first collaboration between Acicis and the Faculty of Geography since the pandemic, with three students enrolling in geography courses.
A three-day orientation seminar at the start of the program prepared students for their semester, covering topics such as accommodation, cultural insights, and class selection. Beyond academics, FLIP students engaged in internships and extracurricular activities. Four students undertook internships with local organisations, including Dion from the University of New South Wales, who taught English at Model Sleman Elementary School, where he gained valuable experience teaching English to Indonesian students. This experience supported his aspiration of becoming a teacher. Molly and Prim from the Australian National University completed their internships at the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS), enriching their understanding of Southeast Asia.
Students also explored Indonesia’s diverse landscapes, visiting destinations such as Kalimantan, Bali, Lombok, and North Sumatra, while others joined local sports clubs to deepen their cultural immersion. The semester concluded with an INCULS graduation ceremony and a farewell dinner at Yogyakarta’s Blue Heron Restaurant, where Emma from Deakin University delivered a heartfelt speech. Vlad Shulyak from the University of New England was honored as “Acicis’ Top Scorer” for his dedication across five Acicis programs.
Learn more about this program here.
Development Studies Immersion Program (DSIP)
The DSIP program, also hosted at UGM, saw 11 students gain practical development experience through internships, seminars, and case study visits. Many participants were supported by the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants. The program included eight weeks of Indonesian language training at INCULS UGM, ensuring students were well-equipped for their internships and fieldwork. The DSIP program is designed to provide students with practical development experience, including valuable internships with local organisations, engaging seminars, and insightful case study visits that deepen their understanding of Indonesian fieldwork. In addition, students partake in eight weeks of Indonesian language courses offered through INCULS UGM, enhancing their communication skills and cultural immersion.
Throughout the semester, students engaged actively in seminars related to development and participated in case study visits to local host organisations, acquiring practical experiences in the field. The DSIP program places a strong emphasis on internships, and all students completed internships with local organisations, providing them with real-world insights into development work in Indonesia. For example, Sara Dada from Western Sydney University interned with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), an organisation dedicated to assisting displaced people by offering better protections and opportunities. Other students completed internships with a variety of organizations, including those focused on family welfare, care for street children, and disaster risk reduction, allowing them to acquire essential skills and exposure to development work. On top of that, one student, John from Western Sydney University, participated in the 50-day Community Service Program, known as Kuliah Kerja Nyata, in a village in Bantul. He engaged in community development projects that contributed to both his academic and personal growth. This semester marked the first time the DSIP program resumed this community service initiative after the pandemic.
Cultural immersion was further enhanced through a field trip to Museum Lokananta and Batik Kauman, where students participated in a Batik workshop and explored the batik village. The semester concluded with an INCULS graduation ceremony and a farewell dinner, during which Lucaya Rich from the Australian National University shared her reflections on her DSIP experience.
Learn more about this program here.
Indonesian Business, Law, and Society (IBLS) Program
The IBLS program, hosted at the Islamic University of Indonesia (UII) in Yogyakarta, welcomed Ahmed from La Trobe University and Mitchell from the University of Newcastle. Both students were supported by the New Colombo Plan and completed a month of intensive Indonesian language training at CILACS UII before the semester began.
The IBLS program provides students with the opportunity to study alongside Indonesian and international peers at UII’s Faculty of Economics and Faculty of Law. This semester, Mitchell was enrolled in courses in the Economics Department, while Ahmed took courses in the Faculty of Law. During their time at UII, Mitchell and Ahmed actively engaged 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. In their free time, Mitchell joined local sports clubs, while Ahmed travelled to several cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta and Lombok, taking full advantage of their time in the country.
The IBLS program concluded with a farewell dinner at the Blue Heron Restaurant, where Ahmed delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on his transformative experience in Yogyakarta.
Learn more about this program here.
International Relations Program (IRP) in Bandung
In August 2024, five students embarked on the International Relations Program (IRP) at Universitas Katolik Parahyangan (UNPAR) in Bandung. The program combined coursework in topics such as Southeast Asian politics and peace studies with professional practicums at local organisations.
Acicis IRP students engaged in a professional practicum in three host organisations this semester. Calum and Fiona conducted their professional practicum at AKATIGA, where they engaged in local issues such as food systems, waste management, and maternity health in Bandung. They were able to assist in community outreach and consultancy regarding the betterment of the program. Thomas conducted his professional practicum at Resilience Development Initiative (RDI), in which he engaged deeply with the topic of economic development projects in Indonesia, such as the food estate project in Kalimantan, and comparative analysis of other development projects in other Southeast Asian countries. Patrick engaged in many community-building activities in his practicum at Food Bank Bandung, engaging in local aid initiatives and strategising communications with different local stakeholders such as local mosques, hotels, and high schools in Bandung.
The cultural immersion conducted both within the program and independently is equally essential in shaping this semester. For field trips, the students this semester experienced the classic angklung show by Saung Angklung Udjo, introducing them to the quintessential musical instrument and culture of West Java. We also collaborated with BIPA UNPAR to give the students a Batik Workshop experience conducted by Rumah Batik Komar. Outside of the program, the students this semester engaged extensively with the local community around Unpar and with fellow international students. They participated in local sports clubs such as badminton, futsal, capoeira, etc. They also take trips outside Bandung, such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bogor, and Karimunjawa. The program concluded with a farewell dinner at Nara Park, where students were celebrated for their achievements.
Learn more about this program here.
A Semester of Impact and Achievement
Across all programs, Acicis students demonstrated resilience, curiosity, and a passion for learning. They not only excelled academically but also embraced Indonesia’s culture, forged meaningful connections, and gained invaluable professional experience.
As the semester drew to a close, Acicis celebrated the students’ achievements and encouraged them to continue building on their experiences. Whether through language skills, academic insights, or intercultural understanding, these programs have undoubtedly prepared students for future endeavors.
Congratulations to all participants, and sampai jumpa lagi!
Apply for Acicis programs here.