ILSC Summer 2025 Has Officially Concluded!

The intensive program, which took place from January to February 2025, successfully connected 39 participants with a deep and immersive experience in Indonesian language and culture. With the support of the New Colombo Plan (NCP), 34 participants received the NCP Mobility Grant, while one participant was awarded the NCP Scholarship.

Top program satisfactory survey’s results:

 

From the orientation sessions in early January, participants were welcomed with various activities that enriched their knowledge both academically and socially Such as Mabar (main bareng: playing games together), which allowed participants to interact with locals in Salatiga, and the Campus Tour, which helped participants learn more about Satya Wacana Christian University. These included interactive Language Classes, Culture Exposure, Culture Sharing and also Cultural Classes such as batik-making, pencak silat, cooking, and grammar sessions, as well as cultural explorations to interesting locations, each moment offering valuable and unforgettable lessons.

 

“My Indonesian skills improved more in these three weeks than they would in a whole year studying in Australia. I cannot stress enough how
beneficial it is to be fully immersed in the Indonesian language and culture.”
-Anonymous survey taken post-program.

 

 

One of the most exciting parts of the program was the Culture Sharing sessions held in both Session 1 and Session 2. Participants were divided into several groups to present aspects of Australian culture, such as traditional food, music, and sports. This activity was highly enjoyable for the participants, as it allowed them to interact directly with students from Satya Wacana Christian University (UKSW) and introduce their culture to Indonesians from various regions.

 

Additionally, in Session 1, participants took part in a Culture Exposure activity by simulating a Kenduri, a traditional Javanese communal feast. Through this experience, they learned about the purpose, customs, and typical locations where Kenduri is held. Meanwhile, in Session 2, participants joined a Tumpeng Decoration Competition, where they enthusiastically decorated the iconic cone-shaped rice dish. This competition was not only fun but also educational—many participants learned about the origins and significance of Tumpeng for the first time. For some, it was even their first time tasting Tumpeng, and many of them absolutely loved it!

 

 

Beyond the classroom and cultural activities, the program also included a variety of educational excursions aimed at providing hands-on learning experiences. Participants from levels 1 to 6 engaged in practical activities such as:

  • Visiting traditional markets to practice bargaining skills
  • Interviewing local entrepreneurs at MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)
  • Exploring recreational sites while conducting field interviews
  • Visiting city gardens to learn about urban sustainability
  • Attending a workshop at the Faculty of Science and Mathematics to create eco-friendly plastic
  • Exploring Chinese temples (Klenteng) to learn about religious diversity through interviews

and many more exciting activities!

 

 

Many participants shared how the program helped them gain a deeper understanding of life in Indonesia, not just through classroom learning but also through direct cultural engagement.

We are incredibly proud to see the enthusiasm of our participants in learning and interacting with the local community. See you at ILSC Summer 2025!