Delta Williams is a student from the The University of Melbourne. Tomas undertook the Indonesian Language Short Course at Satya Wacana University in Salatiga with the assistance of a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant in 2023.

 

Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Indonesian Language Short Course?

After studying Asian Studies at University and not taking a language, I was looking for an opportunity to gain language experience and doing that in-country was a huge priority for me so I could dedicate myself to studying the language. My area of speciality is in South-East Asia and learning Indonesian became the most suitable option in terms of my experience and study. I love the structure of an intensive program and ILSC perfectly fit the requirements of an experience I hoped for.

 

Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If yes, why do you think the NCP is an important initiative?

Although I did not receive the NCP scholarship, I was the first winner of the ACICIS bahasa sesh challenge which meant that I was able to receive this opportunity despite not attending University at the time of the program and not be financially burdened. This opportunity meant that people like me could still attend the program despite not being able to qualify for NCP. As covid-19 had interrupted many of the opportunities that I could have taken while studying, being gifted this by ACICIS was a huge honour and I hope they can run it for other people in the future who may not have the chance to access a program like this otherwise due to financial constraints.

 

Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this in-country experience?

I found that having a larger cohort of Australian students made it extremely easy to bounce ideas off each other. Unlike at my home university, where language classes are relatively small in size, the ILSC cohort comprised a diverse group of like-minded students in the same place, all with a common goal being to better our language skills. This enhanced my self-confidence, especially in understanding that making mistakes is an inevitable component of learning a foreign language, as we were all able to learn from each other’s experiences and in turn, feel engaged and empowered to continue interacting with locals and each other.

 

Q: What do you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?

We covered a lot of content very fast and keeping up with it was challenging but I also think that is one of the best parts, especially for tingkat satu where it is good to be thrown in the deep end but while being very supported.

 

Q: Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? If yes, how different was the in-country ILSC to your previous experiences?

No, only self taught.

 

Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this in-country program? If yes, how was this achieved?

Yes absolutely. Talking to LTC friends, people at my homestay and just by going out and exploring the city I believe we all learned a lot really quickly and enjoyed being in the experience of something new.

 

Q: What have you enjoyed most about the course?

Learning so much while being supported but not too easy, having the opportunity to try new things like pencak silat, university life in Indonesia and being around a wonderful group of people.

 

Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the ILSC influence your future career or study?

Working in South-East Asia has been a goal of mine for many years and learning Indonesian will be a huge asset to me personally, academically and professionally.

 

Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this in-country experience?

The immersion of an in-country experience is so rewarding. Slowly seeing my Bahasa Indonesia develop in daily interactions was really exciting. Being with a group of so many levels also meant we could learn from and help each other outside of class. My homestay family was also incredibly supportive of my language practice at home and would help me a lot which was so wonderful.

 

Q: Would you recommend this program to your friends?

Yes absolutely

 

Q: Describe your experience of the in-country ILSC in three words!

Supportive, Intensive, Fulfilling

 

Q: What is your favourite Indonesian phrase?

Curhat