Jasmine Lila Stewart-Apps is a student from The University of Newcastle. Jasmine undertook the Indonesian Language Short Course (ILSC) at Satya Wacana University in Salatiga with the assistance of the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant in 2025.

 

Why did you decide to undertake Indonesian Language Short Course?

I learnt bahasa Indonesia by self study in year 10 for one semester, but unfortunately it was too late to join a class and pursue my interest in high school. Since then it has been a goal of mine to find the time to learn and involve myself and Indonesian language and culture – and this is the perfect program to do just that.

 

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

Yes I did, and I truly believe NCP is such an important program. I am someone who believes in intercultural communication and fostering connections with different people and communities and I am so happy the Australian Government has a program which supports our students doing that – especially to our ASEAN neighbours.

 

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

By far the homestay has been such a rewarding and comforting part of this experience. Having a home and family to go home after class to relax, talk to and learn from was so rewarding. Especially coming home to home cooked Indonesian meals where I could try new things without the stress of trying to choose of a warung menu.

 

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What did you find to be the most challenging about the program and how did you overcome it?

The long days were probably the hardest part is 7am – 8pm minimum most days. There is a lot of study and you also want to explore and make the most of the experience. I also struggled with headaches, but the experience at the doctor was amazing!!

 

Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? How different was the in-country ILSC to your previous experiences?

It is definitely more intensive and informative, being in country is great since you can go out and actually practise the vocab you just learnt. I found myself going home and using new words almost immediately.

 

Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this in-country program?

Definitely so! I learnt a lot about Javanese culture and language too which I didn’t really understand there was differences across the islands in Indonesia. I think it’s almost impossible to not learn something about Indonesian culture and people here.

 

What have you enjoyed most about the course?

My keluarga homestay, making some Indonesian friends I hope I can visit in the future and the doors I feel this program has opened up for me. There are more opportunities here than I realised. Thankyou so much Acicis.

 

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

It has influenced me to try and come back to Indonesia for a longer period, continue gaining in fluency and hopefully take advantage of Indonesia’s growing importance in my future career.

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Would you recommend this program to your friends?

I definitely will had have told my sister and cousin they should come 🥹🥹 especially since ACICIS doesn’t only run language programs I think there is something for everyone.

 

Favourite memory during the course?

Going hiking with a new Indonesian girlfriend to a waterfall and taking a million pictures, late night sepeda motor rides and tahu bulat.

 

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

Adventurous, welcoming and educational

 

What is your favourite Indonesian phrase?

Lucu