Odi Toby Evans is a student from The University of Melbourne. Odi 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 2024.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ILSC?
I chose to undertake ILSC to fully immerse myself in Indonesian life, culture and language. Although I studied Bahasa Indonesia throughout high school, since graduating I have struggled to find ways to maintain and expand my language learning. When I heard about ILSC, I knew that this was a program that would help fast-track my language learning journey and offer me an opportunity to travel to Indonesia for the first time.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If yes, why do you think the NCP is an important initiative?
I am a recipient of the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant. The NPC Mobility Grant is a fantastic initiative that provides students such as myself the opportunity to travel abroad and challenge themselves to take on new perspectives, worldviews and ways of life. Without the Mobility Grant, an experience such as the Indonesian Language Short Course would be financially out of reach.
Q: Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? If yes, how different was the in-country ILSC to your previous experiences?
I studied Bahasa Indonesia throughout high school. However, now that I am in Indonesia I realise how much more to language learning there is than test scores! The ILSC allows students to develop a nuanced, deep and complex understanding of Bahasa Indonesia and, by virtue of being in-country, fully immerses students into the cultures and lifestyles of Central Java and beyond.
Q: What do you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?
The most challenging aspect of the ILSC has been the headfirst dive into a new language. Although I arrived in Indonesia with a limited but firm grasp of the language, it is though my brain is being rewired as I speak, think, read, write and listen to all things Indonesian. It takes some getting used to!
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this in-country program? If yes, how was this achieved?
The most effective Indonesian culture learning I have received is through exposure and interaction. By staying with a home stay family and participating in the various cultural activities offered by ILSC, I have gained an insight into the daily life and culture of just a small part of Indonesia. I think the biggest takeaway for me has been just how diverse Indonesia is.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about the course?
The Kenduri celebration we held on the first week was truly special and I enjoyed the event immensely – especially getting to dance, share food and pray together!
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the ILSC influence your future career or study?
I hope to gain sufficient proficiency in Indonesian Language to hold academic conversations, read academic texts and undergo research in the bilingual space. I see the ILSC therefore as a stepping stone to achieving that pursuit.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this in-country experience?
The most rewarding aspect of this in-country experience has been opening myself up to different cultures, life-ways, worldviews and perspectives. It has been an incredible and humbling privilege to be able to study in Indonesia, connect with new people, learn a new love for the language and explore just a small fraction of this diverse country.
Q: Would you recommend this program to your friends?
Definitely!
Q: Describe your experience of the in-country ILSC in three words!
Togetherness. Challenging. Semangat!
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian phrase?
Dong!
