Tex Hallam was a participant of the Agriculture Professional Practicum (APP), in 2023. Tax is studying Bachelor of Agricultural Science from The Deakin University.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS internship program?
My Indonesian lecturer recommended it to me and thought it would be great for me to improve my Indonesian while studying. I decided to do it as I thought it would be a great way to improve my Indonesian skills as I would be working with Indonesian people, who are awesome btw.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? Do you think the NCP is an important initiative? If yes, why?
Yes, it is an important initiative as it promotes the relationship between Australia’s closest neighbour.
Q: Where did you live in Indonesia (Kos, homestay, hotel, rental etc.)? Any tips for prospective students on finding accommodation?
Hotel in Jakarta and a home stay and villa in Pulau Bali. The home stay was great to be fully immersed into Indonesian culture, the family really understood that it could be uncomfortable or isolating in the home stay setting and we’re always there to look after me and hang out with me. For cheap accommodation in the cities, ‘OYO’ was great. Also book directly through the accommodation by calling them up. If I explained that I was a student by myself and volunteering my time in the area (interning) then I would often get a very cheaper price.
Q: How have you found the academic components of this program – i.e. the language classes/seminars?
The language classes were very helpful with the formal Indonesian language and really helps when you get to practice your informal Indo in the streets.
Q: What organisation are you interning with? (Explain your role and responsibilities)
Reef Check Indonesia. My role was to make a video on the work two local villagers did to improve the condition of the coral reefs in their towns. I got to go diving with them lots, go fishing, dolphin watching, surfing, visit waterfalls, see how local Arak is made and live a traditional rural Indonesian village life.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
Definitely more relaxing and less stressful than work in Australia. The expression ‘jam karet’ meaning time is rubber or time is flexible really became one of my favourite sayings and it was totally acceptable and used a lot.
Q: What are the main skills you have learnt during your internship?
Speaking Bahasa, my dive certificate, video editing skills and how to be comfortable in a completely different culture to my own.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this experience?
Making Indonesian connections both professionally and just local friends. Also being fully immersed into the way of life of many Indonesians.
Q. Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this program? If yes, how was this achieved?
Yes, as mentioned in many of the answers above, being able to live with Indonesians and spend every day with them in spare time and at work made it very easy to learn and understand their culture.
Q. How will the internship benefit or influence your future career?
Being able to work for a marine environmental conservation focused company, it will influence my career to be more marine focused as there is a lot of conservation which is needed to be done all over the world, especially Indonesia.
Q. Would you recommend this program to your friends?
Yes, it was very rewarding and a trip I’ll never forget.
Q. Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Jam karet
