In August-December 2022, ACICIS hosted 17 students onto the ACICIS Development Studies Immersion Program (DSIP) in Yogyakarta. The students were from Western Sydney University, SOAS University of London, The University of Adelaide, University of the Sunshine Coast, Flinders University, Griffith University, and Murdoch University. 14 students completed the DSIP with the support of the New Colombo Plan Mobility Program.
In the first six weeks, students studied Indonesian language at INCULS, Gadjah Mada University (UGM). Within these six weeks, students also had opportunities to attend development seminars with themes such as Introduction to Indonesian Development Sector & Community, Disaster Risk Reduction & Management, Gender Development in Indonesia, Human Rights for Vulnerable Groups in Indonesia, and Sustainable Development & the Environment. Students also went to several development sites in Yogyakarta for case study visits.
Following the six academic weeks, student commenced their eight-week internships with Development organisations in Indonesia such as Centre for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS), the Indonesian Plan Parenthood Association (IPPA), Jesuit Refugee Service, Rumah Ilham Foundation, Satu Nama Foundation, YAKKUM Emergency Unit, Project Child Indonesia, Yayasan Vesta, Centre for Orangutan Protection, Centre for Tropical Medicine, and Yayasan Harapan Fian.
The DSIP was concluded with a closing event in Yogyakarta in which students and ACICIS staff enjoyed Indonesian-food dinner and a karaoke session. Students also delivered a speech about their thoughts and experience about the program and their daily life in Indonesia. We wish our students the best luck in their future endeavour and Sampai jumpa lagi!.