Fayliesha Spyker is a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient and student at the University of Western Australia. Fayliesha undertook the Indonesian Language Short Course at Satya Wacana University in Salatiga in 2019.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Indonesian Language Short Course?
I decided to undertake ILSC so that I could improve my existing basic Indonesian language skills and, at the same time, learn more about Indonesian culture and gain authentic conversational experience.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
I received the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant and this definitely contributed to my decision to travel to Indonesia and attend this language course. It certainly is an incentive to students and we greatly appreciate the support received through this grant.
Q: What do you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?
ILSC, as the name states, is intensive! It is challenging to be constantly surrounded by Bahasa Indonesia both in class and in the community. Another challenge is settling into a new and foreign city, but this is also exciting!
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the Indonesian Language Short Course influence your future career or study?
The language skills that I have learned though ILSC have equipped me to interact with people using Indonesian language – wherever that might be. Not only that, I have also gained a deeper cultural understanding of a close neighbour to Australia. Undertaking this course has reaffirmed and deepened my respect for people of a culture different than mine, and I hope that going forward I may have opportunities to demonstrate this respect to fellow students and work colleagues alike.
Q: Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? If so, how different is in-country Indonesian language learning to your previous experiences? If not, how do classes in Indonesia compare to classes in Australia?
Previously, I have undertaken one semester of Indonesian language study at UWA. Compared to the classes taken in Australia, the ILSC classes are more intense and contain a lot more practical and immersive experiences e.g. interviewing locals. A lot of emphasis is placed on understanding what is covered in class so that we may take that knowledge and use it in a real world situation – which is a fantastic way to learn.
Q: Would you like to return to Indonesia for future study or work?
Unfortunately I won’t have an option to return for study or work in the near future, but maybe I’ll be back for more language training one day!
Q: What have you enjoyed most about the course?
I have really enjoyed the immersion of it – both in the classroom and in the community – despite it being challenging at times. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to get to know my fellow students from Australia.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Salatiga?
In my spare time in Salatiga I like to explore the city and get a good iced coffee or some good Indonesian food. A bit of local sightseeing on the weekends has also been lovely!
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian food?
Believe it or not, I still quite like nasi goreng! And Kafeole is a great place to hang out!
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian phrase?
‘Terima kasih’ gets you a long way in Indonesia, but I’ve also been enjoying the frequent long words like ‘mewawancara’.