Nellie Horner-Hemensley is a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient from La Trobe University. Nellie undertook the Virtual Indonesian Language Short Course in January 2021.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Indonesian Language Short Course?
I had previously taken part in an ACICIS semester-long program in Yogyakarta early in 2020. Although I had to return home early due to the COVID-19 pandemic I thoroughly enjoyed the time I had in the program. With my knowledge that ACICIS are excellent at delivering immersive study programs, I was keen to undertake one of their programs and to improve my Bahasa Indonesia. I had heard from people that had undertaken the ILSC in country before, and the feedback of the program was great! So I decided to undertake the online ILSC this year.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? Do you think the NCP is an important initiative?
Yes, I received the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant. This certainly contributed to my experience in the course as it enabled me to partake in the course without worrying about not having the funds. I was able to focus on engaging in the course and getting the most out of the experience that I could.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this virtual experience?
What I found most rewarding would have to be noticing how much I improved over the course. This was due to how well the course is run, how good the teachers are at what they do and how engaging the material is.
Q: What did you find to be the most challenging about your experience on the Virtual ILSC?
I think the intensiveness of the course has was certainly an adjustment, but I think that it really pushed me to learn a lot in a short amount of time.
Q: Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? If yes, how different was the Virtual ILSC to your previous experiences?
I study Bahasa Indonesia at university and really enjoy it, however I think this course really boosts your language skills in a short amount of time and assists in improving your fluency.
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this virtual program? If yes, how was this achieved?
ACICIS and the staff and teachers at UKSW did an amazing job at making sure to include cultural activities and exposure in a completely online course. I was really impressed at the amount of cultural aspects that were incorporated. I think it was really good being able to talk to student volunteers at UKSW and real life people through various interviews because we got to learn about culture and every day life from interesting people living in Salatiga.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the ILSC influence your future career or study?
I hope to have a career that involves Indonesian so this course has definitely helped me improve my fluency, which will help prepare me for possible future study, as well as my employability for possible future job opportunities.
Q: Would you recommend this virtual program to your friends?
Absolutely! I think this program is great for any level language speaker who is interested in either starting to learn or wanting to improve their Bahasa Indonesia.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Bingung – I love the sound of this word and I think when learning a language there are often times where I am bingung (confused). But that’s all part of the learning process!
Q: Describe your experience of the Virtual ILSC in three words:
Immersive, fun and effective.