Semaema Larsen is a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient from Murdoch University. Semaema undertook the Virtual Indonesian Language Short Course in February 2021.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Indonesian Language Short Course?
I believe it will help me with my counterterrorism course and international aid units in understanding more about the culture and languages of Indonesia.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? Do you think the NCP is an important initiative?
Yes, I believe it is important for us student to understand the languages of Indo-Pacific because for example if I have a job in security, trade and development or Aid I believe it is important to learn the language and the culture of Indo-Pacific so it can help in interacting with people in understanding the cultures and language.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this virtual experience?
Learning from each other students. It also brings everything close like in real life. I think in using virtual learning it will help to minimise the carbon footprint.
Q: What did you find to be the most challenging about your experience on the Virtual ILSC?
Interacting with other students from a different university.
Q: Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? If yes, how different was the Virtual ILSC to your previous experiences?
I never learn Indonesian language before. This was my first experience in taking part in this course.
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this virtual program? If yes, how was this achieved?
Yes, I did learn the level 1 language we did talk about food during the culture sharing and the Silat (martial arts), but it was more into languages.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the ILSC influence your future career or study?
It will help me with both study and future career.
Q: Would you recommend this virtual program to your friends?
Yes.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Halo / terima kasih
Q. Descript your experience in one sentence:
Now I have experience in using zoom link, I can operate technology and talk to people from different cultures and in different languages via a web cam.