Stephanie Griffin is a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient from Monash University. Stephanie undertook the Virtual Indonesian Language Short Course in January 2021.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Indonesian Language Short Course?
To improve my Indonesian and learn more about the culture.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant?
Yes, without the grant I may not have taken part in the program.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this virtual experience?
The intensity of the course. It was challenging but being so intense, I learnt so much.
Q: What did you find to be the most challenging about your experience on the Virtual ILSC?
It’s a fast-paced program and all the classes are taught in Indonesian.
Q: Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? If yes, how different was the Virtual ILSC to your previous experiences?
I am majoring in Indonesian studies. Compared to my classes in Australia, the ILSC is really intense. All the classes are taught in Indonesian which was a really challenging but valuable experience.
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this virtual program? If yes, how was this achieved?
Yes, there were seminars and we interviewed some locals through zoom as well.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the ILSC influence your future career or study?
In the future, I want to teach Indonesian in Australia or English in Indonesia and this program has helped me improve my language skills.
Q: Would you recommend this virtual program to your friends?
Yes definitely!
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Sambil menyalam minum air – which is equivalent to the English ‘kill two birds with one stone’.
Q: Describe your experience of the Virtual ILSC in three words:
Challenging, valuable, rewarding!