Jorden Garnaut, a Murdoch University student, completed the Flexible Language Immersion Program in Semester 2 2017.
Jorden studied in Indonesia with the support of a $5,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant.
Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS program?
110% needed to get away from my daily grind and reassess, plus, who wouldn’t want to study in such a wonderful place. 10/10 grateful.
What classes/units are you currently enrolled in?
Complete Indo beginner at INCULS learning kosa kata, tatabahasa, percakapan, membaca dan menulis.
Are you involved in any clubs/societies at the university?
Somehow managed to end up as a Project Officer at Australian-Indonesian Youth Association. A youth led organisation fostering and strengthening the relationship between Australia and Indonesia, whilst subsequently providing individuals the opportunity to develop language skills and deepen their understanding in the countries reciprocal relationship.
How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the Flexible Language Immersion Program influence your future career or study?
I still don’t really know what I plan for tomorrow. However, I am already experiencing the joy and power that comes with becoming bilingual. What better place to be able to communicate than in a place like Indonesia with such beauty and sense of community.
How different is in-country Indonesian language learning to your previous experiences in an Australian classroom environment?
My classes at the moment have Korean and Japanese students, who speak little English, in an English taught classroom learning Indonesian. If that doesn’t impress you, what will?
Are you undertaking an internship or volunteering while in Indonesia?
See spiel about AIYA above.
I have also had the privilege of visiting Project Child’s beach school in Pacitan. I hope to strengthen a relationship with Project Child throughout my stay in Yogyakarta. Potentially (if I don’t burn out first), do some work with them as well.
Favourite Indonesian food/ Favourite place to eat:
Eating my body weight in fried ‘tempe’ and ‘tahu’ at the ‘warung’ 200m down the road … that I drive to.
Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Mulut manis.
What places in Indonesia have you visited during your Semester so far?
International hospital and I have been pretty well acquainted. I have seen and swam in some beautiful waterfalls and oceans in Java, including Ngandong, Watukurang and Pacitan beaches, so far. Yet so explore more of the natural beauties in Yogykarta before exploring outward of my new (temporary) home city.
In conclusion..
In all seriousness, the ACICIS ‘community’ that I have become a part of is something bigger and warmer than I could have imagined. I can now call many more people friends and have many shoulders to cry on when times get tough. All the staff that have created this opportunity for us Australians to immerse in Indonesian language and culture deserve more thank you’s and acts of appreciation than I could possibly display.