Kate Heffernan was a participant in the Indonesian Language Short Course from The Australian National University.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ILSC?
I want to work in Indonesia after I graduate, and it seemed like a good opportunity to gain some in country language experience.
Q: What did you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?
Interviewing people around the university for assignments, and occasionally getting my questions totally wrong!
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian language gained through the ILSC influence your future career or study?
I want to work in the field of BioAnthropology, and a lot of the vocabulary that we have learnt has been very complimentary to this field, so it’s been a really great experience.
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?
I found the classes at LTC to be incredibly intense compared to classes in Australia, with a lot more emphasis on speaking that vocabulary. I really enjoyed it!
Q: Would you like to return to Indonesia for future study or work?
Yes.
Q: What did you most enjoy about the course?
Meeting people, spending time at 1915 with Sherly and Nayo and Michelle, learning how to do Batik, travelling to Rawa Pening, there are too many good things to choose one.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Salatiga?
Draw local buildings, walk around, eat at all the delicious restaurants, hang out at 1915 with friends.
Q: Favourite Indonesian Food/Favourite place to eat:
Favourite food- gado-gado
Favourite place to eat- Joglo Bu Rini
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Omong kosong’, atau ‘Aduh!’