Leila Skoss is a student from the The Australian National University. Leila undertook the Indonesian Language Short Course at Satya Wacana University in Salatiga with the assistance of a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant in 2020.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Indonesian Language Short Course?
I wanted to be able to immerse myself in not only the Indonesian language but also the culture as I have never visited Indonesia before.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
With the New Colombo Plan I’ve been able to participate in cultural cooking and batik classes and have been able to see more of Indonesia through travelling on the weekends.
Q: What did you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?
As I have never traveled alone, I experienced a large amount of culture shock when I first arrived and it was difficult to study whilst dealing with homesickness but as I made friends and familiarised myself with the weather, food and people, it’s been a lot of fun.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the Indonesian Language Short Course influence your future career or study?
In the future I endeavour to work as an environmental/developmental lawyer. Indonesia is predicted to be quite severely impacted by climate change so having knowledge of the Indonesian language will assist me in communicating with locals, businesses and governments in finding legal solutions to the problems that Indonesia will face.
Q: How different is in-country Indonesian language learning to your previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia?
I studied Bahasa in Australia for a year prior to coming here and I found that whilst my reading and writing were strong, I struggled with speaking and listening because I wasn’t surrounded by the language as much here, so I’m glad that these skills have improved.
Q: Would you like to return to Indonesia for future study or work?
In the near future, I will focus on my studies, but I definitely will return to Indonesia as a tourist and potentially for work as well (I’m a very long way off graduating and working though)
Q: What did you enjoy most about the course?
The opportunity to learn more about the culture as well as the language.
Q: What did you like to do in your spare time in Salatiga?
Go to coffee shops, visit surrounding areas like Semarang, Yogyakarta and climb mountains.
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian food?
Sate Ayam.
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian phrase?
Tidak apa-apa.