Mirielle Augustin is a student from the The Australian National University. Mirielle 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 2023. Mirielle is studying Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours).
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Indonesian Language Short Course?
To improve my Indonesian skills and get to experience life in Indonesia!
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If yes, why do you think the NCP is an important initiative?
I did, I think its a fantastic initiative to motivate students to undertake ILSC and facilitate that experience.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this in-country experience?
Immersing myself in the culture through the homestay.
Q: What do you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?
Balancing the workload and wanting to experience the country can be challenging at times.
Q: Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? If yes, how different was the in-country ILSC to your previous experiences?
Yes at university. The ILSC experience was incredibly more immersive and I learnt the language more-so through culture and casual conversation rather than structured content.
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this in-country program? If yes, how was this achieved?
Absolutely. Mainly by staying in a homestay but also by getting to form friendships with UKSW students.
Q: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Experiencing a new culture in such a supportive environment. I constantly felt as though I was learning and as though people (whether it be teachers, my homestay, UKSW friends or grab drivers) were actively teaching and sharing their culture. Rather than feeling nervous and pressured to know everything I felt as though I was slowly taught the culture and cultural expectations.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the ILSC influence your future career or study?
I would love to one day work in Indonesia or more generally South-East Asia.
Q: Would you recommend this program to your friends?
Absolutely.
Q: Describe your experience of the in-country ILSC in three words:
Immersive, Educational, Vibrant
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian phrase?
Mari!