Daniel Phelan is a student from Monash University. Daniel 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. Daniel is studying Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Information Technology and Diploma of Languages.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Indonesian Language Short Course?
Wanted to learn some indonesian and tick of a uni subject at the same time.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If yes, why do you think the NCP is an important initiative?
Yes – its an important stepping stone to bringing more students to the Indo-Pacific region in a way that would other wise not exist and would mean less Australian students are studying and building networks in the region.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this in-country experience?
Just being based in country for 3 weeks provides a rewarding experience that you can’t gain any other way. The ACICIS and LTC staff were incredible and made it a completely memorable experience.
Q: What do you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?
Classes!
Q: Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? If yes, how different was the in-country ILSC to your previous experiences?
No.
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this in-country program? If yes, how was this achieved?
Yep!
Q: What have you enjoyed most about the course?
Learning the language.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the ILSC influence your future career or study?
Learning a language is always great for your resume and professional development but for also learning
in country makes a huge difference and allows you to be properly immersed in the culture and the
country.
Q: Would you recommend this program to your friends?
Yeah.
Q: Describe your experience of the in-country ILSC in three words!
Hot, enlightening and fun!
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian phrase?
Bagus.