Language Classes
Language classes are a core compulsory component of all tours. Class hours are set at a minimum of 10 hours per week (5 x two hour classes). All teachers are native speakers and have extensive experience in delivering courses from complete beginners to advanced students. The language classes are held at Lembaga Bahasa (Language Institute or LB for short), Universitas Sanata Dharma, Yogyakarta. LB have been providing Indonesian language teaching services since 1992, and since 2010 ACICIS has collaborated with LB on the Indonesian Language Teacher Immersion (ILTI) program.
While the concept of putting students into classrooms may seem at odds with the experiential/tourism focus of many school tours, ACICIS has found that classes are popular with both students and teachers. They provide a firm structure around which other activities may be conducted. The classroom is also a site where students can develop a deeper engagement with the local staff. Equally important, class time provides accompanying teachers with some downtime while their local counterparts take over for a few hours. The Universitas Sanata Dharma language institute is within a five minute walking distance from homestays in a vibrant university precinct.
Language classes are available in three daily slots. The minimum ten hours per week may be arranged according to preference and field trip selection.
- 08.00-10.00
- 10.30-12.30
- 14.00.16.00
To set class levels, the home teacher may provide USD with the breakdown of student ability, or a pre-departure placement test provided by USD may be completed. A short informal test is held on day one to ensure that students are correctly placed. The final day of language classes will include an exam. Students will receive a numeric grade and an official certificate on completion.
Tutorials
All students are provided with at least 3 hours per week of one-on-one tutorial work. This time may be used for specific needs, or designed to follow a set of Out of Class Learning Activities (OOCLAs) designed by ACICIS. The purpose of the OOCLAs and tutorials in general is to have students activating their language skills in real life situations around Yogya. Each person’s tutor will assist them with their OOCLA tasks and answer any other questions that they may have related to Indonesian language and culture.
Field trips and school visits
Field trips include a variety of structured learning activities along with a number of general sight seeing trips. Tour leaders may decide on the mix of activities that best suits their group. View a complete list of field trips and school visits.