Angelina Newton is a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient from University of New South Wales. Angelina undertook the Virtual Indonesian Language Short Course in January-February 2022.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ILSC?
I had a desire to deepen my understanding of Indonesian language and culture. I also believed that ILSC would help me to learn new and exciting ways to teach Bahasa Indonesia to my tutoring students.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If yes, why do you think the NCP is an important initiative? The NCP is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates on experiences such as the Virtual Indonesian Language Short Course
Yes I did. As Australia’s closest neighbour I believe that it is important to strengthen the ties between our two countries and the NCP is an initiative through which this can be achieved. Australian undergraduates are given the financial support to participate in programs which allow them to gain a greater appreciation of Indonesian culture and increase their proficiency of Bahasa Indonesia. The NCP grants makes programs such as ILSC much more accessible for undergraduate students.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this virtual experience?
The most rewarding part of this experience was meeting Indonesian university students as well as the ACICIS and LTC staff. Aside from being very welcoming and bringing energy to our classes, they provided great insight into life in Salatiga and the diversity of Indonesian culture. I very much hope to meet them in person one day in Indonesia.
Q: What do you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?
The study workload was quite intensive however the topics were very engaging and challenged me to not only think about cultural issues in Indonesia but Australia as well.
Q: Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? If yes, how different was the Virtual ILSC to your previous experiences?
Yes, I have had previous experience learning Indonesian in high school. Although ILSC was a virtual class room as opposed to an in person one, the teaching methods used by ILSC were very engaging. The mixture of seminars, interviews, videos, discussions, reading tasks and others made the coursework exciting and interesting.
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this virtual program? If yes, how was this achieved?
Yes I was able to learn about Indonesian culture, through discussions with my teachers, interviews with UKSW students, seminars and the culture sharing experience. In fact, I would argue that this course teaches Bahasa Indonesia through the discussion of topics that reflect Indonesian culture. As such it was very immersive.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about the course?
The opportunity to explore a place through the people who live there, and the vibrant personalities and energy that they brought to the class. Additionally the opportunity to meet like-minded students from Australia and learn Bahasa Indonesia together and hear many different opinions on both Indonesian and Australian culture.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the ILSC influence your future career or study?
The ILSC course has inspired me to continue my Indonesian Language studies and explore available employment options using the language in the future.
Q: Would you recommend this virtual program to your friends?
I would most definitely recommend the ILSC program to my friends.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Semangat.
Q: Describe your experience of the Virtual ILSC in three words:
An unforgettable experience