Anna Chanthasaeng is a New Colombo Plan mobility grant recipient from Western Sydney University. Anna undertook the Indonesian Language Short Course at Satya Wacana University in Salatiga during the summer university break in 2019.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Indonesian Language Short Course?
I decided to undertake ILSC because I was interested in the culture of Indonesia in comparison to that of Australia. I was inspired to go to Indonesia because it was a program not only supported by my university but also a program recommended by my lecturer. At the time, I was also learning about the history of Indonesia (such as how Indonesia gained independence and is Australia’s closest Asian neighbour with decades of mutual trade and foreign aid) which heightened my interest in the region.
Q: What do you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?
The most challenging aspect is the learning of a new language in general. However, I find Bahasa Indonesia easier to learn, write and speak than Mandarin.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the Indonesian Language Short Course influence your future career or study?
Learning Bahasa Indonesia and living in Indonesia for three weeks allowed me to gain new experiences and learn about the culture, social norms, social expectations and etiquette of Indonesia that is very different to that of Australia. I will be able take what I see here in Indonesia and discuss it with my lecturers, friends, family and peers and find ways that we can improve the relationship between the countries.
Learning Bahasa Indonesia is interesting and has influenced my desire to return to Indonesia someday, as well as teach or even fund raise to assist local organisations to build schools in areas that need them. Doing this program also inspires me to return to Indonesia on another academic program or to even seek short-term employment in the country.
Q: Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? If so, how different is in-country Indonesian language learning to your previous experiences? If not, how do classes in Indonesia compare to classes in Australia?
No, this is my first time learning Bahasa Indonesia and studying abroad. The classes in Australia are mostly taught in lecture rooms (big halls with hundreds of seats facing a speaker and big screen), whereas in Indonesia the class rooms are smaller and sometimes they do not have the technology that most Australian universities have.
Q: Would you like to return to Indonesia for future study or work?
Yes.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about the course?
I enjoyed being able to interact with the Language Training Centre staff and learning the language in general.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Salatiga?
In my spare time, I like to travel with my friends to famous tourist destinations and try out the local food.
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian food?
Nasi Goreng Telor (Egg fried rice which is spicy)!
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian phrase?
Selamat pagi (good morning) and Terima Kasih (thank you).