Emily Heng was a participant in the Indonesian Language Short Course – Session 2 & 3 in 2018 from Monash University.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ILSC?
I have learnt Indonesian for 7 years and yet have never been to Indonesia, thus when the opportunity to do an ACICIS course came along, I decided it was finally time to go to Indonesia. I wanted to improve my Indonesian, especially my listening and speaking skills, and I believed that going to Indonesia would be the most effective way to further these skills. Also, the ILSC took place over the summer holidays, which meant that my normal university semester was not affected.
Q: What did you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?
I found that the workload can be pretty heavy, especially when you receive an assignment the day before you are expected to hand it in. Having less than 24 hours to write a report can be stressful, but it made sure I was being productive. It is an intensive course after all!
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian language gained through the ILSC influence your future career or study?
I hope to work in diplomacy or in the Australian-Indonesian sector in the future. I am also the Vice-President of the Australian-Indonesia Youth Association in Victoria. Therefore I am, and will continue to be, communicating a lot with Indonesians. The ILSC will put my speaking and listening skills, as well as general knowledge of Indonesia, to good use.
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?
Yes, I have been learning Indonesian since year 9, and have continued learning it at my university in Australia. The ILSC is a very intensive course in which you receive at least 3h of Indonesian classes every day, whereas in Australia you may get less than 3h of Indonesian a week. Also, classes in Indonesia focus more on speaking about your own opinions, whereas classes in Australia focus on learning knowledge about social-political matters in Indonesia.
Q: Would you like to return to Indonesia for future study or work?
I would definitely want to return for study, an internship, or work.
Q: What did you most enjoy about the course?
I have enjoyed the opportunities to engage with local Indonesians through the university and weekend travels.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Salatiga?
Explore different places – be it the warung-warung, cafes or batik shops!
Q: Favourite Indonesian Food/Favourite place to eat:
Soto ayam!!!!
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
‘Lumayan sih’
