Jacob York is a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient from Monash University. Jacob undertook the Virtual Indonesian Language Short Course in January 2021.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Indonesian Language Short Course?
To improve my Indonesian listening, speaking, and writing abilities, particularly my understanding of Indonesian grammar.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? Do you think the NCP is an important initiative?
Yes. This was a great incentive for doing the course, as it meant it was completely free.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this virtual experience?
Just being immersed in the language for several hours at a time each day. In particular, I found it improved my listening skills dramatically.
Q: What did you find to be the most challenging about your experience on the Virtual ILSC?
What has been most challenging is having the assessments explained in Indonesian. In my other language learning experiences, the explanations of tasks have always been in English. It’s meant I’ve had to ask a lot of clarifying questions!
Q: Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? If yes, how different was the Virtual ILSC to your previous experiences?
I have studied Indonesian at Monash. The two experiences have been very similar, other than 3 things:
– These one’s are intensive!
– These classes are fully in Indonesian
– The grammar explanations are more concise
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this virtual program? If yes, how was this achieved?
I enjoyed the informal cultural sessions with the students. They were fun and light-hearted, but at the same time quite informative.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the ILSC influence your future career or study?
I’m hoping to become a secondary-school Indonesian teacher. This program has provided me with lots of specific knowledge about Indonesian grammar, as well as overall increased vocabulary, that I can pass onto my future students.
Q: Would you recommend this virtual program to your friends?
Definitely!
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Perpustakaan
Q: Describe your experience of the Virtual ILSC in three words:
Tiring but fantastic.