Katherine Clayton 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?
To improve my Indonesian language skills before working in Jakarta for a year.
Q: What do you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?
The intensive nature of the course meant many of the written assignments were completed without enough time to make them a genuine learning activity.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the Indonesian Language Short Course influence your future career or study?
I hope it will help with my teaching position in Jakarta.
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?
Learning Indonesian for 3 hrs a week in Australia just can’t compete with the immersive nature of learning Indonesian in-country.
Q: Would you like to return to Indonesia for future study or work?
Yes – very much.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about the course?
Staying with my host family and making some local friends at UKSW.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Salatiga?
Hike Gunung Merbabu and generally explore the surrounding area of central Java.
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian food? And your favourite place to eat?
Hands down – Murtabak manis dengan keju (sweet murtabak with cheese). I can only buy it when I know I’ve got other people to share it with, otherwise I eat more than is good for me!
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian phrase?
“Tidak apa apa” – it means no worries!