Student Profile: Ashleigh Cook (Sem 44/Feb 2017)

Q: Why did you decide to undertake this ACICIS program?

I decided to join a semester with ACICIS after completing the ACICIS Development Studies Professional Practicum in 2016 as I enjoyed it a lot. I love to immerse myself in Indonesian culture as much as possible, and so figured that joining this semester at UNPAR could only make me love Indonesia more.

Q: How will the West Java Field Study influence your future career?

The West Java Field Study will help me to become more fluent in Indonesian language and increase my independent research skills, which I think will help me to pursue a career in the government of Australia or an NGO in Indonesia.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?

I have joined the futsal club at UNPAR which has been a great experience. I have made so many new friends, and we recently competed in a futsal cup representing UNPAR over the weekend. We came second, and it was a great experience to play together and meet other people from around Indonesia. Being the only ‘bule’ playing in the competition gained me a lot of fans. We have another competition coming up which will be held in Yogyakarta.

Other than futsal, I enjoy travelling around Indonesia and Bandung, and visiting cafes in my spare time with friends. Bandung has so many great places to eat!

Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in the future?

My future aspirations are to work in Indonesia in the future. I would love to be based here, where I can continue to immerse myself in Indonesian culture.

Q: Favourite Indonesian food/ Favourite place to eat?

Rendang!

Wild Grass or Miss Bee are my favourite places to eat.

Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during the program so far?

I’ve been fortunate to visit many places with ACICIS friends in Bandung, and also my new and old friends from Indonesia. I have visited Kawah Putih, Lembang, Pantai Pangandaran and Pantai Solonto so far in the last seven weeks.