Aparna Subramaniam is a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient from The University of Western Australia. Aparna undertook the Virtual Indonesian Language Short Course in January-February 2022.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ILSC?
I decided to undertake ILSC because I thought learning Indonesian is both exciting and really useful. When you learn a language, you get a deeper insight into different cultures and ways of living, which I find particularly interesting.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If yes, why do you think the NCP is an important initiative?
The NCP is important because it allows a deeper connection to be forged between individuals in Australia and others in the Indo-Pacific region. This allows Australians to gain a deeper awareness of the cultures that surround us and helps us to broaden our perspectives.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this virtual experience?
I enjoyed the feeling of satisfaction I gained from learning a new language and it was exciting to learn about the Indonesian culture.
Q: What do you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?
I found it challenging to stay on task and maintain my study work ethic when everyone around me are on holidays.
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this virtual program? If yes, how was this achieved?
Yes, we learnt about Indonesian food through presentations and we got to communicate to Indonesian students and converse about our differing experiences relating to food, studies and day-to-day life.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about the course?
I enjoyed the learning part the most. It felt quite satisfying to learn and remember new words and grammar rules.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the ILSC influence your future career or study?
Yes, it helped gain a basic understanding of the language which might make it easier for me to work there in the future.
Q: Would you recommend this virtual program to your friends?
Yes, definitely.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Selamat makan.
Q: Describe your experience of the Virtual ILSC in three words:
Interesting. Worthwhile. Eye-opening.