Zara Hemingway is a student from the Australian National University. Zara undertook the Indonesian Language Short Course at Satya Wacana University in Salatiga with the assistance of a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant in 2024. Zara is studying Bachelor of Asian Studies.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ILSC?
I decided to undertake the ACICIS ILSC as after studying Bahasa Indonesia for almost 8 years, I had still never been to Indonesia. It was the perfect opportunity for me to practice my skills in-country, whilst meeting new friends who share similar interests in learning language and culture.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If yes, why do you think the NCP is an important initiative?
Yes. I think this is such an important initiative as it allows Australians to undertake in-country study with less of a worry about the financial burden that it can impose. This is vital for encouraging more Australians to develop an interest in the Indo-Pacific space and encouraging future study and understanding of the countries closest to us. With this, we can build better relationships and connections for the betterment of all countries involved.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this in-country experience?
All the random interactions I had with people on the street. These interactions really put my language skills to the test, since I wasn’t able to prepare for them beforehand and didn’t necessarily have a script that I could follow.
Q: What do you find to be the most challenging about the ILSC?
The most challenging part of the ILSC is how quick the turnaround for the assignments is. Getting given a task and having to present on it 10 minutes later, or write a 500-word report due on the same day.
Q: Have you had previous experience learning Indonesian in Australia? If yes, how different was the in-country ILSC to your previous experiences?
Yes. Having learnt Indonesian all through high school and university an in-country learning experience is very different. In Australia, once your classes are finished for the day, you can go back to communicating in English and don’t have to think about Indonesian until your next class. But in Indonesia, the learning never stops as you have to continuously use your language skills in all interactions in order to communicate with others.
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this in-country program? If yes, how was this achieved?
Yes. As part of the ILSC program students undertake cultural learning and exposure as well as optional cultural classes. I chose to undertake the extra Batik and Pencak Silat classes. These were both an amazing experience as I got to learn new skills, whilst also experiencing Indonesian life.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about the course?
I have most enjoyed getting to know all of the new people that I have met through this course. I know it’s cheesy, but in just 3-weeks I would say that I have made lifelong friendships.
Q: How will your proficiency in Indonesian Language gained through the ILSC influence your future career or study?
Since my current focus study is Indonesian language and culture, this experience has helped me to develop a further appreciation and drive to continue these studies. With the ILSC in-country experience my language proficiency has only increased and my awareness of day-to-day life and culture in Indonesia will be extremely beneficial as a base from which to continue learning.
Q: Would you recommend this program to your friends?
Yes!! This course has language learning opportunities for everyone, no matter what language level you have.
Q: Describe your experience of the in-country ILSC in three words!
Thrilling, immersive, expansive.
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian phrase?
Perpustakaan (library) or polisi tidur (speedbump – literally sleeping police).