The best program to learn Indonesian Past Review

By (Stanford University) - abroad from 01/27/2020 to 05/22/2020 with

American Councils (ACTR): Indonesian Overseas Program (IOP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned Indonesian (and some insights into how to learn foreign languages efficiently), a lot about Indonesian culture, how to step outside of my comfort zone to try new things, and clarity as to where I'd like to go from here.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The language instruction was AMAZING. I had two teachers (even though I was the only student! the program likes to keep the teacher to student ratio really good) and a wonderful language partner/tutor who met with me multiple times a week. Although my teachers only taught in Indonesian, I learned very quickly and adapted to explaining concepts I didn't understand in Indonesian -- which is an invaluable skill when trying to develop language skills at a higher level / in real-life situations. All of the materials were catered to me and my interests as well, and my teachers knew how to put enough pressure on me to get me to the next level while never overwhelming me. I had never studied Indonesian prior to the program and ended the year at a very high level, even despite having to return home early as a result of COVID-19 (and had 1/2 of my program online). If you're looking to learn Indonesian quickly, there's no better program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was wonderful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was amazing and very supportive!

* Food:

Indonesian food is the best -- just be careful if you're not a fan of spicy food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In my experience, the Indonesian college students I met were very welcoming. I had opportunities to go hiking with friends I met at the university where my language classes were and felt very comfortable in Malang.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I unfortunately got food poisoning my second week in-program, but the program staff took me to the hospital and stayed with me the whole time I was there -- even throughout the two nights I was there (which was way more than I would have expected my natural parents to do for me!!). The care at the hospital was good and my program staff ensured that I never felt scared or alone throughout the process.

* Safety:

I never felt that unsafe during my program.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would absolutely choose this program again. First, the language instruction was the best language instruction I have ever received (and I've attempted to learn 3 languages before Indonesian). The teachers are incredibly committed and deeply understand the teaching pedagogy for international students who want to learn Indonesian. They also teach American students every summer through the Critical Language Scholarship, so they are very well-accustomed to helping students quickly acquire a high level of language skills. Second, everyone on the program is insanely supportive and you feel a part of the family/community within weeks of joining the program. Third, there are so many opportunities to engage with the local community if you can communicate what you're interested in. I have always thought I was "awful at learning languages," but this program proved to me that great instruction, the will to learn, and energy are the only factors that really matter in acquiring a language. The program staff are always very positive and made the experience so wonderful for me. Even though COVID-19 sent me home early, my teachers continued to wake up at 6am Malang time to make the time difference work, and continued to hold me to a high standard -- despite being 10,000 miles apart! This is one example to illustrate the passion of my teachers and the spirit of the program.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Lunches are not included in the program cost, which is important to note. However, the price of food in Malang is pretty cheap compared to the U.S. (I never spent more than $5 for a meal -- and that was only for a very nice meal! You can usually pay around $2-3/meal). I bought groceries so I could have some snacks, which could add up -- but it all depends on the person.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I only spoke in Indonesian while on program (despite never having studied before -- it sounds weird, but the program really pushes you to learn quickly, and *all* students, somehow, are able to rise to the occasion!) I only spoke English when I needed to clarify something that was very important at the beginning of my program to avoid misunderstandings. Otherwise, I would speak Indonesian about 8 hours a day.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make friends with other college students and don't ever feel embarrassed to use your language skills, even if you feel awkward. Approach every situation as an opportunity to learn from those around you and practice your language skills. From my experience, the Indonesians that I met were incredibly supportive and encouraging of my language learning process, which helped motivate me to continue learning -- even through harder points in the program.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends from the program (teachers, language tutor, program staff, and other university students)
  • language instruction
  • cultural activities
* What could be improved?
  • more extracurricular activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Depending on the semester, the availability of extracurricular activities may be limited. I would follow-up ahead of time to see what will be offered and see if arrangements can be made if there's something you're specifically interested in learning (such as gamelan or batik).

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!