Incredible Indonesia Past Review

By A student (Art Education, Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 05/15/2015 to 06/13/2015 with

Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Bali & Java - Imagine Indonesia: Discover the Wonders of Bali and Java

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned about how different and similar Eastern cultures are to US culture. I specifically learned a lot about Indonesian culture, from the pace of life, to a bit of the language, to the art forms, such as batik and basket making. I learned a lot about Indonesian art works and monuments, such as Borobudur and Prambanan.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The trip to Indonesia went above and beyond my expectations in every way! The pace was incredibly rigorous, but it never felt too hard or beyond what we were capable of because of the resources available to us. Both professors were supportive, and all the additional teachers for the classes were helpful and professional. We were kept busy and occupied, and were continuously learning. It was an amazing opportunity to learn about a new culture.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	In both Bali and Java, the hosts were professional and nurturing. In Bali, the woman who organized the trip was engaged in our learning and truly experiencing Indonesia, and was actively involved in our program. In Java, the same was true of our guide, who was supporting of our learning and experiencing the culture.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The housing was always comfortable and clean. We experienced a variety of locations, and they all were wonderful places to stay.
* Food:	As a vegetarian, it was hard occasionally to be certain something didn't have meat it in. People in general were very happy to help you find something you would like, however. In general, the food was excellent!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I felt like we got a good glimpse into Indonesian life. While we were there only a month, I felt like I became accustomed to what it was like to be in Indonesia, and was comfortable there.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	We were lucky enough to not have to deal with many health issues during the program, however one of our group felt ill and had to go to the local doctor's office, and was well taken care of.
* Safety:	I always felt perfectly safe. One's safety was ensured most by simply paying attention: if you were walking, you had to pay attention to the street around you, and be aware of oncoming motorcycles. Having a bag with a zipper secured one against pickpockets, and was never something I had any trouble with. Another major item for being safe was not walking alone, especially at night.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes The entire trip went above and beyond what I expected, and was wonderful! I had never been abroad before, so was slightly nervous before leaving, but felt safe and supported throughout the trip. I loved the professors who led the trip, the leaders in Indonesia, and everyone I went with. I learned a lot about Indonesian culture, as well as Indonesian art.

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)	It was very easy to live on a student's budget! 10000 rupiah is worth about 75 cents in the US.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Food was paid as a part of the trip expense. Other costs were about $30 a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Have a budget and stick to it. Plan in advance what you want to purchase. In Indonesia, bargain with sellers to get a fair deal.

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	Learning Bahasa was not of the utmost importance in the program, however, we were encouraged to use it when we could.
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?	Beginner
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?	Use it whenever you can! In general, the native speakers appreciate attempts, even if you make mistakes!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Hotel
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Learning from traditional/native artists Experiencing the culture Trying new things
* What could be improved?	Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	That studying abroad was not as scary or hard as it seemed, and that it was a good thing to step outside your comfort zone and try new things!

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Art 4756
Course Department:	Art
Instructor:	Robert Petersen
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was a challenge in taking in what we learned from Dr. Petersen, but also what we learned from our field trips to art sites and our discussions with artists. Dr. Petersen was well-prepared, and had information about a location we were going to see before we went to see it, and always allowed for additional questions and discussion after viewing the location. Dr. Petersen was very knowledgeable, but he was excellent about getting in guest speakers who knew more than he did to supplement our learning and have a truly native individual share their experience. We were assessed via a series of short answer papers, and a longer final paper.
Credit Transfer Issues:	The credit applied correctly, but if you need to apply the class for something else, be sure to check with the department head and understand the waiver process before the trip.

Course Name/Rating:	Art 4755
Course Department:	Art
Instructor:	Ann Coddington
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The class was challenging because it involved learning a variety of new art forms that were culturally founded in Indonesia. It was founded in Indonesian culture because the classes were taught by people who lived there and were actual craftspeople in the medium. All the teachers were well-prepared, and even those who struggled with English were able to communicate and help us to learn. We got to see a variety of studios, and experience how Indonesian artists worked. We were assessed via our final projects in a critique, as well as an art journal we kept during the entire trip.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I had to have a waiver written for the class to apply correctly, so I would suggest understanding what you will need to do before you go on the trip.