Indonesia Changed My Perspective for the Better Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We had lectures and discussions several times during the week including a few language sessions. However, what was truly amazing about studying abroad in Indonesia the opportunity to learn through experiences. We learned alongside our professors from the indigenous people of Indonesia about the history and culture. We attended many museums and workshops taught by master craftsman. We also had the opportunity to be guided through many temples and rituals by the wife of a Brahman. The educational experience was quite rich and diverse. We were really challenged to learn and grow.

On-site administration of your program

Our coordinators had great expertise in working with Westerners and made it very easy for us to adapt and assimilate into the Indonesian lifestyle.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were very high quality. The hotels we stayed in were very hospitable and clean. There wasn't a time I felt like the rooms or staff performed inadequately. However, there was one hotel that had the option of outdoor bathrooms. I would caution new visitors when choosing this option because there are lots of mosquitoes, but that is to be expected in that climate.

I'm a vegan, so finding food to eat that fits within my diet can be a challenge. However, in Indonesia this was not the case! During the program I made sure to ask lots of questions to make sure I knew what I was receiving and the staff was always very understanding. The food was delicious and healthy. There was a variety of tropical juices to choose from. In some more touristy locations there were even American, Mexican, and Italian-style restaurants.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our coordinators were indigenous to Indonesia and they were experts in their profession. We were often brought into the homes of local people as guests. Also, people on the streets were very friendly and easy to talk to. We had the pleasure of visiting many local markets, so we were able to engage in many local customs, such as bartering.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was made fully aware of vaccines I would need to take before I departed and I was able to do so quickly and efficiently. I was provided with student health insurance specifically for use while abroad. I didn't have any health complications from being abroad.

The very first activity we participated in while we were in both islands at Indonesia were safety procedures meetings. They offered us lots of advice. Our professors forbade the use of motorbikes, which happens be the leading cause of death in Indonesia. We were very well looked after by our coordinators and professors.

While studying abroad in Indonesia I had many experienced that permanently changed the way I will view life. For instance, while snorkeling above a sunken Japanese WWII submarine in the Indian Ocean I realized quite suddenly that I was no longer at the top of the food-chain while I was submerged in the water. Being confronted by my own mortality was quite an ephemeral experience.

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

I only needed $250 of spending money for the entire month I was in Indonesia. I lived and ate comfortably and was able to bring back several souvenirs.

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

There was frequent encouragement to use the language, but it wasn't often necessary because many of the locals use English well.

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• Hotel

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• Americans

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• Americans

• The experinces.

• The scheduled activites were amazing, but it would have been nice to have a little more free time to either take needed rest or explore independently.