This experience for me was surprising in the best possible way. Past Review
By Tanya R (Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne / IPFW) - abroad from 02/10/2015 to 07/01/2015 with
ISEP Exchange: Jakarta - Exchange Program at BINUS University
I learned that to really enjoy or learn something you should give it a chance, otherwise you'll be missing out. When I first learned I was going to Indonesia, I knew nothing about it except for what was online so I was terrified of going. I almost dropped the program. But once I decided I was going, I set restrictions on myself; I told myself I wouldn't go island hopping, I wouldn't fly anywhere, I wouldn't eat street food-- the list goes on. Once I got there and met everyone, I did all of those things and had an amazing time! This was a very insightful experience and it showed me to open up more before I choose to reject something. I shouldn't let fear get in the way.
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Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Some classes didn't really teach much. One class in particular was just self teaching and looking for tutorials. There was no real base. Other classes were okay. Wouldn't recommend animation students to study here. But take classes you think would interest you. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I really enjoyed the programs BINUS offered. They made it easier to adjust to crazy Jakarta life. What I liked most was the international buddy system where each exchange student was set up with two local students to help show them around and introduce them to Indonesian living. They were always available if anyone needed help. The international staff set up a few big trips throughout the semester for the international students. It was a nice way to start off the semester. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living at the dorms is a good choice if you want to meet people. I've met people in elevators, while playing pool, while waiting in the lounge for other friends. It's very easy to find someone to hang out with. Everyone is very nice, including the staff! I was one of the first students there and the staff helped me feel less lonely and nervous. The only downsides for me were the cold showers and my roommate and I eventually got lots of ants. |
| * Food: |
LOTS of fried foods and spicy foods. A typical meal would just be fried chicken and rice (ayam goreng and nasi) or just fried noodles (mie goreng). Street food is cheap and easy to get but you may get food poisoning... If you need a break from street food or indonesian food in general, there are plenty of malls with more familiar restaurants and western foods to choose from. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated with the local culture. I learned a lot of necessary words to get by and I was able to navigate around on my own close to the dorms and by my campus. I also enjoyed visiting temples and learning about the country and its history. I learned a lot while I was there and I wish I had more time to learn even more. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had a couple issues while I was abroad and I had one big issue towards the end during finals. When I went to the hospital (bring someone who knows the language), they made sure that it wasn't anything serious. It wasn't but I'm glad they had me check to be sure. If you don't want to go to a hospital or you know it isn't anything serious, you can always go to a pharmacy and ask someone there what they think. I did need vaccines and you should be wary of mosquitoes because there is malaria in Indonesia. I took malaria pills with me just in case, but never had to use them. Check with your host program and your doctor to see what vaccines you should get for the country you're traveling to. |
| * Safety: |
In Jakarta, the traffic makes it very dangerous. The driving is crazy out there. One way to cross the street is to hold out your hand in front of cars while you cross. Of course make sure they aren't speeding and they could actually stop for you. Transportation (by car, bus, motorcycle) in general is pretty crazy. The safest way to travel is by BlueBird Taxi in my opinion. However, you could still possibly get ripped off or have a crazy fast driver. They might pretend not to know where to go or they'll take a longer route. It was never overly dangerous by taxi. It is cheaper to go in a bigger group; do that whenever possible. If you do go by Ojek (motorcycle taxi), take Go-Jek (there's an app for this). Go-Jek requires helmets and air masks. If you look foreign or don't speak the language, you WILL get asked to pay more. Have a local with you or at least now how to haggle. The traffic in Bali is a lot easier to cross/drive through. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
In Indonesia, it's very easy if you're careful. Everything is very cheap if you pay normal price and not the "foreigner price". But since everything is so cheap, it's easy to go through your money. Buy what you need and wait to buy souvenirs. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spend about $80 each week on food, travel (taxi), and other expenses |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take out money at the beginning of each week or two and use only that. Budget that money out and use it wisely. It helps a lot. And really try not to spend money on things you don't really need. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I didn't take it but they had a separate class for exchange students to learn Bahasa. You had to pay for it but I think if you really wanted to learn, it was worthwhile. You may think that you can just learn it on your own like I did but |
| 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? | I didn't take the course |
| 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? | If you REALLY want to learn the language, take the course they offer and practice with other fluent/native speakers of that language! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I know the program tells you to be flexible but I wish I knew what that really meant. A couple of my classes fell through and I had to pick others and they may not match up exactly with courses at my school. Make sure you have several classes you could take. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
