In precisely three weeks I will be heading off to Indonesia. How super exciting is that!? Extremely, I think. In preparation for my 6 month adventure I have created this blog so that you may follow along what I’m up to, and have your own little taste of Indonesia, even if it is vicariously through me. While I’m there I hope to update you all maybe once or twice a week (however there are no guarantees as to the accuracy of this figure and it may be more or less, but I’ll try to be consistent). To kick off this blog I have answered a few FAQ below, of things I generally get asked about my trip.
FAQ #1 So where are you actually going?
I’ll be living and studying in Yogyakarta, on the island of Java. I’ll also be travelling to Bali, Sulawesi and hopefully a few other islands as well.
FAQ #2 Yogyakarta… that’s the capital, right?
Nearly, but not quite. Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia. It’s also in Java, but it’s on the western side, while Yogyakarta is in Central Java. (And just to make matters a tad more confusing, Yogyakarta can also be spelt: Jogjakarta)
FAQ #3 What are you actually doing there?
I will be studying at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), one of the top universities in Indonesia. I’ll be doing language subjects, such as grammar, vocab and trasnslation, as well as a couple of electives from any of the UGM subjects offered. While I can choose anything I want, I’ll probably try and study some enviro science or plant subjects. This program of study, called the Flexible Immersion Program, is co-ordinated by ACICIS (the Australian Consortium for In Country Indonesian Studies) (so if you see me mention ACICIS throughout this blog you’ll know what I mean).
FAQ #4 Where will you be living?
I will live in a place called a kos, which is similar to a boarding house. As Yogyakarta is known as Kota Pelajar (Student’s City) there are many kos around the city with various facilities and capacities (from about 7-100 people). When I arrive in Indonesia I’ll stay in a hotel for the first few days while I find a kos which is just right for me.
FAQ #5 Do you know anyone else going?
Throughout the entire application process (which unfortunately has been quite long and a tad stressful) I’ve worked together with my travel buddy, Nick Jackson. We’ll also be meeting some other people on the ACICIS program on our flight to Yogyakarta. All in all there are 23 people doing the flexible immersion program and another 11 doing another program offered by ACICIS. I also have some friends in Indonesia who I am looking forward to seeing very much.
That’s all for now. If you have more questions I am more than happy to answer them (in case you haven’t noticed, I do quite enjoy talking about Indonesia and my adventure, so I apologise in advance if I talk about it too much).
Sampai Jumpa,
Katrina
