Frequently
Asked Questions
How do I choose a mix of language and regular subjects at UGM?
ACICIS requires students to study at least 12 credit points (known as "SKS"),
and no more than 15. Most subjects are worth 2 or 3 credit points, so students
should take four to six semester subjects. Students may make their own choices,
but will need to obtain approval from the ACICIS Resident Director. For the
Indonesian Language subject choice, the Resident Director will take advice from
UGM based on the placement test.
Beginners (with no or little previous Indonesian language) should choose the
full 12 credit points of language offered, at either beginners or intermediate
level. A total of 12 contact hours per week, over 14 weeks amounts to 168 hours
of instruction.
 Intermediate
student (with less than 4 semesters of university level Indonesian
language, or equivalent) should choose at least 10 credit points
of language at intermediate or advanced level.
Advanced students (with 4 or more semesters of university level Indonesian language,
or equivalent) should choose about 4 credit point of advanced language (somehwere
between 0 and 8 credit points depending on language competency). The better
the student's language, the less language classes will be needed.
How do I choose regular curriculum subjects?
Several methods of choosing regular curriculum subjects
are suggested. One possibility is for students to choose a subject about which
they know nothing and study it at a basic level, for example, Ethnography of
Java. The readings would be in Indonesian. Another method is to choose subjects
in which the concepts are already understood, for example, Sociology, and study
it at basic level to focus on the language. Alternatively, choose a higher level
subject in your own area of specialisation and really stretch yourself.
As the Study Indonesia Program is focussed on Indonesian language acquisition,
students must select courses in which all lectures, tutorials, and assessment
are in Bahasa Indonesia, and as far as possible, all texts as well. In practice,
however, the set readings for many subjects are in English as books available
in Indonesian may not be available. Whilst ACICIS discourages students from
studying subjects where the readings are in English, this can't always be avoided.
However, Study Indonesia Program students may not select non-Indonesian subjects
such as a European language. Even if Study Indonesia Program students are permitted
by the UGM lecturer to submit work in English, this is not permitted by ACICIS.
Students must consult the Resident Director before finalising
their subject choices. Home institutions have the right to determine guidelines
for their own students who should notify the RD of these. It is not possible
for students to find out precisely which courses are offered at UGM in any particular
semester prior to departure, and ACICIS will not attempt to convert or translate
Indonesian university units into Australian or other university equivalents.
In addition to the courses outlined above, ACICIS offers several cultural activities
which all ACICIS students at UGM may choose to join according to their interests.
Information about these activities is provided during Orientation.
Can I go travelling before my ACICIS semester?
 The
short answer to this one is not really! Because of strict Visa regulations,
you may not arrive in Indonesia until three days before Orientation. You will
have time at the end of your study to do some travelling around Indonesia, but
you will need to obtain an exit permit. Visas for Australian Students are processed
through the Perth Consulate and Visa authorisation may not arrive more than
3 weeks before the semester starts. Therefore (for Australian students) unless
you have made specialised arrangements with the Secretariat prior to or at the
time of submitting your application, you will have to be in the country with
your passport in Perth immediately before the start of semester. It is possible
to get your visa issued elsewhere, such as Singapore, but this is more difficult
and will be your own responsibility.
International participants should email the Secretariat acicis@murdoch.edu.au
for information on their status.
How much money will I need?
 It is
difficult to estimate how much money is needed to cover living costs, as student
preferences vary considerably. While living costs in Indonesia are cheap by
Australian standards, it is wise not to underestimate cash needs. Costs change
according to fluctuations in-country and according to the exchange rate. Basically,
this question is way too variable on personal preferances and circumstance to
answer. A minimum amout would be A$100 per week.
Can my partner come with me?
 Due
to visa and other administrative regulations, ACICIS can only provide assistance
for some accompanying family members, on the same type of visa (Vitas) as the
ACICIS participant if an application is received at the same time as applications
for study (1 May/October). There are only provisions within Indonesian visa
regulations for accompanying wives and children on this type of visa, although
it is usually possible to obtain a visa for accompanying husbands. It should
be noted that visa application regulations, set by the Indonesian government,
require a certified copy of a birth certificate for accompanying children, and/or
a Certificate of Marriage for an accompanying spouse. Children in particular
have a unique experience while they are in Indonesia.
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