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.

Wimar Witoelar talks to ACICIS studentsIntermediate 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.

 

FAQ Videos - Click on a link to view videos
FAQ 01: Why ACICIS? FAQ 11: Co-Curricular Activities
FAQ 02: Why Go? FAQ 12: Strange Things In Everyday Life Abroad
FAQ 03: Why Immersion? FAQ 13: The Pubbing Lifestyle
FAQ 04: Being An 'Anak ACICIS' FAQ 14: Accomodation 1/2 - The Kos
FAQ 05: Being A Woman In Indonesia FAQ 15: Accomodation 2/2 - Rumah Kontrakan
FAQ 06: Where To After ACICIS? FAQ 16: Fasting (Puasa)
FAQ 07: What's Studied At University In Indonesia? FAQ 17: Gempa (Earthquake)
FAQ 08: The ACICIS Orientation Program FAQ 18: Aussies (For Non-Australian Students)
FAQ 09: ACICIS In-Country Pendamping/Buddies FAQ 19: Is ACICIS Recommended?
FAQ 10: Security FAQ 20: Travelling To Indonesia As A Family