DSPP Questions and Answers

Q. Is the program specifically aimed at a certain level of student (i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd year or post-grad)
A. The DSPP short course in Jakarta is mainly aimed at Development Studies postgraduate students who have some prior work experience in the development studies field. However, undergraduate students will be accepted into the program.

Q. Can non-Australian students apply?
A. Yes, of course. We welcome non-Australians to apply as they will enrich the experience of the group.

Q. What does the selection process involve?

1. Applications are first reviewed by Perth Secretariat staff and then forwarded to the ACICIS RD.
2. Applications are forwarded to nominated host organisations for consideration (based on sectoral interests, qualifications, and experience of applicants).
3. Host organisations indicate preferences.
4. JPP Program Officer and ACICIS RD will allocate outstanding candidates in accordance with sectoral interests, qualifications and experience, and our knowledge of current host organisation programs.
5. Placements cannot be altered at the request of applicants upon the announcement of all positions by ACICIS. Applicants who are dissatisfied with the placement may withdraw from the program with the usual penalties.

Q. Are there limitations placed on how many participants the DSPP program can take?
A. Yes. The number of participants is limited by the availability of placements in Indonesia. ACICIS officers consult with development organisations in Jakarta to arrange for their cooperation in hosting students.

Q. Is selection of participants a matter of 'first in best dressed' or does it depend on merit and the application process?
A. If there are not sufficient places available for all applicants (and we expect this to be the case), ACICIS will choose participants on a number of criteria including: academic record, industry experience, life experience, the student's flexibility in choice of placement, the skills that the applicant can bring to the placement, and the general quality of the student's application.

Q. Does the Indonesian language component cater for those with prior Indonesian knowledge?
A. The Indonesian language units at the start of the program are designed for complete beginners. However, if there are applicants with Indonesian language skills they should make this known on their application forms, and it may be possible to substitute more advanced language units, or other relevant activities. What may be offered as an alternative depends on how many students need alternatives.

Q. Can I choose my work placement?
A. No. Applicants should be aware that they are applying for the program, not a specific placement. Whilst ACICIS will endeavor to match student preferences to the places available, students must accept that they may not get their preferred placement.

In addition, all ACICIS placements with development organisations depend entirely on the good will and preparedness of such organisations to host participants. Such organisations retain the right to withdraw from the program or vary the number of participants they host at any stage. Therefore, while acting in good faith in preparing students for placements, ACICIS cannot guarantee any specific internship site and participants must accept this need for flexibility as a condition of participation in the Development Studies Professional Practicum.

Q. Does ACICIS help organise accommodation with a host family or are participants expected to find their own accommodation?
A. During orientation DSPP program participants stay in one of a number of nominated hotels for the orientation period. Approximate rates and facilities for each nominated hotel will be forwarded by the secretariat prior to departure. Twin rooms will be booked so that rooms may be shared to keep costs down for participants. ACICIS reserves the right to cap bookings at a single hotel in accordance with our risk management strategy. The duration of the stay in the initial hotel is at the discretion of participants once the orientation period has concluded.

Once in Jakarta, participants will be given a list of long-term accommodation options (kos or boarding houses) as a part of the orientation package. ACICIS staff will personally survey all accommodation options and record contact details. Time and assistance will be provided during orientation for participants to survey options. ACICIS advises participants to choose accommodation in locations that provide convenient access to both Atma Jaya Catholic University and their work placements. Average costs for a one-month boarding house booking range from AUD$180-350. Past experience has taught us that this is the best way to do it because everyone has a different idea of what style of accommodation they would prefer.

See here for examples of kos in Jakarta.

Q. Can I work whilst in Indonesia?
A. No. Please not that your Social-Cultural visa is for study purposes and only covers you for the work you do with your host organisation as an intern. You are not paid for this work and it falls under the auspices of a sponsored university program. You may NOT conduct any other type of work in Indonesia while on the program or use the internship as a vehicle to work on independent material. Evidence of stories being filed abroad whilst on the program will result in students withdrawn from the program.

Q. Can I travel around Indonesia?
A. Whilst we encourage participants to get as much exposure to Indonesia as possible, this is not the main objective of the intensive 6-week practicum. The student gets a 60-day visa, and the DSPP lasts for 6-7 weeks. This does not leave much time for a holiday before or after the program. It is possible to leave Jakarta for the weekend to places such as Bogor, Thousand Islands, Krakatoa, or even Yogyakarta. Before being accepted on the program all participants must agree to the condition that any travel outside Jakarta for business or pleasure must be with the prior approval of the ACICIS Project Officer. This is in the application forms.

Q. Do I need to bring a laptop?
A. You can often survive in your work placement without a laptop, but you are strongly advised to bring your own laptop. In some workplaces it is essential that you have your own laptop.

Q. Do I need insurance?
A. Insurance is compulsory for the DSPP. You must provide the ACICIS secretariat with a photocopy of your insurance certificate before you leave for Jakarta.

Q. What injections do I need to have before leaving for Jakarta?
A. What medical precautions students take before going to Indonesia is up to each individual student. ACICIS strongly suggests that students consult their doctor before departure, and please read the health page on the ACICIS website.

Q. Will my tuition fees be covered by HECS/HELP? (For Australian students only)
A. If your university is prepared to organise this for you then you will be covered by HECS/HELP. If your university is not prepared to do this then you must pay the tuition costs yourself.

Q. Can my partner and/or children come with me?
A. There are some organisational difficulties with this happening, but if you are in this position please contact the ACICIS secretariat to discuss this issue.

Q. How long after the DSPP finishes will I get my results?
A. We anticipate that the results will be available to students and their universities a maximum of two months after the DSPP finishes.

Q. Why must my passport be valid for 6 months after I return from Indonesia?
A. This is a requirement of the Indonesian immigration authorities.

Q. Can I apply after the closing date of 1st October?
A. No. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Q. Will we be expected to communicate fluently in Indonesian during the placements?
A. There is no need for the student to speak any Indonesian. Unless an applicant indicates they have strong Indonesian language skills and would like an Indonesian language placement, work placements will be in English-language environments.