Journalist Practicum Option

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is the program specifically aimed at a certain level of student (i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd year or post-grad)
A. The program is aimed at those who, by the commencement of the JPP, have had the equivalent of at least one year of undergraduate study of journalism. We anticipate many applicants will have more experience than this, and applications are welcomed from working journalists and others.

Q. Are there limitations placed on how many participants the JPP program can take?
A. The number of participants is limited by the availability of placements in Indonesia. ACICIS officers are contacting media organisations in Jakarta to arrange for their cooperation in hosting students. While we have some preliminary calculations, we do not anticipate knowing the precise number of placements until the end of October. We should be able to confirm placements with interested students by then. If demand exceeds supply, it may be necessary to close applications early and we may not be able to take all interested applicants. In JPP 2008 there were 25 students on the JPP. In 2009 there were 33 participants chosen from 59 applicants.

Q. Does ACICIS help organise accommodation with a host family or are participants expected to find their own accommodation?
A. For security reasons, for the January 2010 program ACICIS will not be congregating students in a hotel for the initial two weeks of the program, as was the case in previous years. ACICIS will place students into pre-booked residential accommodation (kos or boarding houses) that provide convenient access to both Atma Jaya University and their work placements. These residential neighbourhoods are far removed from the types of locations that DFAT bulletins advise foreigners to avoid. As neighbourhoods they are populated almost exclusively by local Indonesian families and workers. Most kos employ 24 hour security guards and access is limited to residents and their guests. ACICIS staff will personally survey all accommodation options and record contact details. See here for examples of kos in Jakarta.

This cost is very reasonable. Help in finding a kos comes from staff at the work placement and also from ACICIS. See here for examples of kos in Jakarta.

Q. Can non-Australian students apply?
A. Yes, of course. So far we have had students from New Zealand and the USA. We welcome non-Australians to apply as they will enrich the experience of the group.

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.The ACICIS Project Officer chooses the work placement for every student. However, students are asked on their application forms to choose a preference. later when the actual work placements are known students are asked to choose their preferences from 1 to 5. ACICIS then endeavours to match the student preference to the places available. Students must accept that they may not get their first choice, however, in JPP 2008 and 2009 most students got their 1st or 2nd place choice and everybody was very happy with the placement they got.

Q. Can I work whilst in Indonesia?
A. No. Please not that your visa 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.The student gets a 60 day visa, and the JPP 2009 last for 6-7 weeks. This does not leave much time for a holiday 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 onto JPP 2010 all participants must agree to the condition that any travel outside Jakarta for business or pleasure must be with the prior approval of the 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 JPP. 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 HELP? (For Australian students only)
A. If your university is prepared to organise this for you then you will be covered by 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 JPP finishes will I get my results?
A. We anticipate that the results will be available to students and their universities approximately one month after the JPP finishes.

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

Q. Can I apply after the closing date of 1st September?
A. Normally you cannot apply after the closing date. Only in exceptional circumstances, and by arrangement with the ACICIS secretariat will late applications be accepted.

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 media environments.