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. The number of students for JPP 2009 has not yet been decided.

Q. Can non-Australian students apply?
A. Yes, of course. On JPP 2008 we had 3 students from New Zealand and 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, 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 general quality and order of receipt 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 most students got their 1st place choice and everybody was very happy with the placement they got.

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 2009 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.

Q. Do I need to bring a laptop?
A.You can survive in your work placement without a laptop, but you function much more efficiently if you bring 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.

Q. Will my tuition fees be covered by HECS? (For Australian students only)
A. If your university is prepared to organise this for you then you will be covered by HECS. 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.

Q. Does ACICIS help organise accommodation with a host family or are participants expected to find their own accommodation?
A. The choice of accommodation is up to the student. Near the departure date ACICIS will send each participant up to date information on accommodation possibilities, and in Jakarta the ACICIS staff can advise participants who may experience problems finding accommodation. In JPP 2008 most students followed the ACICIS recommendation to stay together in a hotel for the first 2 weeks lectures at Atma Jaya University. The hotel chosen was the Century Park Atlet Hotel, which is very close the Atma Jaya University. Most students shared a triple to save money. Everyone found that by staying together for the first period it helped everyone settle in and created an extremely strong bond within the group. Details will be given to students later on the choice of hotel for JPP 2009.

After the 2 weeks at the university students move to local boarding houses (Kos) or apartment near their work placement. This cost is very reasonable. Help in finding a kos comes from staff at the work placement and also from ACICIS.