Islamic Studies in Yogyakarta

4 good reasons to study at Universitas Islam Indonesia

1. Unique Study Program

ACICIS offers a semester-long program on Islamic Studies with the option to specialise in Islamic Business, Islamic Law or Islamic Society. Subjects are taught in English at Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) in Yogyakarta. This is a unique opportunity to study at an Islamic university in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.

Islamic Business

Students can study a number of subjects including Syariah Financial Accounting and Business Ethics from an Islamic Perspective. The experience will give participants greater insight into the Indonesian economy, and a deeper understanding of how Muslim values and laws can and do affect approaches to business, particularly in Indonesia.

Islamic Law

Students can study subjects such as Introduction to Islamic Law and Islamic Criminal Law to gain an understanding of Islamic legal principles and issues. Participants will learn about the historical development of Islamic Law and its contemporary application in an Indonesian context.

Islamic Society

Subjects including Islamic Teaching (Religious Practice) and Islamic Thought & Civilization allow students to explore the relationship between religion and society and gain an understanding of the important role that Islam plays in the lives of many Indonesians. Students can also study Indonesian Language and Culture to learn the skills to communicate effectively in Bahasa Indonesia and to adapt to life in-country. In addition to Indonesian, Arabic Language and Culture is available through the Faculty of International Language and Cultural Study.

The Islamic Studies option is not just open to Australian students: anyone interested in knowing more about Islam, and experiencing Islam in an Indonesian context, is welcome to apply. ACICIS also offers one scholarship per semester for a student to study at UII. Australian students who go to Indonesia with ACICIS normally get their courses credited towards their degree at their home university in Australia. This may well be true for students in other countries too, but you must check this for yourself with your home faculty’s administration department.

Irma Djaya (Semester 26) says:

"There was a certain authenticity about studying Islam in a classroom with Muslim students".

2. UII Internship

A key highlight of the Islamic Studies Program is the internship, which enables students to put their studies into practice and to gain real-world experience outside of the classroom. This experiential unit will provide students with valuable international and professional experience in the world’s most populous Muslim country, which will enhance their understanding of Islam, its application into business, law and society, and the challenges of living and working in a developing economy. In addition to this internship, it is expected that students will undertake a total of 6-9 SKS (credit points) worth of subjects throughout the semester. In order to facilitate easy communication, an Indonesian interpreter or internship partner will accompany each student. Students will be required to write a work report of between 3000 and 4000 words and present their report in an end of semester class seminar.

Internship placements include:

• Bank Syariah Mandiri
• Legal Aid and Consultation Institute
• Institute for Human Rights Studies  
• Wahana Linkungan Hidup Indonesia  (WAHLI – Friends of the Earth Indonesia)
• Various legal firms and partners
• Unisi FM
• Yogya International Hospital
• Real English

If students are interested in an internship and there does not appear to be a suitable placement, they should contact ACICIS directly as the secretariat may be able to arrange an alternative placement.

Tom Coghlan (Semester 27 student, internship placement at Legal Aid and Consultation Institute) says:

“It’s a fantastic organisation and they are getting me involved in lots of things, such as consultations with clients, court hearings, radio programs and other legal training programs, as well as some introductory sessions for me about Indonesian law.”

3. Student Life and Accommodation

You:

• Enjoy a 4-day orientation on arrival covering health, security, academic, and cultural aspects of living ‘in-country’;
• Are assigned an English-speaking personal tutor for the whole semester to help you navigate life in Indonesia and improve your Indonesian language;.
• Can choose from a variety of accommodation options including: a kos (student hostel), a house, a 'homestay' with a Muslim family, or the UII Pesantren (Islamic boarding house). Prices are relatively cheap price by Australian standards.

Michael Costa (Semester 25) says:

“I had some great conversations with UII students, discussing the finer points of religion, politics, terrorism and more importantly student life and how Indonesian Muslims like to have a good time. I felt comfortable, accepted and appreciated for taking the time to want to learn more about Indonesia as an Islamic nation.”

ACICIS:

• Fully assists with visa processing, which is normally arranged through the Indonesian embassies in Perth, Western Australia, or Singapore;
• Employs a full time Resident Director, normally an Australian academic, plus two other full time staff members  to assist ACICIS students in Indonesia;
• Provides 24 hour emergency assistance for all ACICIS students in Yogyakarta;
• Provides academic advice with students’ assessment tasks, internship reports, and seminar preparation;
• Provides help and information about how to arrange your own accommodation;
• Provides a cultural program of field trips, excursions, and ongoing checkpoint meetings with students to immerse students in Yogyakarta life and provide pastoral support.

Family members, including children, can also accompany applicants.

4. Living in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is Indonesia's cultural heartland and there are always plenty of events and performances taking place in and around the city.

Past ACICIS student says:

"You will love the lifestyle that Yogya offers. It's addictive. So forget about Australia because it will be there when you get back..."

Rebecca Livermore (Semester 25) says:

"My experience in Indonesia has been the most valuable year of my life to date"

Costs

See what the semester costs are.