USINDO SUMMER STUDIES: EXPLORE INDONESIA
Language, Culture, and Contemporary Indonesia
An intensive 10-week language & culture studies fellowship held in Yogyakarta and Jakarta, Indonesia for U.S. university students and recent graduates.
260
alumni since
1996
Program Overview
Orientation Days
Beginning with a three-day orientation in Yogyakarta, participants will be introduced to the local committee, their language tutors, and their host families. Participants will attend various sessions designed to enable them to create a richer and more meaningful experience during the program, including Cross-Cultural Understanding sessions and a 'City Survival' to familiarize students with key places in Yogyakarta in a fun and interactive way.
Language Classes
The language component of USINDO’s Summer Studies Program is conducted in partnership with the Indonesian Language and Culture Intensive Course (ILCIC) at Sanata Dharma University. ILCIC has had extensive experience in conducting Bahasa Indonesia teaching programs for foreign university students, and its location in the heart of Yogyakarta allows Summer Studies students to interact directly with Indonesian students and locals in its lively campus atmosphere.
The program typically offers two class levels: beginner and intermediate. However, USINDO also accommodates participants wishing to learn at the advanced level.
The classes cover the essentials of Indonesian vocabulary, grammar, and cultural contexts through interactive speaking, reading, writing, and listening exercises. Students attend language classes and tutorials for 20 hours per week for nine weeks.
Students also practice twice a week after regular classes with Indonesian tutors who are students in Yogyakarta. Such tutoring provides the opportunity for both Indonesian and American students to engage at an informal level, ask questions, and develop friendships; many Summer Studies alumni have maintained these bonds long after participating in the program.
Host Family
Among the program's most enriching aspects, the host family element of the Summer Studies Program provides students with a deep and authentic dive into Indonesian culture. This immersive experience reinforces students’ language skills and deepens their understanding of life in Yogyakarta.
Our gracious host families extend a warm welcome to American students, inviting them into their homes and offering a firsthand glimpse into their daily lives, including opportunities to participate in family outings, attend special events such as weddings and trips, and enjoy the delights of local cuisine, among other engaging activities.
Cultural Workshops
Aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation and insight into Indonesian culture, the program gives a chance for students to explore a wide spectrum of experiences that lie at the heart of Indonesian culture. These workshops include batik making, traditional dance, gamelan music, and pencak silat (martial arts).
Experiential Classroom
Experiential classrooms are designed to give students an authentic experience of Indonesia that goes beyond the traditional classroom. Students explore a wide range of topics, including religion, social issues, politics, the environment, and culture, through immersive visits to local organizations. These sessions offer on-site volunteer opportunities and provide a meaningful way to gain insight into contemporary issues in Indonesia, such as environmental sustainability, disability rights, religion, politics, and more.
Cross-Cultural Reflection
The Cross-Cultural Reflection sessions are essential in helping students navigate the complexities of cultural diversity while fostering a deep appreciation for different cultures. These sessions offer valuable insights that help students adapt to a new environment and make the most of their time in the program. They also encourage students to reflect on their own experiences and provide them with the tools to effectively engage with cultural differences in Indonesian academic, business, and daily life settings.
Field Trips
Students take part in a variety of field trips that highlight the cultural, historical, and natural treasures of Yogyakarta. These trips offer opportunities to experience the city's diverse landscapes and rich heritage up close. Along the way, participants gain a deeper understanding of Yogyakarta's unique culture, history, traditions, and natural beauty. Past excursions have included memorable experiences such as the Merapi Lava Tour, visits to Indmira organic farms, and explorations of the Borobudur Temple, among others.
Jakarta Week: Indonesia Now
After completing their language classes in Yogyakarta, students will take part in a post-program component in Jakarta. The “Jakarta Week: Indonesia Now” segment builds on the experiences in Yogyakarta, offering a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of Indonesia’s national issues. Students will also have the chance to network with government officials, experts, scholars, NGOs, and private sector representatives.
Previous fellows have engaged with influential figures, including Indonesia's former Minister of Trade, the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, and the Deputy Chief of Mission. The program also includes visits to Jakarta’s historic and cultural landmarks, such as Jakarta’s Old Town and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Indonesia Miniature Park).
USINDO also organizes trips to notable historical and cultural sites in Jakarta, which may include the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta Cathedral, the Museum of National History, Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua), and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Indonesia Miniature Park), among others.