Program Details

The Summer Language Studies Program is conducted at the Gadjah Mada University (UGM) under the direction of the Indonesian Language and Cultural Learning Service (INCULS). The program staff in Yogyakarta has ably managed the program, working with the dedicated teachers, tutors, and host families.

Students participate in 24 hours of language study per week, organized into three classes: reading and vocabulary, grammar and writing, and speaking and practicum. Students also practice daily with Indonesian tutors who are students at UGM. Such tutoring provides the opportunity to both the Indonesian and American students to engage at an informal level, to ask questions, and to develop friendships; many Summer Studies alums have maintained these bonds long after participating in the program.

The program also features cultural programs that introduce the students to integral aspects of Indonesian and Javanese (Indonesia’s largest ethnic group) life: gamelan music, cooking, traditional dance, traditional martial arts, and batik cloth making. Language is one aspect of culture; introductions to these other aspects allows for a fuller appreciation of all.

Notable speakers from Yogyakarta are also invited to present. Speakers in the past have focused on Indonesian politics, history, and economics, and have included professors, the Sultan of Yogyakarta, and other professionals. USINDO staff in Washington and Jakarta work with program staff inYogyakartato ensure a diverse and lively group of speakers.

Students live with host families throughout their stay in Indonesia. The host family experience is intended to reinforce language studies during the day, and to give students the real experience of living with an Indonesian family. Indonesians are hospitable, welcoming people. Strong emphasis is placed on the importance of the family unit. By welcoming American students into their homes, host families welcome them to their daily routine and often invite them to participate as family members in significant events such as weddings. Significantly, the experience allows acquaintances and extended family of the host family to have exposure to young, educated Americans interested in Indonesia and willing to engage.

The Summer Studies program begins June 2, 2014 and ends on July 25, 2014.