The best program to learn Indonesian Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The language instruction was AMAZING. I had two teachers (even though I was the only student! the program likes to keep the teacher to student ratio really good) and a wonderful language partner/tutor who met with me multiple times a week. Although my teachers only taught in Indonesian, I learned very quickly and adapted to explaining concepts I didn't understand in Indonesian -- which is an invaluable skill when trying to develop language skills at a higher level / in real-life situations. All of the materials were catered to me and my interests as well, and my teachers knew how to put enough pressure on me to get me to the next level while never overwhelming me. I had never studied Indonesian prior to the program and ended the year at a very high level, even despite having to return home early as a result of COVID-19 (and had 1/2 of my program online). If you're looking to learn Indonesian quickly, there's no better program.

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was wonderful!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was amazing and very supportive!

Indonesian food is the best -- just be careful if you're not a fan of spicy food!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In my experience, the Indonesian college students I met were very welcoming. I had opportunities to go hiking with friends I met at the university where my language classes were and felt very comfortable in Malang.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I unfortunately got food poisoning my second week in-program, but the program staff took me to the hospital and stayed with me the whole time I was there -- even throughout the two nights I was there (which was way more than I would have expected my natural parents to do for me!!). The care at the hospital was good and my program staff ensured that I never felt scared or alone throughout the process.

I never felt that unsafe during my program.

I would absolutely choose this program again. First, the language instruction was the best language instruction I have ever received (and I've attempted to learn 3 languages before Indonesian). The teachers are incredibly committed and deeply understand the teaching pedagogy for international students who want to learn Indonesian. They also teach American students every summer through the Critical Language Scholarship, so they are very well-accustomed to helping students quickly acquire a high level of language skills. Second, everyone on the program is insanely supportive and you feel a part of the family/community within weeks of joining the program. Third, there are so many opportunities to engage with the local community if you can communicate what you're interested in. I have always thought I was "awful at learning languages," but this program proved to me that great instruction, the will to learn, and energy are the only factors that really matter in acquiring a language. The program staff are always very positive and made the experience so wonderful for me. Even though COVID-19 sent me home early, my teachers continued to wake up at 6am Malang time to make the time difference work, and continued to hold me to a high standard -- despite being 10,000 miles apart! This is one example to illustrate the passion of my teachers and the spirit of the program.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Lunches are not included in the program cost, which is important to note. However, the price of food in Malang is pretty cheap compared to the U.S. (I never spent more than $5 for a meal -- and that was only for a very nice meal! You can usually pay around $2-3/meal). I bought groceries so I could have some snacks, which could add up -- but it all depends on the person.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I only spoke in Indonesian while on program (despite never having studied before -- it sounds weird, but the program really pushes you to learn quickly, and *all* students, somehow, are able to rise to the occasion!) I only spoke English when I needed to clarify something that was very important at the beginning of my program to avoid misunderstandings. Otherwise, I would speak Indonesian about 8 hours a day.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Other

• Friends from the program (teachers, language tutor, program staff, and other university students)
• language instruction
• cultural activities

• more extracurricular activities

The Academic or Linguist