Indonesia Changed My Perspective for the Better Past Review

By (Art Education, Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 05/13/2016 to 06/13/2016 with

Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Bali & Java - Imagine Indonesia: Discover the Wonders of Bali and Java

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned many strategies for looking encountering the world more mindfully and peacefully. i was also able to add to the visual image bank in my brain. I also developed many new aesthetic techniques to use in my art and during art instruction.

Review Photos

Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Bali & Java - Imagine Indonesia: Discover the Wonders of Bali and Java Photo Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Bali & Java - Imagine Indonesia: Discover the Wonders of Bali and Java Photo Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Bali & Java - Imagine Indonesia: Discover the Wonders of Bali and Java Photo Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Bali & Java - Imagine Indonesia: Discover the Wonders of Bali and Java Photo Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Bali & Java - Imagine Indonesia: Discover the Wonders of Bali and Java Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We had lectures and discussions several times during the week including a few language sessions. However, what was truly amazing about studying abroad in Indonesia the opportunity to learn through experiences. We learned alongside our professors from the indigenous people of Indonesia about the history and culture. We attended many museums and workshops taught by master craftsman. We also had the opportunity to be guided through many temples and rituals by the wife of a Brahman. The educational experience was quite rich and diverse. We were really challenged to learn and grow.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our coordinators had great expertise in working with Westerners and made it very easy for us to adapt and assimilate into the Indonesian lifestyle.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were very high quality. The hotels we stayed in were very hospitable and clean. There wasn't a time I felt like the rooms or staff performed inadequately. However, there was one hotel that had the option of outdoor bathrooms. I would caution new visitors when choosing this option because there are lots of mosquitoes, but that is to be expected in that climate.

* Food:

I'm a vegan, so finding food to eat that fits within my diet can be a challenge. However, in Indonesia this was not the case! During the program I made sure to ask lots of questions to make sure I knew what I was receiving and the staff was always very understanding. The food was delicious and healthy. There was a variety of tropical juices to choose from. In some more touristy locations there were even American, Mexican, and Italian-style restaurants.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our coordinators were indigenous to Indonesia and they were experts in their profession. We were often brought into the homes of local people as guests. Also, people on the streets were very friendly and easy to talk to. We had the pleasure of visiting many local markets, so we were able to engage in many local customs, such as bartering.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was made fully aware of vaccines I would need to take before I departed and I was able to do so quickly and efficiently. I was provided with student health insurance specifically for use while abroad. I didn't have any health complications from being abroad.

* Safety:

The very first activity we participated in while we were in both islands at Indonesia were safety procedures meetings. They offered us lots of advice. Our professors forbade the use of motorbikes, which happens be the leading cause of death in Indonesia. We were very well looked after by our coordinators and professors.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

While studying abroad in Indonesia I had many experienced that permanently changed the way I will view life. For instance, while snorkeling above a sunken Japanese WWII submarine in the Indian Ocean I realized quite suddenly that I was no longer at the top of the food-chain while I was submerged in the water. Being confronted by my own mortality was quite an ephemeral experience.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

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

I only needed $250 of spending money for the entire month I was in Indonesia. I lived and ate comfortably and was able to bring back several souvenirs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? approximately $62.50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The only expensive products were alcoholic beverages and feminine care products. This because there is a 300% tax on alcohol products. Also, a box of tampons is about 40 American dollars when purchased in Indonesia. If you are trying to save money don't consume alcohol and remember to stock up on products.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

There was frequent encouragement to use the language, but it wasn't often necessary because many of the locals use English well.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 2 in high school
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? The best way to learn the language is to ask the local people. They are experts in use and pronunciation. I learned and retained more information from them than from anywhere else.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The experinces.
* What could be improved?
  • The scheduled activites were amazing, but it would have been nice to have a little more free time to either take needed rest or explore independently.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have brought less clothing and that I would have brought a better camera with me.