Previous language study is not required. Students at all levels of language ability are invited to apply.
Indonesian Summer Program
The Indonesian summer program aims to improve reading, writing, speaking, and listening through in-class language instruction, as well as cultural presentations and activities. Community engagement and host family stays encourage students to practice their language in real world environments, while also offering them the opportunity to delve deeper into Indonesian culture. By the end of the program, participants will have a greater appreciation for Indonesia, including its language, religion, society, and history.
Program Location: Indonesia
Program Dates: Summer programs last six to seven weeks and typically start in mid-June to early July and end in early to mid-August.
Accommodations: Host families
Why Indonesian? “Research suggests Bahasa Indonesia is one of the world’s most accessible languages. It has an uncomplicated system of grammar and vocabulary, and unlike Chinese or Japanese, Indonesian has no tones and uses the Roman alphabet.” Read more.
Good to know: Body language is just as important as the spoken word in Indonesia. For example, calling out to a person using your index finger is considered rude in Indonesia, as that gesture is used to call your dog.
Fun fact! Sometimes, Indonesian is referred to as Bahasa or Bahasa Indonesia. “Bahasa” translates to “language” in many Asian languages, meaning “Bahasa Indonesia” is literally “the language of Indonesia.” While there are hundreds of local languages spoken in Indonesia, Indonesian is the only official language.
Pre- and Post-Program Expectations
All participants will be required to participate in pre-program language learning programs, as guided by their implementing organization. All participants will be required to complete a pre-program survey, pre-program language assessments (except for those with no prior target language exposure), and several post-program surveys and language tests.
Find more information on Indonesia on the U.S. Embassy site.