Australia, Indonesia commence new student exchange program

Antara News, Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:14 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - People-to-people link between Australia and Indonesia received a boost this month with the commencement of a new student exchange program.

An Australian Embassy media release made available to Antara on Wednesday said the program was aimed at providing development studies for students in Australia to have the opportunity to work and experience life in Indonesia through the study of the Indonesian language and a four week internship program.

The Development Studies Professional Practicum, run by the Australian Consortium for "In Country" Indonesian Studies (ACICIS), runs from January 4 to February 12, 2010 and offers the opportunity for students to gain experience working in the field of international development, while at the same time learning about development issues in Indonesia.

The pilot program is being run in parallel with the Journalism Professional Practicum, now in its third consecutive year and which provides journalism students the opportunity to work in the media sector in Indonesia.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer congratulated ACICIS and its Indonesian partners, particularly Atma Jaya University, on the programs at a reception in Jakarta on Tuesday.

"These programs provide a valuable opportunity for Australian university students to learn more about Indonesia and develop contacts and experience in their professional fields," Farmer said.

The two programs will see almost 40 students placed in over 20 different organizations in Jakarta operating in the media and development sector with students given the opportunity to enhance their understanding of how theories translate into practice.

"We hope students will gain a deeper personal understanding and appreciation of Indonesia and, through this program, develop a life-long interest in Indonesia as an important neighbor, partner and friend," Farmer said.

Eko Widodo, ACICIS Coordinator at Atma Jaya, said he was very proud and honored that Atma Jaya University had again been trusted to participate in this program.

"This is a unique and real program that gives opportunities for Australian students to get to know Indonesia and Indonesians at the grass-root level," Widodo said.

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