Indonesian Study Tour to Bali
This year, 3 staff and 20 students from Heathmont College participated in an in-country travel experience to Bali for 10 days. Students gained valuable insights and experiences in this in-country Indonesian language and cultural tour. The tour was packed with various programs that enhanced students’ language skills, cultural appreciation, personal development, and Asia Literacy skills. The tour allowed students to be immersed in the cultures and communities of our closest neighbour, including visiting sites of historical and cultural importance in this Asia Pacific region and learn about the region’s flora and fauna. The experience helped students develop confidence in their language skills and inspired them to continue with their language study to VCE and beyond. Students had a great travel experience, and they simply can’t stop talking about it! Here is a small snapshot of student feedback:
“I met many wonderful people and learnt about their way of life. I really enjoyed going to the schools and seeing what education was like in a different country!”, Storm Small, Y12.
“It was a trip that took us all over Bali. I was able to further develop my Indonesian language skills and test my bargaining skills”, Stephanie Morgans, Y12.
“The trip led us to make new friends, both in the people we met and each other. This experience in Bali was pretty unique compared to the normal tourist experience; as being a school group we had different opportunities”, Gyan Holtzner, Y12.
“With my love and experience for travel I joined the Indonesian tour as a parent support with not really knowing what to expect or what I was in for. I can highly recommend this fabulous Indonesian tour for students to attend. It is enriched in many cultural experiences with plenty of opportunities to practice speaking the language, whilst having fun gaining further local Indonesian knowledge. A very special and valuable highlight of the trip was definitely visiting the local high school seeing all the students connect with one another whilst making new friends. Many thanks for allowing me to participate!” Nova Bacon, Parent helper.
We visited SMK Triatmajaya, Kuta, a vocational college that prepares students for careers in Hospitality, Beauty, Laundry, Cooking and IT. We met the principal, teachers and students of the college. Our students learnt some amazing culinary and beauty skills and sat in several classes in action.
We visited Ganesha University of Education (UNDIKSHA) in Singaraja, where we met some lecturers and students. We talked about the Victorian Education system, including Languages Studies in Victorian schools with a focus on Indonesian language. Our students also had the opportunity to share information and experiences with the university students there.
We also participated in Ketut’s cooking class and learnt to prepare some traditional Indonesian dishes. Students also visited Bali Zoo, Monkey Forest, paddy fields, local villages, beaches, markets, handicraft centres, chocolate and coffee plantations, cultural and historical sites.
Below is a student thank you card which captures their reflection of the tour:
Submitted by Prema Devathas
Languages Curriculum Area Leader and Indonesian teacher