Ashleigh McFarland is a 2016 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient from Griffith University. Ashleigh is studying a Bachelor of International Business.
This is Ashleighs first semester program with ACICIS, and she is undertaking the Indonesian Business, Law and Society Program at Universitas Islam Indonesia. Ashleigh previously undertook ACICIS’ Business Professional Practicum at Atma Jaya University in 2016.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS program?
With international business and international relations, I see excellent opportunities to develop innovative solutions for society’s most pressing social problems, on a global level. Through Griffith University and the New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship, I was given the opportunity to live and study in Indonesia with the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS). This is now my second program with ACICIS, so I’ve been lucky to see some of the international business and international relations environment, while completing a Bachelor of International Business.
Indonesia is such a captivating and beautifully diverse country. Living in Jakarta and now Yogyakarta, has completely changed my outlook on life and I can honestly say that the people I’ve met, are the nicest and most genuine people I have ever come across. The beauty, culture and diversity that lies within Indonesia’s 18 000 islands is what continues to draw me in. I am looking forward to completing my third program with ACICIS next semester!
Q: What classes are you currently enrolled in?
- Bahasa Indonesia
- International Human Rights Law
- International Trade Law
I am finding these subjects to be extremely interesting and I feel very privileged to be in such an honest and accepting learning environment, where we are open to share our opinions on controversial topics. I now view legal issues from an international perspective and have learnt to consider values, beliefs, traditions and cultural norms before comparing them to Australian law.
Q: Are you undertaking an Internship while in Indonesia?
I’m completing an internship at Yayasan SATUNAMA, which is a non-profit organization that focuses on community empowerment, governance and political awareness on the basis of rights, respect, and resilience. The project I’m currently working on is called Politik Cerdas Berintegritas (PCB), which is in conjunction with the Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK). We are aiming to strengthen political actors through targeting young people from nine provinces in Indonesia – Aceh, North Sumatra, Riau, Banten, Jakarta, South Kalimantan, East Java, South Sulawesi and West Papua. The goals of this program is for new generation growth in Indonesian politics, with regards to integrity, democracy and anti-corruption.
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian food?
- Gado-Gado
- Martabak
- Nasi Goreng
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian word or phrase?
- Santai di pantai
- Saya tidak enak badan
- Buah naga
Q: What is your favourite place to eat?
- Warung Flamboyan
- Loving Hut
- Mediterranea
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your Semester so far?
- Anak Krakatau
- Pulau Seribu/Pulau Macan
- Jakarta
- Yogyakarta
- Ngandong beach
- Gunung Kidul
- Lombok
- Bali
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Yogyakarta?
Yogya is such a beautiful city, so I love exploring all the different areas, whether it is Malioboro, rice paddies in the North or beaches in the South. Sunday Brunch with all our friends at the Hyatt is always super fun and a great place to retreat.