Camille Faraizi is a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant Recipient from the University of Technology Sydney. Camille undertook the International Relations Program at Parahyangan Catholic University in Semester 2, 2019. She had also completed the Indonesian Language Short Course in July 2019.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ International Relations Program?
Because I wanted to go to Southeast Asia for exchange but I was also anxious as it was my first time going overseas by myself and so I wanted to do it in what I felt would be a more supported environment. Also the prospect of doing an internship was also very appealing.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant or Scholarship? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
Yes I did. For me it made it possible for me to go on exchange because I had not save up a lot of money before choosing to go on exchange.
Q: What classes/units are you currently enrolled in?
Int Communication – introduction to international communications
IR in East Asia – mainly focuses on China and its relations with other states
Indonesian Foreign Policy – very broad topic covering bebas akif and Pancasila
Security Studies – very open subject which lets you pick just about anything with security for assignments
Q: How will the International Relations Program influence your future career or study?
I would like to work in the government when I graduate, possibly in the Department of Foreign Affairs. I feel like this program could help me realise this desire.
Q: How does studying International Relations from an Indonesian perspective differ to International Relations from an Australian perspective?
Because Australian university generally have a very Eurocentric view, and the ones that explore Asia generally look into China or Japanese relations. Looking at Indonesia also gives a newer take on the way Australia is influencing this region.
Q: Are you undertaking an internship while in Indonesia?
Yes I did. I did my internship with the Resilience Development Initiative (RDI). Because my interests were in energy policies, I looked into the Sumba Iconic Island, energy resilience and regional development policies literature as part of a few literature reviews I was tasked with. I also got to experience writing a proposal for a consultancy position for RDI.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Bandung?
Generally I would just get on a bike, pick a location, explore and then when I get bored I’d pick a new location to go to again and explore. Cafes are pretty cool and were nice to go around and try. I also created a bit of a list of where you could get the best matcha lattes in Bandung.
Q: Favourite Indonesian food/ Favourite place to eat:
Cawit is definitely a go to for capcay, although a really good play for veges along Jl Ciumbuleuit, as well as Food Step where you can get broccoli, kang kong, and bokchoy on a sizzling plate at Rica Rica. Everyone has their own tastes, but these were the ones I liked. Also sate around the streets of UNPAR.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
I don’t have any favourite words, although I guess I like the similar works in Filipino that really confuse me with pronunciation. Also, a ‘buaya’ (crocodile), it means playboy.
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your Semester so far?
I went to Wonosobo, Dieng, Salatiga, Yogyakarta and Jakarta.