After studying beginner Indonesian for just one semester, James Ritchie was able to go on a life-changing study journey that seems to have set the course for his career. Here, he explains his journey to studying International Relations and Islamic Finance in Indonesia.
I had just finished my business degree at UTAS and was starting Professional Honours. I studied beginner Indonesian, and then I applied for and was awarded a long-term NCP (New Colombo Plan) scholarship, so I was able to study in Indonesia for 12 months. I studied International Relations at Parahyangan Catholic University and Islamic Finance at the Islamic University in Jogjakarta. It was pretty fascinating.
What captured me was the wonderful culture which is so friendly and diverse. And of course, the food!I only have positive things to say about my time in Indonesia. I was determined to use my language skills and be friends with Indonesians, rather than hanging out with expats – and that worked well.
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My experience in Indonesia has led to a job in politics. I hope, in the future, I can use this to engage Tasmania more with Indonesia.
Sandy Bay campus (PDF 785.1KB)I only spoke a little Indonesian before I went, but that was the catalyst for me being able to do all these things.