A group of seven University of Queensland Psychology students have a renewed appreciation for their educational opportunities and student lifestyle after an intensive cultural experience in Indonesia.
The undergraduate students spent two weeks staying with host families and attending classes at the Universitas Indonesia in Depok, near Jakarta, in November.
Associate Professor Peter Newcombe, who initiated the cultural experience, said the program was an extension of a long-term relationship between the Psychology schools of the two universities.
“For the past 15 years, Universitas Indonesia students have come to UQ to complete their studies and gain a UQ degree, and staff from both universities have attended as visiting academics at each other’s schools,” Associate Professor Newcombe said.
Students are able to earn joint degrees in Psychology from Universitas Indonesia and UQ.
“The visit helps Universitas Indonesia students who will be coming to UQ this year to form friendships and make connections with fellow students.”
Student Bek Arrell said the trip was her first overseas experience.
“The sheer density of Jakarta's population and the poverty I witnessed snapped my own life into perspective,” she said.
“Nothing motivates you to study like being reminded of how fortunate you are to access tertiary education in a first-world country.
“For me, this trip was a chance to experience a different flavour of humanity, which I think is invaluable,” she said.
Frankie Fong said the experience was a “thought-stimulating culture shock”.
“Not many students get a chance to immerse themselves in both school and also daily life in another culture,” he said.
“We had to learn how to communicate with people in their language, and accept that their perception of a single event could be very different from our own.”
Student Lulu Zhen said she would encourage all Psychology undergraduate students to apply.
“It's a real test of your ability to navigate and adapt to a world that's constantly changing. Do this and you'll go further in life than those who miss out,” she said.
Information about School of Psychology opportunities with Indonesia is available from International Development Manager Donna Guest on 3346 9024 or d.guest@uq.edu.au.
Media: Marketing and Communications officer Kimberley Bennett, +61 7 3346 3037, k.bennett@uq.edu.au.
Caption: L-R Alex McDonald, Ibu Ike (UI program coordinator): Liuissa Zhen, Chrislyne Poniman, Bek Arrell, Frankie Fong
