Farah A
2024 Indonesian Student
Why did you choose to study at WISLI? What specifically motivated you to choose our program?
I chose to study at WISLI, specifically SEASSI, because of its reputation for intensive language instruction in Southeast Asian languages. As a PhD student focusing on religion and politics in Indonesia, learning Bahasa Indonesia was crucial for my research. SEASSI’s eight-week immersive program offered the perfect opportunity to rapidly improve my language skills.
How has learning a less commonly taught language enriched your personal and professional life?
Learning Bahasa Indonesia, a less commonly taught language, has significantly enriched both my personal and professional life. Professionally, it has opened doors for more in-depth research in Indonesia, allowing me to engage directly with local sources and better understand cultural nuances. Personally, it has broadened my perspective and connected me with a vibrant community of scholars and students interested in Southeast Asia.
What about WISLI/UW-Madison stands out to you?
WISLI/UW-Madison stands out for its comprehensive approach to language learning. The program not only focuses on language skills but also incorporates cultural activities and events that provide a holistic understanding of Indonesia. The expertise of the instructors and the resources available through UW-Madison’s Southeast Asian Studies program are exceptional.
How do you plan to apply proficiency of your target language and cultural skills to your personal/professional journey?
I plan to apply my newfound language proficiency and cultural skills directly to my PhD research on religion and politics in Indonesia. This will allow me to conduct more nuanced fieldwork, read primary sources in Bahasa Indonesia, and engage more effectively with Indonesian scholars and research participants.
What have been some of the highlights of your program? What events have you particularly enjoyed?
Some highlights of the program have been the intensive daily language classes, cultural workshops, and the opportunity to connect with fellow students passionate about Southeast Asian studied. I particularly enjoyed the end-of-program finale, where we could showcase our language skills.
What role did the WISLI Tuition Scholarship play when you were making decisions? How would you encourage other students who might be interested in the scholarship to apply?
The WISLI Tuition Scholarship was a significant factor in my decision to attend SEASSI. It made the program more accessible and allowed me to focus fully on my studies without financial stress. I would encourage other students to apply by emphasizing the unique opportunity SEASSI provides for rapid language acquisition and the doors it can open for research and career opportunities.
What advice would you give to students who want to study the same language as you?
For students wanting to study Bahasa Indonesia, I would advise them to fully commit to the intensive nature of the program. Engage in all aspects of the course, including cultural activities. Form study groups with classmates and practice speaking as much as possible, even outside of class hours.
What is your favorite expression in the language you studied this summer?
“Waduh, sayang sekali!” (Oh no, what a pity!) is my favorite expression, because it’s very useful for showing sympathy without sounding too formal.