Location:

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Fall Semester

Program Overview

Program Description:

Use your summer vacation as an opportunity to explore the world. Spend 6 weeks volunteering with America’s Unofficial Ambassadors and see what you discover in Indonesia! The America’s Unofficial Ambassadors Semester of Service program is a competitive study abroad program that offers students from all over the United States the chance to earn a full semester of academic credit while studying Bahasa, history, and culture at Gadjah Mada University and interning with a school or grassroots organization in Indonesia.

AUA’s semester program includes: 20-25 hours each week of direct internship experience with a school or NGO working in fields like education, human rights, and women’s empowerment. Follow this link for a list of potential placements. 2 classes per week in fields like Political Science, Southeast Asian studies, or history 3 hours of university level Bahasa instruction each week And 1 unique opportunity to become an unofficial ambassador to Indonesia, its culture and its people.

As students, unofficial ambassadors study Bahasa at UGM, as well as two other courses in academic fields like History, International Relations, Political Science or Southeast Asian studies. As interns, students immerse themselves in Indonesian civil society, teaching English and running after school clubs at local schools or supporting the work, outreach, and communications of NGOs working in the fields of human rights, women’s health, and youth empowerment. Together, this unique “semester of service” offers students a full semester’s worth of academic credit while building their language skills, regional knowledge, and professional experience.

Setting Description:

Explore Indonesia. Ascend to the top of ancient temples, try your hand at batik painting, or try planting rice in a paddy. Speak Bahasa and eat Nasi Goreng. Most importantly, change lives through volunteer service, teaching English in a boys or girls madrasa or supporting the work of NGOs in the fields of religious tolerance, women’s health, and youth empowerment – all while gaining hands-on professional experience that will launch your career. In partnership with Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia’s premiere institution of higher learning, the Semester of Service program is a full study abroad program that will offer a select group of students the chance to complement their academic study with the unique opportunity to serve as unofficial ambassadors to schools and non-governmental organizations in Yogyjakarta for a semester. As students, unofficial ambassadors study Bahasa at UGM, as well as two other courses in academic fields like History, International Relations, Political Scienc

Cost:

Costs: The program fee of $15,505 includes housing for the full semester, university tuition, transportation to and from internship sites, medical insurance, monthly cultural field trips and meals during the orientation week. Airfare and personal expenses are not included.