years-experience access-alumni-network airfare airport-pick-up assistance-with-application-process community-service-placement continuous-support cultural-trips domestic-transport emergency-support field-trips global-competence-certificate grade-transcripts host-family-placement housing individual-contact-person internship-placement language-instruction meals medical-insurance orientations-during-your-time-abroad other pre-departure-orientation product-materials re-entry-orientation school-dipolma school-materials school-placement school-transport school-uniform stipend teaching-materials vaccinations visa-and-passport-fees visa-application-assistance world-wide-presence

Indonesia, officially known as the Republic of Indonesia, is the world’s largest archipelago comprising more than seventeen thousand islands. With a population of over 260 million people, it is the fourth most populous country globally and holds the distinction of being the most populous Muslim-majority nation. Indonesia is renowned for its diverse ethnic groups, consisting of more than 300 distinct native groups, and a vast array of languages and dialects, estimated to be around 700. The national motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” or “Unity in Diversity,” encapsulates the country’s commitment to embracing its rich cultural tapestry.

Immersing yourself in the Indonesian culture through attending a local school and living with a host family provides a unique opportunity to experience this captivating and intricate society firsthand. The Indonesian people place a high value on friendliness and hospitality, making it easy for you to make new friends, learn the local language (Bahasa Indonesia), and become an integral part of the community. By immersing yourself in this new environment, you’ll gain fresh perspectives on life and the world around you.

Situated between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Indonesia is a country that exhibits a fascinating blend of cultures, drawing influences from neighbouring nations such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore. Its exceptional biodiversity is home to various Asian wildlife species, including Sumatran tigers, rhinos, orangutangs, elephants, and leopards. Indonesia’s cultural richness stems from its diverse population spread across thousands of islands. Despite the country’s diversity, a strong sense of unity pervades the society. The majority of Indonesians practice Islam, and alongside Islam, the country embraces other religions such as Hinduism, Christianity, Confucianism, and Buddhism.

During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of attractions, including the largest Buddhist temple in the world, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sumatran jungle through trekking, discover renowned Indonesian islands like Bali, and master the Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia) spoken locally.

Eligibility Requirements

Participants must be between the ages of 15 years and 17 years 6 months old on the day of departure.

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Host Family Placement
  • Meals
  • School Placement
  • Individual Contact Person
  • Medical Insurance
  • 24/7 Emergency Support
  • School Transport
  • Assistance with Application Process
  • Visa Application Assistance
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Orientations during your time abroad
  • Re-entry Orientation
  • Access to Alumni Network
  • Continuous Support
  • Worldwide Presence
  • 70 Years Experience

What you are responsible for

  • Vaccinations
  • Visa and Passport Fees
  • Stipend
  • School Uniform
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A journey to the cradle of civilisation

More Programme Information

Download the Indonesian Program Brochure

During the programme you will receive:

SUPPORT: AFS provides support to participants before, during, and after the exchange. AFS hosts local and in country orientations that will allow the participants to be immersed into the local culture. The health, safety, and well-being of the participants are the first priority for AFS, hence, all Global Families are screened to confirm that they are able to host a student.

HEALTH RESTRICTIONS: Negative COVID-19 Test: Travellers may be required to present a negativeCOVID-19 PCR test result taken within a specified timeframe before their departure to Indonesia. The timeframe and specific requirements can vary, so it’s important to check the latest regulations.

Health Declaration: Travellers might need to complete a health declaration form, providing information about their health status, recent travel history, and any COVID-19 symptoms.

VISA REQUIREMENTS: Social/Cultural Visa: The cost of a Social/Cultural Visa, which allows for a longer stay in Indonesia for cultural, educational, or social purposes, can vary. This is subject to visa fees.

DIETARY CUSTOM: Indonesia being a predominantly Muslim country, the majority of the population follows halal dietary guidelines. Pork is not commonly found in shops or restaurants, as it is not halal. However, Indonesia is a diverse country, and in certain regions with different religious or cultural influences, you may find non-halal dishes and restaurants that serve pork.

Indonesian cuisine is renowned for its street food culture, where you can find a variety of dishes like satay, nasi goreng, bakso (meatball soup), and martabak (stuffed pancake) being sold by street vendors throughout the country.

Rice and vegetables are a staple in Indonesian cuisine and are often served with various dishes. Nasi goreng, a popularIndonesian fried rice dish, is enjoyed throughout the country.

HOST FAMILY ENVIRONMENT: In Indonesian culture, the typical family setting is often centered around strong family ties and intergenerational living. The concept of family extends beyond the nuclear family and encompasses the larger extended family, including parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family is highly valued in Indonesian society, and maintaining close relationships and supporting one another is considered important.

EDUCATION SYSTEM: Indonesians follow a philosophy of life-long education and participate in many formal and informal educational programs. The National Education System of Indonesia is generally aimed at elevating the intellectual life of the nation and developing the Indonesian people fully.

The education system is organised in two different paths:

  • School education is organised in schools through teaching and learning activities which are gradual and continuous.
  • Out-of-school education is organised outside the formal schooling which may or may not be hierarchical and continues i.e. education in the family, group learning, apprenticeship, etc.

Vocational high school has its own school curriculum according to its subjects specialties. Examples of vocational schools: Karawitan Art School, Aviation Technical High School, Agriculture Technical HighSchool, Home Economics High School, etc.

Dress Code in School

Wearing school uniform is compulsory in almost all schools.

High school uniform in public schools are light grey trouser/skirt’s with white shirt/blouse. On certain day(s), some schools also have batik uniform with varied designs from school to school. Private schools may have uniforms of different colours.

School regulations specify that boys have short hair and may not wear earrings. Girls’ hair length is not regulated as long as it is neat, while make-up is not allowed in schools.

If needed, student can ask school for Certificate of Attendance. However, please communicate this to us as early as possible to avoid disappointment and delays.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITES

Students are expected to partake in extracurricular activities. Some activities that may be available are:

  • music
  • dancing
  • vocal group
  • scouting
  • painting
  • nature-base activities
  • science club

ENVIRONMENT AND GEOGRAPHY

Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia, is a diverse archipelago known for its unique environment and geography. The country is situated between the Indian and Pacific Oceans and consists of more than 17,000 islands, making it the largest archipelagic nation in the world.

Indonesia’s geography is characterised by stunning natural features. It encompasses various types of landscapes, including tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, mountain ranges, coastal plains, and coral reefs. The archipelago is home to several significant mountains, including Mount Rinjani on Lombok Island and Mount Bromo on Java Island. Its highest peak, Puncak Jaya, is located in the province of
Papua.

The country’s climate is predominantly tropical, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the
year. Indonesia experiences two main seasons: the wet season, which occurs from November to March, and the dry season, which takes place from April to October. The country’s equatorial location results in relatively stable temperatures, typically ranging between 25°C and 35°C (77°F and 95°F).