Description

Explore the evolving relationships among religion, fine arts, performing arts, and social organization in contemporary Indonesia.

This program takes students on a tour through the history of Indonesia as seen through the lens of the major religions, societies, and art forms of Java and Bali. By learning with respected masters in their field, students discover how religion, society, and the arts have developed side-by-side on each island.

Coursework explores the ancient roots of Javanese and Balinese culture and the history of the republican movement that led to the formation of modern Indonesia. Students also analyze current debates on the future of Balinese culture and society in relation to global pressures such as increased development and international tourism. The program’s Field Study Seminar provides instruction on conducting field work in new cultural and physical terrains. Learn more about the program’s coursework and review program syllabi.

Visit historic and cultural sites, religious rituals, performances, and local ceremonies.
Throughout the semester, students participate in activities aimed at highlighting the important roles played by majority and minority religions and the arts in shaping cultural and social discourses. Students may also have the opportunity to pursue practicum lessons of local art forms such as Balinese dance and music.

Learn from Indonesian and international academics, local writers, artists, and community members.
Lecturers are drawn from the Faculty of Philosophy of Universitas Gadjah Mada in Central Java, the Faculty of Letters of Udayana University in Bali, and other well-regarded institutions.

Instruction in Bahasa Indonesia—among the most accessible of all Asian languages—and homestays with local families help students integrate into the daily life and society of Java and Bali. Students also have excursions with Indonesian students from local universities.

Highlights

Seven-week homestay in Bedulu. Educational excursions to historic and cultural sites, temple festivals, and other religious rituals, performances, and local ceremonies in Tabanan, Denpasar and Ubud; excursions to other parts of Bali.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

contact sponsor

Program Fees Include:

Fees include tuition, full room and board, all field trips and related fares, health and accident insurance, and other direct program expenses. Participants pay for international airfare and domestic travel to the point of departure from the USA.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 12-15

Scholarships are Available

To make study abroad opportunities available to a wide range of students, SIT Study Abroad offers a variety of scholarships. We base all scholarship awards on need and merit. Awards range from USD500 to 5,000. For a full list of scholarships, and to download a scholarship application, please visit our web site. SIT Study Abroad offers a merit-based award to undergraduate students with a background and demonstrated interest in Asian Studies.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement

A pioneer in experiential, field-based study abroad, SIT offers semester, summer, and academic year programs for undergraduate students in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as comparative programs in multiple locations.

Programs focus on critical global issues in specific geographical and cultural contexts using an interdisciplinary approach. Studying with host country faculty and living with families, students gain a deep appreciation for local cultures and become immersed in diverse topics ranging from the politics of identity to post-conflict transformation, from global health to environmental policy. 

Year Founded

1932