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<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>What inspired me to go abroad was partly a requirement of my university, as we have to either complete an internship or study abroad for one semester.</p>
<p>From the beginning, I knew that I really wanted to study abroad, ideally in a place where I could also surf, since that is a big passion of mine.</p>
<p>Students from previous cohorts had already done the exchange in Bali, and the program had a very good reputation at my university and was extremely popular. It was less about whether I wanted to go and more about being selected to go.</p>
<p>In the end, I was one of the three students chosen for Bali, and I honestly haven’t regretted it.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose <a title="undefined" href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/studyinbali rel="" target="_self" class="clickTracker" rev="domainID=6&amp;refererType=1&amp;refererID=3416&amp;abbreviation=CSCT&amp;clientID=51514" data-ga-client="StudyInBali" data-contentlink="">StudyInBali</a>?</h3>
<p>I chose this specific program organization because I wanted to study sports science, and in Indonesia, it’s actually not that easy to find a place where you can study this field.<br>Realistically, the only university offering this option is Udayana University, combined with Physiotherapy, which made it the most suitable choice for me.</p>
<p>Since the StudyInBali program is the one that collaborates with Udayana University and offers courses in physiotherapy and sports science, there really wasn’t another comparable option.<br>For my academic goals, this program was simply the best.</p>
<h3>What was your favorite part of Bali, Indonesia?</h3>
<p>My favorite part of the whole experience was definitely the surfing.</p>
<p>Surfing was actually one of the main reasons why I chose Bali in the first place, and the swell there was simply amazing. Even during the wet season, there were still great waves, which was perfect for slowing down a bit after the first months of the semester.</p>
<p>During the dry season, especially at the beginning of the semester, the swell consistency was incredible; you could basically surf every single day. What I really loved was how well the program fit around surfing.</p>
<p>I could surf for about one and a half hours in the morning, go to class afterwards, and then often go for another surf in the evening. Overall, it exceeded all my expectations and allowed me to fully live my sporting passion alongside studying sports science.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1771466019/images2/interviews/EBL4dJuxTaCcbPBODdUjPpI6V14Teq3M61OU8ifR.jpg" alt="a person rides a breaking wave toward the shore on a surfboard"><div class="caption"><p>Morning surf before school starts</p></div></div>
<h3>What made your experience in Bali extraordinary?</h3>
<p>What made my experience abroad extraordinary was the fact that I was able to complete 30 ECTS credits in Bali and fully transfer them back to my home university.<br>At the same time, the whole experience felt more like a “studycation”, a mix of studying and being on holiday.</p>
<p>What I really loved was stepping out of my comfort zone and not just experiencing Bali as a tourist, but actually immersing myself in a completely different and very exotic culture.</p>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>The local staff supported us extremely well throughout the entire program. Right from the beginning, we were added to a WhatsApp group with the StudyInBali coordinator as well as the most important lecturers, which made communication very easy and direct.</p>
<p>Every Sunday, we received a weekly overview with all our upcoming classes, including which sessions were taking place, which ones were cancelled, and where they would be held. Since the program included many excursions and sports activities, and locations often changed, this was especially helpful.</p>
<p>The StudyInBali coordinator was also very present on site and always approachable. If there were ever a problem, we could contact her anytime via WhatsApp.<br>Because she works closely with international students but is also Balinese, she was a great bridge between us and the local community and could organize things smoothly with local partners.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>Honestly, I don’t really regret anything about my time abroad.</p>
<p>Looking back now that the semester is over, I’m actually very proud of how I approached it and how much I made out of the experience. Everything worked out really well, and I feel like I made the right decisions throughout the semester.</p>
<p>If there’s one small thing I would do differently, it would be the timing of visits from family and friends. I had visitors quite early on, within the first three weeks of the semester, and in hindsight it might have been better to schedule those visits later in the semester, or even towards the end.</p>
<p>The first weeks are quite intense, with so much going on, and having visitors can disrupt your routine a bit. So that’s the only thing I would slightly adjust. But overall, the experience was great and I wouldn’t change much.</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<p>A typical weekday for me started very early. I would wake up at 5 a.m. and be in the water by 6 a.m., surfing for about one and a half hours until 7:30. After that, I had time to change, and then I would ride my motorbike for about an hour from Canggu to Denpasar to get to the university.</p>
<p>Once there, we had classes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., so around four hours of lectures. In between, there were always local snacks provided. After classes, we usually grabbed something to eat, and then sometimes went to the gym for about two hours, not every day, but at least once a week.</p>
<p>Afterwards, it was another hour ride back to Canggu, where we lived. By then it was already evening, and if I still had enough energy, I sometimes squeezed in an evening surf session.<br>The day usually ended with good food, you can dine really good in Bali.</p>
<p>While many of my fellow students went out partying, that wasn’t really my thing, because late nights don’t mix well with early surf sessions. I stuck to a surf-focused routine instead, which honestly did me a lot of good.</p>
<p>Since I'm a former athlete this lifestyle fitted me much better.</p>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1771466020/images2/interviews/xBrhjwvmKCjPhpJ4rj1rEwEPelsTLgG5cxYQKTLv.jpg" alt="a sunset handstand session on a beach"><div class="caption"><p>Bali Sunsets.</p></div></div>
<p>What I enjoyed most in my free time was surfing.</p>
<p>We had quite a lot of free time in Bali; every Friday was off, plus the weekend. During those three free days, I often went on small surf trips, exploring different surf spots and different parts of the island. I really enjoyed these mini surf trips, discovering new waves and getting to know new places.</p>
<p>In the middle of the semester, we also had a study break of about two weeks with no classes. During that time, we were able to travel even further, sometimes flying to other islands nearby to explore more remote areas and search for less crowded line-ups.</p>
<p>Overall, my free time mainly revolved around surfing. Coming from Switzerland, where we don’t have the ocean or easy access to surf, this made the semester in Bali especially meaningful for me.<br></p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>At the beginning, we decided as a group of students to stay together in the same guesthouse, where we shared rooms.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For me, it was important to keep my expenses low during the semester, and once I couldn’t find a roommate anymore, since most people preferred single rooms, which is totally understandable, I decided to go my own way.</p>
<p>After that, I stayed mostly in dormitories and shared rooms, which were much more affordable. What I really liked about that was that everyone had their own rhythm, so I could wake up early for surfing without feeling bad about it.</p>
<p>It also gave me a stronger sense of exploration and stepping out of my comfort zone, constantly looking for new places to stay. In a way, it felt a bit like being on a surf trip, because I kept changing locations.</p>
<p>That lifestyle actually suited me really well; it gave me a lot of energy and made the whole experience feel more dynamic.</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>Future students should know that sunscreen is very expensive in Bali.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Women might also want to bring a pirate-style headscarf, because the helmets you rent with the scooter will be too big. And if the helmet is wobbling on your head, it can actually be more dangerous than riding without one. I would recommend buying your own helmet anyway. There are many helmet shops there at a fair price, and you should make sure the helmet has the SNI certification. Especially tourists can easily get involved in traffic accidents.</p>
<p>I would also bring a small lockbox for the scooter key that you can attach to the motorbike, so you can lock your key inside while you go surfing. Some older scooter models can be easily broken into, so it’s better not to leave your phone just sitting on the scooter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Tampons are also very expensive, so it might be better to bring a pack from your home country.</p>
<p>And in general, Balinese people are very friendly, so it’s good to know that most of them really mean well and are kind to you.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/studyinbali/programs/semester-abroad-sports-physiotherapy-170208 rel="" target="_self" class="link">Semester Abroad: Sports &amp; Physiotherapy</a> to others? Why?</h3>
<p>Yes, I would definitely recommend the program to others, mainly because it is kind of the only real option. If you try to do everything directly through Udana University, it becomes much more difficult. You have to handle the visa application yourself, organize a recommendation letter from the university, and manage all the other steps on your own.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When you go through a program, like StudyInBali, you are basically supported from the beginning. The entire organizational process is taken care of and supported, which is a big advantage because Bali has a lot of bureaucracy, and things do not always run smoothly. There are often many complicated processes, especially with visas, and having support makes everything much easier.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Also, this Bali program is actually one of the only ones offered in the field of sports science and physiotherapy, so if you want to study or work in that area, it is really the most practical and accessible option.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1771466020/images2/interviews/bKF6Z9YutuSeG0WyWUQptsZAw5Fc4yQ2cT37FGve.jpg" alt="a sunset scene at Nelayan Beach in Canggu, Indonesia"><div class="caption"><p>Sunset at Nelayan Beach in Canggu.</p></div></div>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<p>The biggest benefits of studying or traveling abroad are that it pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you grow. It expands your horizon because you see things you never thought even existed. You encounter different perspectives on life and different ways of seeing and living life. It really helps you think outside the box.</p>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>It brought me closer to the realization, or showed me, that I could actually live abroad for a longer period of time. I had never really considered that before. I thought I was Swiss and would always live in Switzerland. But strangely, now that the semester is over, it feels like a crazy, colorful dream.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The study routine here continued so seamlessly and intensely, and I know the routines at home so well; everything feels so familiar, that sometimes it’s hard to fully grasp that it all happened at the same time. It feels more like a shift in dimensions when you go from Bali to Switzerland and back, as if they are two completely different realities.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>For me, meaningful travel does not mean just spending two weeks somewhere, sipping a coconut, and then going back. It means truly immersing yourself in the local culture, learning about it, and respecting it.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A meaningful trip is one that has a long-lasting impact on your own life and changes you in some way.</p>


Lia-Mara Bösch

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Lia-Mara Bösch who participated in StudyInBali program.

Lia-Mara Bösch | StudyInBali Alumni Interview

StudyInBali Alumni Interview with Lia-Mara Bösch

<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>Ever since I was young, I've been lucky enough to have a family that understands the value of travel.</p>
<p>Going to the Philippines was my first trip out of the United States, and I'll forever remember that as a pivotal point in my life. Experiencing life abroad for the first time immediately opened my mind in ways I didn't realize were possible.</p>
<p>I found that I loved hearing people's life stories and experiences, which to them may just be "how it is," but to me were a background and life that I was completely unfamiliar with. I knew there was (literally) a whole world for me to explore, and part of that world was in the classroom!</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1756962850/images2/interviews/ihfuWYLZnN2FnkoXbFVSMqifVe0H1oH6GKWOca3H.jpg" alt="Lush green terraced rice fields with palm trees under a cloudy sky."><div class="caption"><p>Tegallalang Rice Terraces, near Ubud.</p></div></div>
<h3>Why did you choose the <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/studyabroadcom/programs/study-abroad-in-bali-undiknas-university-197661 rel="" target="_self" class="link"><ins>Study Abroad in Bali</ins></a> program?</h3>
<p>I chose to study abroad in Bali because it's somewhere I haven't been, and I knew that the cultural experience I'd have there would be significantly different from what I experience in the USA. I couldn't have been more right!</p>
<p><a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/studyabroadcom rel="" target="_self" class="link"><ins>StudyAbroad.com</ins></a> had some really interesting, sort of off-the-beaten-trail programs available at a really good price, and they responded quickly and kindly, so it felt like a really good fit.</p>
<p>I also liked that, since the program was made to include necessities only, I had some money left over that I was able to use on experiences while I was there. I went to a few traditional Balinese shows, some museums and temples, UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces, and amazing restaurants.</p>
<p>I chose to do a short two-week program in business, which wasn't exactly my area of focus, but was extremely informative for someone inexperienced in the field, and has already been beneficial to my work life.</p>
<h3>What was your favorite part of Bali?</h3>
<p>Although it's difficult to pick, I would say my favorite part about Bali is the laid-back island feel it has.</p>
<p>No one was in a hurry; everyone always seemed to be in a great mood, and getting around the island consisted of hopping on the back of a motorcycle. While admittedly, this part was a little intimidating at first, it became one of my favorite parts of the trip! The beaches are untouched, the spa days unmatched, and there's literally never a shortage of things to do.</p>
<p>Class was extremely valuable and enjoyable, but the lifestyle there was a highlight for sure!</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>Once again, it's tough to pick, but I would say the accommodation we stayed in definitely contributed to making the trip extraordinary. While we weren't there a ton of the time between school and exploring, it made for the best meet-up point in the evenings.</p>
<p>We stayed in a villa that had a pool, a huge living area, and a bunch of big rooms to stay in. In the evenings after class, we would meet up and make dinner, share stories and our favorite songs, talk about what was different between Bali and our home countries, and so much more.</p>
<p>Being with students who were from all over the world further contributed to my cultural experience while studying abroad, and in a way that I wasn't expecting. Having such great classmates also ended up being like having a built-in support system and adventure group, so I never had to do anything alone and always had someone to talk to.</p>
<p>I think not knowing anyone when you first get to your host country was one of the most intimidating parts about studying abroad, but it seems everyone else felt that way too, and I couldn't have been luckier with my group!</p>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>The local staff helped us throughout our program. We had a program coordinator who kept us updated about any class schedule or site visit changes, and who guided us through each of our days.</p>
<p>There was a WhatsApp group chat created with the coordinator, one of our teachers, and all of the program participants, so all of us students could keep updated and ask questions if we had any. They organized all of our site visits and transportation to and from the school for the visits.</p>
<p>We also had another program contact whom I didn't meet in person, but who helped us over the phone whenever we had accommodation issues or questions of any kind about life in Bali/how to do things, like getting an eSIM, or how best to get to the university.</p>
<p>My StudyAbroad.com advisor also stayed in touch throughout my program, offering advice if I had something that wasn't urgent, and I was given emergency numbers if I were to have needed them.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1756962851/images2/interviews/PRWaSripMM5vp2vuQdl3sqE9uiVjMXzsKruBjUDa.jpg" alt="A diverse group of people stands in a Balinese temple, hands in prayer position, smiling"><div class="caption"><p>Participating in a traditional morning prayer on our first day of class</p></div></div>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you had done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>One thing I wish I had done a little differently during my time abroad was planning activities. I think I could have done a much better job at grouping things into certain areas, rather than doing one thing on one side of the island and then going all the way to the other to do something else. This would have saved me a lot of time and money, as Bali is a lot bigger than you'd think!</p>
<p>While the motorcycle rides there are extremely affordable compared to an Uber ride in the US, I still could have been much more strategic in moving around to do things, which could have saved me a lot more money, and probably would've given me the time to do even more.</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<p>A typical day in my life while studying abroad in Bali started around 7 AM, when I would get up to get ready and eat breakfast. Both of our accommodations were about 20 minutes driving from the university, so I'd order a motorcycle on Grab (Bali's version of Uber/Lyft) and wait outside for them to arrive and drive me to school.</p>
<p>Once we got there, we'd have coffee/tea and a little Balinese snack together, then have 2-4 classes that were about an hour each. Classes were small and very discussion-based, with the same students for the whole program. We became really comfortable with each other since it was such a small group, allowing our conversations to be really open and productive, which I enjoyed.</p>
<p>Depending on the site visit we had that day, we might eat lunch at the school before we go, or eat out at a restaurant together on our way/once we arrive. We'd get into a big van after class or lunch finished, and typically the site visit would take up the second half of our day, with ending times varying.</p>
<p>After this, we were free to return to the school with our teachers, or we could leave from wherever we ended up that day and do whatever we wanted for the rest of the day! Weekends were free, and we had a few extra days off to explore since it was New Year's holiday.</p>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>During my free time while studying abroad, I did a lot of exploring! I had made a big list of all the places I wanted to go in Bali before I left for my trip, and then made a sort of itinerary of activities once I knew when I'd have class and what kinds of site visits we'd be doing.</p>
<p>Some highlights were Uluwatu Temple (make sure to hold your belongings close or else the monkeys will steal!). The Tegallalang Rice Terraces, cultural shows, the beach (Nyang Nyang was my favorite, but be prepared for a hardcore hike!), ate delicious food, enjoyed the next-level wellness spas, and went out at night with my classmates to see the vibrant nightlife and celebrate the New Year. There was truly never a shortage of things to do!</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1756962852/images2/interviews/8Kl6iplEs2zIVUKvxIh3YLhoVnm7gDSbgSP5vO9k.jpg" alt="A diverse group of people stands in a Balinese temple, hands in prayer position, smiling. The image conveys a sense of peace and unity.
"><div class="caption"><p>Participating in a traditional morning prayer on our first day of class</p></div></div>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>I stayed in two different accommodations while I was in Bali. The first week, five other students in the program and I stayed in a big villa with a pool and an indoor/outdoor living area. We had plenty of space, and each had our own beds, but shared three rooms total. Someone came to clean it every day, which was also pretty nice!</p>
<p>The second week, we switched with the other half of our program group into a hotel in a different part of town. We each had a room with two beds, so we shared with a roommate here as well. This accommodation was also good, but was a little small and in a sort of loud part of town.</p>
<p>This didn't really matter, though, as we were mostly just sleeping and showering here. By this point in the program, we were all friends, so a lot of our evenings ended at the villa regardless of where we were staying because there was space for us to all be together (And a little bit because there was a pool!).</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>A couple of things for every future participant to know about this program before they begin: it would be good to come prepared with a backpack rather than a tote bag, and buy bug spray only after you've gotten to Bali! I had a tote bag for my school materials, which ended up being super inconvenient and in the way.</p>
<p>Between riding on motorcycles to class and going on excursions where we had to take our things with us, having a backpack over a tote sounds like a ridiculously tiny issue, but it would have seriously improved my experience daily.</p>
<p>As far as bug spray goes, the bottle I brought from the USA did absolutely nothing and was a total waste of luggage space. One of my classmates suggested we try the bug spray available in the shops in Bali, and it completely changed the game. I had almost no bug bites after using that kind instead!</p>
<h3>Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?</h3>
<p>I would absolutely recommend this program and this provider to others. I was fully supported in every sense of the word from the time I expressed interest in the program to the time I returned home to the States.</p>
<p>The program met and exceeded all of my expectations, and there was never a point where I felt like I didn't have the information or resources I needed to be successful.</p>
<p>My advisor was responsive and kind, and the university itself was also fantastic. It was a great taste of Bali, and I would 100% do it again!</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1756962853/images2/interviews/zeZ1WuuhvR8RP1gIyZqDcZOnDd03UdNO10w7sRIb.jpg" alt="Ornate temple with intricate carvings and a tall spire against a cloudy sky, accented by bright pink flowers in the foreground, creating a serene ambiance."><div class="caption"><p>Bajra Sandhi Monument and museum, which we visited in class</p></div></div>
<h3>What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?</h3>
<p>I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is exposure.</p>
<p>There are so many things that I'd never know existed, so many traditions and places I'd know nothing about if I hadn't gone to see them myself. And because of these experiences, I've become a much more empathic, open-minded person.</p>
<p></p>
<p>When you're confronted with the reality that life can look entirely different from what you're used to, and yet still be meaningful, joyful, and rich, it expands your perspective in a powerful way. You quickly learn that your way isn't the only way, and while that realization is kind of humbling, more than anything, it's inspiring.</p>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>Now that I'm home, studying abroad has impacted my life in many ways.</p>
<p>Mostly, I find I have a lot more confidence taking on "adult" tasks I've never done before. For example, the biggest issue we ever ran into while in Bali was the power going out at our villa one day because the homeowner's electricity payment hadn't gone through. Normally, this is a problem I wouldn't even know where to start trying to solve, but since there was no other option, I had to figure it out. And I did!</p>
<p>Reflecting on situations like this, which might have felt a little bit like the end of the world in the moment, I can now look back and have a laugh at their insignificance. They've helped me feel a lot more sure of myself in situations of all kinds, and generally in life. If I can figure out how to get power in a house all the way in Bali, I kind of feel like I can do anything!</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>To me, meaningful travel means approaching every journey with a sense of respect, curiosity, and humility. It’s about stepping outside of your own experiences and embracing the world with an open mind and an open heart.</p>
<p>When I travel, I do more than just visit new places—I listen, learn, and reflect. It’s easy to go through life seeing things only through the lens of your own background or culture, but traveling with a purpose challenges that. It reminds you that your way of thinking isn’t the only way, and that there are countless people with lives, stories, and perspectives entirely different from your own.</p>
<p>Meaningful travel is about connection, taking the time to learn from others, to understand traditions, and to come face-to-face with both the beauty and the complexity of the world. I also think it’s a lot about how you handle those experiences after the trip ends.</p>
<p>There's so much potential for them to shape your worldview, your empathy, and your actions moving forward. Meaningful travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how you go, and how you're changed by the experience.</p>


Brenley Bruxvoort

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Brenley Bruxvoort who participated in StudyAbroad.com program.

Brenley Bruxvoort | StudyAbroad.com Alumni Interview

StudyAbroad.com Alumni Interview with Brenley Bruxvoort


<p class="p1"></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-panovaite-1442457437.jpg" alt="







Traditional Indonesian wedding dress"><div class="caption"><p>Indonesian friends&rsquo; wedding</p></div></div><h3>Why did you decide to go abroad?</h3><p class="p1">I'm always searching for new opportunities to travel and stay abroad for a longer time (as well I was volunteer in EVS program in Greece for six months). I heard a story from my friend which was selected for the Darmasiswa scholarship in Indonesia; I found this scholarship interesting too. This scholarship is a unique opportunity to discover Indonesian culture by participating and learning straight from the masters. You can choose the island or city, period of studies (six or 12 months), the university, and the subject you want to study, including batik making, traditional Indonesian dances, gamelan lessons, Indonesian language, and many other subjects.</p><p class="p1">It's quite easy to apply for the scholarship too, you just need to fill the application form, collect needed documents and send them on time to responsible embassy. I decided to try my luck and applied. I was one of around 550 people who was selected from all over the world, so I quit my good paying job and started my adventure in Indonesia.</p><h3>Why did you choose the Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta?</h3><p class="p1">I have been dancing from childhood, but it's just my hobby. I never thought I&rsquo;d become a professional dancer, but I&rsquo;ve tried many different kinds of dances now. When I saw that Darmasiswa scholarship suggest the opportunity to learn traditional Indonesian dances, I decided that it was the subject I wanted to study.</p><p class="p1">What can be better than learning one more "dance style" and collecting new experiences for my dance career, especially when Indonesian dances are so colorful? Each island has different dances, stories, moves, clothing, etc. One year is really not enough to learn all the dances and learn them professionally, but at least to understand them and enjoy it, a year is quite enough.</p><p class="p1">Even if many universities suggest the study of Indonesian dance, I choose ISI Yogyakarta University. First of all, I heard many good reviews about this university from previous Darmasiswa students. Second, because of the Yogyakarta city. This city is a cultural center and the student capital city (on Java island). Where is better to be if not in the center of everything?</p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-panovaite-1442457485.jpg" alt="







Waterfall in Dieng Plateau, Central Java, Indonesia" style="display: inline;"><div class="caption"><p>Waterfall in Dieng Plateau area</p></div></div><h3>What was your favorite part about Yogyakarta?&nbsp;</h3><p class="p3"><span class="Apple-tab-span">	</span></p><p class="p1">Yogyakarta is very lively city. There are so many cultural events every day, so many artists with whom you can collaborate and meet; you just need to be open and curious, and you will have many possibilities to discover not only traditional Indonesian culture but modern art as well. Also, the location of Yogyakarta city is very beautiful, within one to two hours by motorbike you can reach really amazing natural places, including waterfalls, caves, mountains, beaches, and more. You can also find many beautiful places in the city and meet plenty of interesting people. It&rsquo;s a city that never sleeps.</p><p class="p1">ISI Yogyakarta University is located in the southern part of Yogyakarta city. There are many places covered by rice fields, so most of the time you can see green color all round you. Parangtritis beach is about 40 minutes away from campus (and yes, it's not the most beautiful beach in Indonesia, but at least you can sometimes feel the sea breeze and see an amazing sunset). For me, this location was perfect, not so far from the city center, you can still be at least somewhat close to nature, and the prices were a bit cheaper than in other parts of Yogyakarta.</p><h3>What aspects of your program made it unique?</h3><p class="p1">Its uniqueness is the chance to learn about the culture and exchange your knowledge with others.</p><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3><p class="p1">The Darmasiswa program coordinator at my university, Pak Bambang Supinardi, was just perfect. He has been working with Darmasiswa students already for many years and everybody will tell you that he just amazing. He always advises, answers questions, and helps with any issues. I never heard him say "no" or &rdquo;not possible&rdquo;. In any case, he could always help. I think his help made my studies even more colorful.</p><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</h3><p class="p1">All Darmasiswa students enter their studies with first year Indonesian students; this means that no matter how you experienced with the activity in your country, whether you have a masters degree in that field or not, you will study with youngsters that have just begun university. In this case, I think I could be more curious to go to lessons with last year students, but I didn&rsquo;t try to ask teachers to let me participate so I followed the rules and did what was asked. I think if you are really into something, you need to try your luck and reach for more. How you can know more if you don't try? So my advice, if you want something, you see it as more interesting, just be proactive and try to join and participate!</p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-panovaite-1442457535.jpg" alt="







Sunrise at Mount Merapi in Indonesia"><div class="caption"><p>Sunrise in front of mount Merapi</p></div></div><h3>Describe a day in the life of your program.&nbsp;</h3><p class="p3"><span class="Apple-tab-span">	</span></p><p class="p1">Dance studies at ISI Yogyakarta for Darmasiswa students was the most active compared with other subjects. Courses are divided into two semesters, and each semester had its own schedule and subjects, or different dance styles. In each semester we had to choose three subjects which we would have lessons in every day. Each day the timetable was different, one day we had one lesson per day, another day three lessons in one day. One lesson lasted for an hour and a half. There were also breaks between lessons for 20 minutes, and during lunch time there was a longer break. Sometimes we had projects, so we needed as well to work with groups after lessons. Also, I had music lessons, to gain a better understanding of dance rhythms.</p><h3>What did you enjoy doing on your free time?&nbsp;</h3><p class="p1">Indonesia is an amazing country! First of all, during free time I was trying to see as much as possible and travel around Yogyakarta or somewhere further. I was interested in Indonesian art, so I went to many festivals, events, celebrations, etc. I was curious to meet Indonesian people, so I tried to communicate with them more. I really tried to fulfill my day and discover more and more about Indonesia.</p><h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3><p class="p1">When we arrived our university provided accommodation for three nights in a hostel. Once we had university "buddies" (local students), we searched for a place to stay for the entire study period. Some of the students found a places to live alone, others in houses for six people, and others chose other options. The main thing is that when Darmasiswa students arrive, most places (cheap ones that are near the university) are already rented by local students. However, there are still always some to choose from. We (three girls) found a place near the university, the distance was maybe 10 to 15 minutes walk away; it had a nice surrounding neighborhood and was a newly build house. Although it was without any furniture, so we bought everything that we needed by ourselves. It was just a pity that after four months we had to move out (even if we agreed to stay there for one year), but it is a long story.</p><h3>How has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3><p class="p1">My scholarship year is 2014 and 2015, so I'm still in Indonesia! I have one more month left to live here, and honestly, I don't want to go home yet because there are still so many places I want to see. If everything works out, I will stay here a bit longer.</p><p>























































</p><p class="p1">Even without going back home yet, I can feel the impact of this program. I have started to see things in a different way, realized that we don't need many things to be happy, and met many people who have impacted my life and views. What I have seen in Indonesia has just refreshed my life.</p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-panovaite-1442457578.jpg" alt="







Royal family members with foreigners in Java, Indonesia"><div class="caption"><p>Javanese New Year celebration with royal family members</p></div></div><p><br></p>


Viktorija Panovaite

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Viktorija Panovaite who participated in Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta program.

Viktorija Panovaite | Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta

Viktorija Panovaite - 2014 Program Participant


<p class="p1"></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto5-lander-1418262578.jpg" alt="







The beach front of Kudeta restaurant and hotel in Bali, Indonesia"><div class="caption"><p>This is on the beach in front of a restaurant/hotel called Kudeta. Most people in the program would meet at this beach around sunset everyday for a drink and some sunset surfing. Photo by Paul Davidson Lander</p></div></div><h3><b>Why did you choose to study abroad?</b><br></h3>
<p class="p1">I chose to study abroad because I wanted to see the world. I wanted to LIVE in a completely different way, not just vacation for a few days. I wanted to feel what it was like to live in another culture, to see what other ways of life were out there. I wanted to make new friends and learn another language.</p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/nterviewphoto1-lander-1418262806.jpg" alt="







The view of Mount Bromo on the island of Java in Indonesia"><div class="caption"><p>Mount Bromo on the island of Java. Paul flew to Java and traveled through rainforests and mountains to make it here. He did a sunrise hike up to the top of a mountain overlooking Bromo. When the sun started to come up, it heated the surface of the Earth, making the clouds drift across the land like water. Definitely his favorite moment of his whole experience.&nbsp;</p></div></div>
<h3 class="p1"><b>Why did you choose Indonesia?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">I chose Indonesia because it was so different from America. I wanted to see what it was like in a third world country, but also one that seemed laid back. I wanted to live in a place where there weren't as many rules or laws. I also wanted to live somewhere on the other side of the world.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>Why did you decide on Asia Exchange over other programs?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">The main reasons I decided on Asia Exchange were the price and the freedom of the experience. Every other program I looked at that was either through my school or an independent program was at least $10,000...and most were almost twice that. I came across Asia Exchange and literally wondered if it was a scam- it was one tenth the price of every other program! And the only requirement for going was that you speak English! Once I did more research I trusted the program more and more. Because most other programs are very selective about who can participate, they also have mandatory meetings, orientations, mandatory living in dorms or with a host family. With Asia Exchange I could literally do whatever I felt, AND they had more support than I ever needed if I really needed some advice or comfort.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>How was your housing arrangement?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">My housing arrangement was insane-in the best way! I didn't know anyone when I was traveling to Bali, and I also didn't have a place lined up to live. I contacted someone from the program in Bali and she hooked me up with a villa. I actually went and looked at many different villas, and finally decided on one. And as it turned out, six girls ended up moving in with me. I lived there for a month or so, and then got another place with two friends I made from the program, and lived there for the next three months.</p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-lander-1418262926.jpg" alt="







The walkway to a villa in Bali, Indonesia"><div class="caption"><p>This is the villa Paul lived in for most of his time in Bali. It was under $300 a month and right near the beach. Baby deer wandered around the grounds all the time and there was a private swimming pool too. Paul lived with a friend from Finland and another from Germany.</p></div></div>
<p class="p1">The villas in Bali are amazing...for $300 a month you get a beautiful place with your own private pool not far from the beach. Our villa was called the "Zoo Villa" because there were baby deer wandering around the grounds. Literally every morning I would wake up and hang out on the porch and there would be baby deer at my side. The service at all of the villas is amazing as well. There are only a few places on Earth you can live like a king for not much money at all, and Bali is one of them.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>What was a normal day like as a student in Indonesia?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">A normal day was different for each person. But for the typical student, it went like this. Wake up around 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. and mellow out with some coffee and breakfast at your villa or at a breakfast place. Go to school from around 9 a.m. to around 3 p.m. Get out, head to the beach and either chill, or surf with a bunch of other people from all over Europe or locals. Then catch some drinks and dinner somewhere along the beach and head home to relax before falling asleep. There was never any homework. It barely felt like you were in school. It was paradise.</p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-lander-1418263056.jpg" alt="







A beach on the island of Gili Meno in Bali, Indonesia"><div class="caption"><p>A beach on the island of Gili Meno. Paul and his roommates and took a boat over to the island and relaxed for a few days. It is actually known as "Honeymoon Island" because it&rsquo;s so peaceful. There were probably five to seven different places with bungalows to stay in, one bar, and one restaurant. Photo by Paul Davidson Lander</p></div></div>
<h3 class="p1"><b>What was the biggest challenge about living abroad?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">The biggest challenge abroad was learning to stay cool and calm in a completely different environment on the other side of the world without any family, old friends, or familiarity around you. At first it was overwhelming and I thought about coming back. But within a week I already started to feel amazing and meet really good people. I know now that being confronted with the scariest situation you have ever experienced can make you a much stronger, more confident person than you ever imagined you could be.</p>
<p class="p1"></p><h3><b>What advice can you give other students thinking about studying abroad in Indonesia?</b><br></h3>
<p class="p1">I would say have a good idea of what kind of experience you are looking for. If Paris or Spain is your thing, if you don't want to leave western culture, if you want to just have fun somewhere besides your hometown or university, then Bali might not be the place for you. &nbsp;Don't get me wrong - I ended up being so, so comfortable there. But it is a different style of life. &nbsp;Your first impressions will be that it is dirty, loud, chaotic, and insane. So if you are not looking to challenge yourself a little, maybe reconsider where you want to go. Other than that, just cruise into this experience in neutral and see where it takes you. That's the best mindset you can have, hands down.</p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-lander-1418263126.jpg" alt="







Tanah Lot Temple in Indonesia"><div class="caption"><p>Tanah Lot Temple. What makes it really special is the fact that you can only get to it towards low tide. Once the tide starts to rise, you're trapped! Unless you want to swim back that is. Photo by Paul Davidson Lander</p></div></div>
<h3 class="p1"><b>How has your experience in Bali impacted you since returning?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">It has changed my life. I pretty much look at myself and my life in two ways: my life before going abroad and my life after. If you are willing and if you let it, the experience of getting out of your comfort zone and living in another culture will open your eyes. It will show you that there are so many more dimensions to living than you ever thought of before. It will show you what you don't like about your own culture, while at the same time showing you what you do actually like about it. It will open your eyes to the possibility of living your life in a way you didn't expect, a way you didn't know was out there. It will make you a more independent, stronger person. It will make you realize what things you worry about that are not worth worrying about. It will show you yourself. It will give you an idea of HOW you like living, of what kind of people you are drawn to, or what kind of life you want to live. It is the healthiest, most inspirational experience I have ever had. &nbsp;</p>


Paul Davidson Lander

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Paul Davidson Lander who participated in Asia Exchange program.

Paul Davidson Lander | Asia Exchange Alumni Interview

Paul Lander - 2010 Program Participant

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