Week 1 – Orientation/Introduction:
The Introduction Week is the first step towards an amazing stay in a new country! It’s an action packed and fun filled week that is dedicated to getting to know Indonesia, and all of its cultural aspects, through an unforgettable immersion experience.
Participants will meet the local people, taste the local cuisine and become familiar with the local customs. The Introduction Week will take place in the beautiful city of Semarang. Loads of new things will be introduced to you as you experience the local culture first hand.
Our schedule will be flexible but all introduction weeks usually consist of…
Indonesia: Culture, religion, habits, customs, history and social issues are some of the topics that we will introduce through group discussions, workshops and visits.
Language Skills: Participants will learn and practice common phrases of the Indonesian language.
Projects: Participants will be provided with an overview of the ongoing projects we support, in addition to receiving an explanation of their chosen placement. There will also be a project visit on site.
General Information: Participants will be introduced to yoga, cooking, team work, project work, customs, habits, behavioral aspects, dos & don’ts, and emergency preparation.
Cultural Site Visits: Participants will have an opportunity to visit traditional market places, and natural sites such as the Ungaran Mountain and the ancient group temples of Gedong Songo (The Nine Hindu Temples).
Participants are asked to bring small items from their home country (photos, music, food, etc.) and share their culture with the locals and other participants.
Start dates for our Discover Indonesia Program are noted below:
· January 7, 2008
· February 4, 2008
· March 3, 2008
· March 31, 2008
· April 28, 2008
· May 26, 2008
· June 23, 2008
· July 21, 2008
· August 18, 2008
· September 15, 2008
· October 13, 2008
· November 10, 2008
· December 8, 2008
Sample Orientation/Introduction Agenda
Monday
We will start the day with an introduction into the program and an explanation of the week’s schedule. In the afternoon, we will walk around in the local area and you will get a view on what’s available nearby. In the evening, we will have a welcome dinner at the centre.
Tuesday
After Breakfast, we will start with a session on the Indonesian Culture and Introduction of do’s and don’t’s in Indonesian society. After which we will have language lessons. In the afternoon we will continue with language lessons.
Wednesday
In the morning, we will start with Language lessons. After lunch we will visit the local market and do some shopping for practicing the Indonesian language. In the evening, we will visit the Sam Po Kong Chinese Temple.
Thursday
After Breakfast, we will go on a project visit to the local school or a kindergarten. In the afternoon, we will go around Semarang and in the evening we will visit the Semarang beach.
Friday
In the morning, we will start with a visit to the Gedong Songo Temple. In the afternoon, we will visit the Bandungan Flower and Vegetable Market.
Saturday
We will visit the Semarang Junior High School in the morning. The afternoon will be free and in the evening, we will watch a Traditional Javanese performance.
Sunday
We will have brunch around 10am, and prepare for the next week’s activities.
*** Note: Indonesia is a tropical country with occasional violent storms, heavy rains and floods. During such times, the above schedule may be subject to change.