UWA Handbook 2026

Unit Overview

Description

This New Colombo Plan-funded unit will deliver a four-week language and cultural immersion unit plus writing retreat in Indonesia. Students will advance their individual translation, writing, or research projects in an immersive environment that combines academic study with intensive language training (German-English-Indonesian) and cultural engagement.

Students' individual projects, activities, and assessments will differ based on their previous language experience and background. Although it is recommended that students have at least a beginners-level competency in German and/or Indonesian, other interested students are encouraged to contact the unit coordinator to discuss eligibility.

Each morning, scholars from Universitas Indonesia and Politeknik Negeri Jakarta will provide 2-4 hours of tailored Indonesian language and culture classes (Indonesian-German), equipping students with the skills to work across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Afternoons will be dedicated to supervised reading, writing, peer feedback and research workshops, while guest lectures, site visits and cultural excursions will further contextualise students' projects.

Level 4 students will participate in workshops to improve their research skills, and will also provide peer feedback and mentorship to other students.

The program culminates in a presentation to Indonesian peers and academics, fostering people-to-people connections and mutual scholarly exchange. The capstone activity in particular, in the final week, when students present their research-in-progress to Indonesian peers and scholars, will also offer the possibility for involvement of the general public to promote future collaboration and employment opportunities.

Credit

6 points

Offering

Availability	Location	Mode	First year of offer
Not available in 2026	UWA (Perth)	On-campus

Details for undergraduate courses

• Level 4 elective

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) show linguistic proficiency equivalent to German B1+ and/or Indonesian Beginners +; (2) use initiative and work independently and/or in groups; (3) use language and communication skills and strategies in a culturally appropriate manner; (4) demonstrate advanced independent research and planning skills; and (5) provide constructive feedback via peer review and peer mentoring.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) activity participation and peer review/mentorship; (2) travel blog; and (3) research presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.

This unit is assessed on an ungraded pass/ungraded failed basis. All assessment items must be successfully completed.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Alexandra Ludewig

Unit rules

Prerequisites

prior approval from the unit coordinator

Incompatibility

HUMA3100 Language and Cultural Immersion plus Writing Retreat in Indonesia
, HUMA2100 Language and Cultural Immersion plus Writing Retreat in Indonesia

Advisable prior study

It is recommended that students have at least beginner's level competency in German and/or Indonesian.
Students without experience in either of these languages may still be eligible, and should contact the unit coordinator for more information.

Approved quota: 20—this unit is not available for self-enrolment. Students wishing to apply for the unit must contact the unit coordinator and submit an expression of interest (a form will be supplied for this purpose). The Unit Coordinator will select participants based on the applicants' quality of EoI, general academic performance, and, where relevant, criteria set by the external funder, such as the DFAT in the case of the New Colombo Plan projects.

Incidental fees

Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
NCP-funded grant covers up to $4,000, incl teaching, transport in country, meals, and accommodation. Depending on costs for flights for which $1000 will be budgeted, students may need to find funds to cover any difference (which should be minimal). (estimated cost - variable).

Contact hours

The core of this unit is an in-country fieldwork experience typically between two and four weeks, with the balance of the classroom and field/experiential activities decided by the relevant unit coordinator in negotiation with the host university/institution

Note

This NCP-funded unit will deliver a four-week language and cultural immersion unit, plus writing retreat in Indonesia. Students will advance their individual translation, writing or research projects in an immersive environment that combines academic study with intensive language training (German-Engl-Indonesian) and cultural engagement. Each morning, scholars from Universitas Indonesia and Politeknik Negeri Jakarta will provide 2-4 hours of tailored Indonesian language and culture classes (Indonesian-German), equipping students with the skills to work across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Afternoons will be dedicated to supervised reading, writing, peer feedback and research workshops, while guest lectures, site visits and cultural excursions will further contextualise students' projects.
The program culminates in a research presentation to Indonesian peers and academics, fostering people-to-people connections and mutual scholarly exchange. The capstone activity in particular, in the final week, when students present their research-in-progress to Indonesian peers and scholars, will also offer the possibility for involvement of the general public to promote future collaboration and employment opportunities.

Learning Outcomes: Students are able to (1) demonstrate an increased level of linguistic proficiency (in German (B1+) and/or Indonesian (Beginners +); (2) use their initiative and develop the ability to work independently and/or in groups; and (3) develop an increased awareness of intercultural understanding and language learning, as well as research skills and communication strategies.