Ella Kelly AIYEPer 2015 – 2016.
Student at Australian National University and Secretary of Australia-Indonesia Youth Association ACT Chapter
I cannot recommend AIYEP enough to any Australian who has an interest in Indonesia. Living in Indonesia for over two months in both village and city environments with host families allows you to build deep relationships with young Indonesians, your adoptive families, community members and colleagues at your work placement. I was a member of AIYEP 2015/16 which was based in Kalimantan Barat.
There were so many highlights from my experience with our host families but I will never forget the way they treated my counterpart and I with generosity, hospitality, and warmth. Our families went to great efforts to show us the sights of Pontianak and Singkawang.
One of the greatest parts of AIYEP is making friends with the Indonesian delegates, I know I have a lifelong friend in my counterpart.
AIYEP is not without its challenges; adjusting to life in Indonesia can be a steep learning curve however it definitely has its benefits. From our fashion show in the village to observing Indonesian court cases as part of my work placement, AIYEP gave me many memorable experiences!
