Page 41 - Warta USK Oktober 2022

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Studying in

Indonesia to Become By: Hannah-Charis Walker Their office is my ‘second home’ in Banda

n Indonesian Independence
a Better Educator Day 2022, I landed in Banda Aceh, and it was there the OIA volunteers
Aceh. Soon after, I was sharing
invited me to join their Mini Bazaar. It was a
Australian Anzac biscuits with
devouring yummy food!
Onew friends at the OIA USK great experience, making connections and
Mini Bazaar. As for my studies, I’ve enjoyed the
How did an Aussie girl happen to be collegiality in my class of 18 students of all
giving out ANZACs in Banda Aceh, you ages and backgrounds. It’s a nice change
may ask? The story goes back a long way! from online learning or lecture halls filled
In 2011, I gained fluency in Indonesian on a with students of different majors. We’re
student exchange at UGM, Yogyakarta. In all taking the same major, so can bounce
ACHIEVEMENTS:
2022 - Awarded Scholarship to the following years, I used my knowledge ideas off each other as we tackle issues
study Education Administration at of Indonesian language and culture as a faced by educator leaders today. My
Universitas Syiah Kuala. Primary and Secondary School Indonesian classmates also help me understand local
2014 - Speaker – Modern Language teacher in Australia, sharing many songs, wisdom – and are patient in dealing with
Teacher’s Association, Tasmania State games and food with Aussie kids. my strange ways!
Conference, presenting research on
Music in Indonesia . Throughout my teaching career, My lecturers are friendly too, as well
Hannah 2014 - Awarded EALF: Endeavour Indonesia had given me so much; I wanted as very knowledgeable in their fields.
They balance challenging and stimulating
to give something back. In 2019, I stopped
Language Teacher Fellowship
Charis Walker (scholarship to represent Australia, teaching children and moved to Riau to topics with relatable discourse as they
studying Indonesian language and
make connections between the learning
work as an English Centre consultant.
culture at IALF: Indonesia Australia
Language Foundation, Bali). I was working with teachers, writing material and their students.
curriculum and facilitating training At first, I thought it might be difficult
Age: 34 2014 - Completed the International programs in Sumatran businesses. to live in Aceh as a foreigner. I even had
Place of Birth: New South Wales, Baccalaureate Online Workshop:
Australia Diploma Programe Language B, I realised I needed to do further study, misgivings about coming, wondering if I
Nationality: Australian Category 1. to work more effectively with schools could fit in or be accepted. But I’ve been
Role: Master’s of Education
Administration student at 2013 - Completed the International and teachers. Remembering beautiful pleasantly surprised at the welcome from
Universitas Syiah Kuala. Baccalaureate Online Workshop: Achenese beaches from past holidays, the citizens of Banda Aceh. They’re friendly
Email: hannah.ach@mhs.usk.ac.id Language B: Implementing the Middle I started looking at Universitas Syiah and very happy to chat about nearly
Years Program curriculum, Category 1.
Kuala (USK). The staff at the Office of anything. Of course, the natural beauty of
2010 - R. Robert Clark Memorial Award, International Affairs (OIA) were so helpful Aceh province is wonderful too, and being
most outstanding full-time Second
Year student in Bachelor of Arts, La and welcoming, I knew I’d found the right able to visit mountains and beaches in my
Trobe University, Bendigo Campus. university. Beyond my expectations, I free time is a bonus of living here!

2009 - Kylie Morrow Memorial Award, was also awarded a scholarship to this I would highly recommend studying at
most outstanding full-time First Year Western-most city of the Indonesian USK to anyone who wants to be immersed
student in Bachelor of Arts, La Trobe Archipelago, to take a master’s degree in in a new culture, new learning styles and
University, Bendigo Campus.
Education Administration. a new way of seeing the world! Come and
2010 - International Student Host The OIA staff were invaluable in helping study in a culture that values community
for two Welcome Festivals, La Trobe me settle in and liaise with authorities. and togetherness! []
University, Bendigo.

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