Matthew Couzens is set to journey from Australia’s northern waters to its neighbouring Indonesia for once-in-a-lifetime youth exchange program.
The 24 year-old Bachelor of Arts, International Relations student with Charles Darwin University was one of a handful of successful applicants selected nationwide for the Australia Indonesia Youth Exchange Program scholarship.
The only recipient from the Northern Territory, Matt will spend two months in Indonesia during December 2010 and January 2011 as a member of the Program.
The long-time Territorian said he couldn’t wait to immerse himself into a completely different language, lifestyle and culture.
“My background is Indonesian and I’ve always wanted to experience the culture and find out about my roots,” he said.
“I’m sure some things will be a shock to the system but at the moment I can’t wait to begin the adventure.”
With a view to enter International Relations in the south-east Asia region on completion of his degree, Matt believes the experience abroad will provide invaluable career experience.
Indonesian Coordinator and Lecturer, Dr Richard Curtis said CDU students such as Matt had the opportunity to study Indonesian language and culture in-country as part of their degree program.
“In January-February each year we run an intensive Indonesian in-country program at the University of Mataram in Lombok,” he said.
“Here small daily language classes, catering for total beginners through to those with advanced language skills, are integrated with a variety of cultural activities and excursions.”
The Australia Indonesia Youth Exchange Program aims to provide wider opportunities for young people from Indonesia and Australia to appreciate the culture, development and way of life of each other's country.
For more information on Indonesian studies at CDU contact Dr Richard Curtis on 8946 7171 or at richard.curtis@cdu.edu.au.