Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program 2009-2010

Advice to Applicants

The Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP), which began in 1981, operates under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Indonesian and Australian Governments.

Aims

The program aims to "provide wider opportunities for the young people of Indonesia and Australia to appreciate the culture, development and the way of life of the other country".

Organisation

The program in Australia is organised and funded by the Australia-Indonesia Institute, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Canberra.

In Indonesia the program is organised by the State Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport.

Format

Participants in the program are aged between 21 and 25 years (at the time of application), with each group consisting of 9 males and 9 females.

The Indonesian group visits Australia from early to middle October for a period of two months. One month is spent in a rural setting and the other in an urban setting. This group is billeted with Australian families and given work experience in both settings.

In early-mid December, Australian participants meet their Indonesian counterparts in the capital city of the Australian host state/territory, for a period of orientation.

At the end of this orientation, both groups travel together to Indonesia and undertake a joint two-month program during the December-January-February period.

A counterpart system is established between the two groups during the Indonesian program, in which each Australian is matched up with a member of the Indonesian group. The counterparts live with each other in homestays in Indonesia.

The program for the Australian group in Indonesia comprises two sections:

• a rural stay in which the counterparted group lives in a village with host families and undertakes social activities and a community development project; and,
• an urban stay in which the counterparts live with host families and undertake work experience related to each Australian participant’s chosen field of study or expertise, wherever possible.

In both locations the Australians and Indonesians present cultural performances.

Each year the AIYEP is hosted in a different state or territory within Australia, and in a different province of Indonesia.

Selection Criteria for Australian participants

The AIYEP is open to young people aged between 21 and 25 years at the time of application, who satisfy the following minimum requirements:

• Australian citizenship;
• an active interest in Indonesia;
• good Indonesian language skills or a strong aptitiude to learn;
• the personality and background to effectively act as a young ambassador for Australia;
• professional/personal skills in the areas nominated by the Institute such as in group dynamics, interpersonal/relationship development, public speaking and cultural/artistic performance;
• ability to adapt to different living environments and contribute to group well-being;
• availability to participate in training prior to departure;
• good health.

Costs

In Australia, the costs of the program, including air fares and accommodation, are the responsibility of the Australia-Indonesia Institute. In addition, the Institute is, under the present Agreement, responsible for the international travel of all participants. In Indonesia, the costs of the program, including travel, accommodation and meals are the responsibility of the Indonesian Government.

A basic outfit for the Australian participants is also paid for by the Australia-Indonesia Institute, but participants will be required to provide or purchase at their own expense: shoes; personal travel insurance; any compulsory medical vaccinations; passports and departure taxes; personal spending money; clothing and any other incidental costs.

What participants can expect to gain from the Program

The opportunity for:

• first-hand experience of living in and being an active part of another culture;
• representing Australia and our way of life;
• learning and developing language skills other than English;
• practical experience in, and the development of skills related to, their academic studies or professional career paths;
• personal development: teamwork and negotiating skills, leadership, confidence, adaptability, etc;
• building good relations with their Indonesian counterparts by establishing networks of friends and contacts in academic and professional areas in Australia and Indonesia;
• a greater understanding of present Australia/Indonesia relationships and possibilities for future cooperation and involvement;
• continued networking with all AIYEP Alumni in Indonesia and Australia through the AIYEP group-email facility and periodic forums.

The AIYEP is not an alternative holiday in Indonesia. Participants are required to participate in all parts of the program and to accept the responsibilities of representing their country overseas.

Benefits to Australia-Indonesia Relations

The program:

• contributes to a more stable and enduring relationship between Australia and Indonesia by increasing people-to-people contacts and institutional links;
• portrays Australia as culturally diverse, educationally, scientifically and technologically advanced and economically enterprising; and
• increases understanding and improves access for Australians to the cultural diversity of Indonesian society and the opportunities offered by its developing economy.

Deed Poll

All applicants for the 2009-2010 AIYEP must confirm in writing that they have made themselves aware of the content of the Australian Government travel advice for Indonesia. The latest travel advice is available from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade internet site www.smartraveller.gov.au. Successful applicants will be required to sign a Deed Poll Waiver and Release of Liability form prior to undertaking any travel to Indonesia.

Health/Travel Insurance

Those selected for the Program must be in good health, and will be advised to consult with their own doctor on any vaccinations or other health measures required. Each participant will also be asked to show evidence of her/her cover for appropriate travel insurance before departure for Indonesia.