Building U.S.-Indonesia Mutual Understanding Since 1994

Apply for America's Unofficial Ambassadors Semester of Service in Indonesia

The America’s Unofficial Ambassadors Semester of Service program is a competitive study abroad program that offers students the chance to earn a full semester of academic credit while studying Bahasa,  history, and culture at Gadjah Mada University and interning with a school or grassroots organization in Indonesia. AUA’s semester of service in Indonesia is a 15-credit program that includes:

  • 20-25 hours each week of direct internship experience with a school or NGO working in fields like education, human rights, and women’s empowerment. Follow this link for a list of prospective classes.
  • 2 humanities classes per week in fields like Political Science, Southeast Asian studies, or history
  • 3 hours of university level Bahasa language instruction each week
  • 10-15 hours each week of direct internship experience with locally-led initiatives in fields like education, women’s empowerment, and youth leadership for 4 credits from The College of New Jersey. Follow this link for a list of potential placements.

Application Deadline: January 15th, 2016

Program dates: September 2016 – January 2017 (exact program dates will not be determined until the fall of 2015)

Program Cost: The program fee of $15,505 includes housing for the full semester, university tuition, transportation to and from internship sites, medical insurance, monthly cultural field trips, and meals during the orientation week. Airfare and personal expenses are not included.

The Program

In partnership with Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia’s premiere institution of higher learning, the Semester of Service program is a full study abroad program that will offer a select group of students the chance to complement their academic study with the unique opportunity to serve as unofficial ambassadors to schools and non-governmental organizations in Yogyjakarta for a semester.

As students, unofficial ambassadors study Bahasa at UGM, as well as two other courses in academic fields like History, International Relations, Political Science or Southeast Asian studies. As interns, students immerse themselves in Indonesian civil society, teaching English and running after-school clubs at local schools or supporting the work, outreach, and  communications of NGOs working in the fields of human rights, women’s health, and youth empowerment. Together, this unique “semester of service” offers students a full semester’s worth of academic credit while building their language skills, regional knowledge, and professional experience.

Students live in off-campus student housing complexes that are just a few minutes walk from the University’s campus. They join in on student activities and clubs and participate in monthly cultural events and field trips to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the ancient temple complex of Prambanan.

Follow this Link to Apply Today!