IndoAustay Student Immersion Program
Explore Indonesia • Live the Language • Build Lifelong Connections
A Journey into Indonesian Language and Culture
The IndoAustay Northbound Student Immersion Program is a three-week adventure in Bandung, West Java, designed for students who have completed Bahasa Indonesia at Year 10 or Year 11 level.
Experience daily life in Indonesia through school placement, university language classes, and homestay with a local family. IndoAustay has more than 15 years of experience administering student programs in Indonesia, delivering safe, well-organised, and culturally rich immersion experiences that build genuine people-to-people connections between Australia and Indonesia.
Why Join Northbound?
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Immerse yourself in Indonesian language and culture.
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Build lifelong friendships with Indonesian students.
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Gain practical language skills that support your VCE studies.
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Experience authentic school and family life in Bandung.
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Develop confidence, independence and intercultural understanding.
Administration
Australian participants travel together as a group from Melbourne and are met on arrival in Jakarta by the Program Coordinator from the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Language Centre, our Bandung partner organisation, who ensure smooth transfer to the connecting transport to Bandung on the same day.
On arrival in Bandung, participants are met by their homestay family. Each participant and each host family has ongoing contact with the UPI Language Center Program Coordinator who monitors their progress for the duration of the immersion program and who is in 24/7 contact with our IndoAustay Northbound Coordinator in Australia. Students also have 24/7 contact access to the IndoAustay Northbound Coordinator.
Your School Placement
Spend four mornings each week at SMA Laboratorium (Lab School), located on the campus of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) — one of Indonesia’s most respected universities. Interact with Indonesian students and teachers, participate in classroom life, and naturally strengthen your Bahasa Indonesia through real communication.
Learn more about the UPI Lab School by watching their promotional video
Language Learning at UPI
Each afternoon, attend lessons at Balai Bahasa UPI (Language Centre) with experienced university tutors. You’ll expand vocabulary, grammar and communication skills through reading, writing, listening and speaking.
On Fridays, enjoy excursions connected to your language themes — exploring Sundanese culture, history and arts such as angklung music, wayang golek puppetry and pencak silat.
Your Homestay Experience
Live as part of a local host family, sharing meals, daily life and cultural customs.
• Private bedroom with bed, desk and fan.
• Matched with a host sibling of the same gender and year level.
• Family provides transport to school and university.
• Participation in family routines is expected.
Students must respect family and school rules, remain within approved areas, and may only travel outside Bandung on approved excursions or with their host family.
Travel & Support
Students travel together as a group from Melbourne to Jakarta, where they are met by UPI staff. The group then travels by bus to Bandung (2–3 hours) and is welcomed by their host families. Each participant and family has ongoing contact with the UPI Language Centre Coordinator, who works closely with IndoAustay’s Australian Northbound Coordinator — providing 24/7 support throughout the program.
About Bandung
Known as the 'Paris of Java', Bandung is a livelyuniversity city surrounded by lush hills and tea plantations. With a cool climate, vibrant arts scene and rich history, it’s the perfect setting to experience Indonesian culture and daily life.
Eligibility
Students should have at least rudimentary Indonesian language skills and a strong interest in Indonesian culture. The program suits motivated learners ready to engage respectfully and enthusiastically in another culture.
Program Costs (Indicative 2026)
Costs are based on departure from Melbourne. Interstate departures may incur additional costs.
Deposit: $1,700 (due 31 October 2025)
Balance: $2,800 (due 30 November 2025)
Total: AUD $4,500
Includes return group flights (Melbourne–Jakarta), accommodation, meals, tuition, excursions, and administration.
To register your interest and be contacted by our program coordinators please complete the form below, or click and email at: