Should I Study Abroad in Indonesia?

A mosaic of 17,000+ islands, Indonesia embodies a wealth of diverse peoples, languages, animals, landscapes, and more. Maybe you’re familiar with this Southeast Asian country (or you want to take courses in a tropical environment—no judgment here), but you’re wondering “Should I study abroad in Indonesia?”

With around 150 public universities and 3,000 private universities, you certainly have lots of options for programs, with many being highly affordable. Indonesia also strengthened quality assurance and autonomy for higher education after enacting a law in 2012. Plus, more than 6,000 international students study in Indonesia, so you’re not alone!

Whether you’re looking to soak in seascapes or get lost in city vibes, Indonesia also offers a myriad of relaxing getaways for study breaks! And that’s just one of many reasons to study abroad in Indonesia, so let’s dive in.

7 reasons to study abroad in Indonesia

So, why study abroad in Indonesia? Here are seven reasons for you. A word of caution—after going through this list, you’ll want to catch the next flight out to Bali!

1. Step into a warm and welcoming environment.

Indonesia celebrates differences and welcomes millions of foreign tourists each year. In fact, its national motto—Bhinneka Tunggal Ika—translates to “unity in diversity.”

Indonesians extend many smiles and a friendly and hospitable kindness to others. Most of all, Indonesians tend to be very inclusive, so you’ll still feel at home away from home.

Many study abroad programs offer homestay accommodations as an option. The host family will help you navigate your new environment, learn cultural customs, and pick up words in Bahasa Indonesian. Your host family can help support you through any challenges you’re facing and connect you to the community.

[Enjoy a 10-Day Study Abroad Experience in Bali with Asia Exchange]

2. Get more bang for your buck.

Here’s one of the best answers to why study abroad in Indonesia—your dollar will go much further! The cost of living in Indonesia is significantly less than it is in the United States. Even better, tuition costs typically fall anywhere between $2,400 to $6,200 per year.

You’ll also find a rigorous transport system available in many areas with monthly passes around $10 and plenty of eateries available with meals less than $2. Depending on your location, the average 1-bedroom apartment will be $200 to $600 a month.

3. Enjoy opportunities to explore a wide range of destinations.

Your weekends just got a whole lot more interesting.

You can turn every weekend or holiday break into a mini-vacation here! With more than 50,000 miles of coastline, Indonesia invites you to go ahead and island-hop to an idyllic beach and catch some rays.

Climb one of its hundreds of volcanoes and watch the sun rise. Revel in the beauty of Ponot Waterfall, the tallest waterfall (820 feet) in North Sumatra, and enjoy a swim in Lake Toba.

Marvel at the Kraton (palace), the Prambanan Temple, and Taman Sari in Yogyakarta. Watch a show at Taman Mini, visit the National Monument, or mosey through the National Museum of Indonesia in the capital city of Jarkarta. Did we mention you’re also just a short flight to Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, China, and other incredible nations?!

READ: 9 Best (and One-of-a-Kind) Places to Study Abroad in Asia

4. Immerse yourself in a culturally and biodiverse atmosphere.

From rainbow gum trees to Sumatran tigers, Indonesia boasts more than 300,000 wildlife species, the third-largest rainforest in the world, and nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Prambanan Temple Compounds and Komodo National Park.

This multi-island nation also has 1,300 distinct native ethnic groups! Its location on the equator in Southeast Asia made it a crossroads for many trading routes, weaving in many religious influences, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam.

So, no matter what you’re studying—from the arts to the sciences—you’re bound to learn something new related to your career field here!

5. Delve into hands-on experiential learning.

How about having some fun while you’re earning college credits? With many study abroad programs in Indonesia, the gorgeous environs will often be your classroom! For example, if you’re interested in marine science, you could learn how to scuba dive and research the reefs to collect data for environmental conservation purposes.

Other courses include visiting various islands to learn photography, exploring mosques and temples to study religion, touring villages to learn more about architecture, to name a few! Plus, many programs include excursions, social and cultural events, workshops, and networking opportunities.

6. Choose from many courses available in English.

You can take your pick of courses taught in English to make the most of your time in Indonesia.

You’re not going to believe this, but more than 700 languages are spoken in Indonesia. Yet, you’ll still find many programs taught in English, with more and more becoming available.

However, Bahasa Indonesia is the official language of the country, with many university courses taught in this language. But don’t fret too much—it’s also one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn.

Whether you want to learn their unifying language or another foreign language, you’re in the right place to become multilingual—a sparkling addition to your resume. Better yet, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice with people from all over the world!

7. Savor an ensemble of flavorful foods!

Prepare to tingle your taste buds from their drool-worthy cuisine layered with aromatic spices—they even take ramen to another level. Take a bite out of delectable dishes like satay (meat skewers), fried rice, and siomay (steamed fish dumplings), or snack on kue mangkok (steamed rice flour), keropok (shrimp crackers), and cassava chips.

With a large assortment of tropical fruits, Indonesia doesn’t shy away from treats either! Sip soda gembira, bajigur (coconut milk), or any fruit juice. Satisfy your sweet tooth with bubur sumsum (coconut rice porridge), martabak manis (pancakes), or pisang goreng (fried banana). You might want to stay longer for the food alone!

3 study abroad programs in Indonesia to get you started

Ready to study abroad in Indonesia? One of these top picks for programs might strike your fancy!

1. Asia Exchange: Study 1-2 Semesters Abroad in Bali - Udayana University

• Why? Featuring raving reviews, Asia Exchange invites students to study abroad in the top-notch program for international students, called BIPAS. Choose from a variety of courses to take either in the fall or spring. Plus, you’re just a short drive to surf on nearby beaches, visit the ancient Hindi Uluwatu Temple, and catch a flight from Bali’s international airport.
• Where? Bali
• Read Asia Exchange reviews

2. SIT Study Abroad: Indonesia: Arts, Religion, & Social Change

• Why? Gain a deeper understanding of the intersection of Balinese and Javanese arts, religions, and agriculture. Not only will you take classes in Puri Kerambitan—a palace—with this semester-long program, but you’ll also explore a variety of temples and cultural heritage sites. You can even gain language proficiency in Bahasa Indonesian!
• Where? Bali
• Read SIT Study Abroad reviews

3. StudyInBali: Summer School Travel Photography & Videography

• Why? You might have sick skills with snapping pics on your smartphone, but how about taking it to the next level on the Island of the Gods? You’ll have the best summer of your life with this four-week course where you’ll learn pro camera and lighting techniques among the awe of coastlines, volcanic hillsides, mountains, and more!
• Where? Bali
• Learn more about StudyInBali

Get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Indonesia for FREE

Study abroad in Indonesia and you might think you’re studying abroad in paradise

Pack your bags and your books for the ultimate study abroad adventure.

Now you know all the best reasons to study abroad in Indonesia! From vibrant cultures to colorful landscapes, the saying “variety is the spice of life” will take on a whole new meaning in this stunning country. Better yet, you’ll feel like you’re studying in an oasis. Your answer to “Should I study abroad in Indonesia?” probably now sounds like a resounding yaaaaaa!