Tuesday 20 March 2012

Some Interesting Facts About Indonesia for New Visitors

Indonesia is the biggest country in South- East Asia, and boosts of one of the most diverse cultures, and environments in the World- In a few hours you could have walked in a coffee plantation, visited a volcano, and bought the latest phone in a Mall. What are the seven interesting facts, about Indonesia?

1. Bali is in Indonesia
Most people have heard of Bali, but rarely know where Indonesia is. Bali is a tourist island famed for its beaches, unique culture, and temples, which in reality also can be found all over the 17.000 islands, which make up this diverse archipelago. Once you have seen Bali, take a boat to another island.
2. Indonesia is Modern
The sheer diversity of Indonesia means that although there are people still living in villages, without electricity, many Indonesians live a similar lifestyle to suburbanized Americans in the nation's cities. The goods people buy, the houses they live in, the clothes they wear, are similar, whilst the jobs they do are as technical and professional as in Europe or the United States.
3. Indonesia is Rich in History
Borobudur, Prambanan, and a vast array of ancient monuments like Candi Suku, are as much Indonesia's past and present. These ancient temples date back over 1500 years, are still part of the cultural heritage of the nations people, who still ply many of the same arts and customs from this bygone era.
Many Indonesian cities have areas where the colonial Dutch heritage remains, whilst the history of its people can be explored through the food they eat, the art they produce, and the diverse languages they speak.
4. Diverse in Religions and Attitudes
In a country were on one street a Mosque, a Church and a Buddhist Temple could be only a few hundred meters apart, most Indonesians have a religion but are tolerant of other beliefs.
Attitudes can be very open minded, as the country have such a diverse range of cultures, and languages- people have learnt to get along with each other. Guests are welcome in most communities, whilst urban centers like Jakarta, can be extremely westernized, and visually no different to "home.'
5. Indonesia is a BRIIC Country
Currently the Indonesian economy is growing at a very fast rate, and this has created the need for local people to travel. In most of Indonesia, mid-range hotels, and resorts are springing up to meet this demand, as well as an extensive network of budget airlines that ply inter-island routes. Travelling around Indonesia, has become much easier.
6. Low Cost Local Produce
Indonesia still is an agricultural country, and produces its own coffee, tea, palm oil, rice and tobacco, as well as exporting locally grown fruits, & vegetables to mainland Europe. Food prices are low compared to much of the World, whilst they are locally grown, rather than through chemical or GM farming.
This means you eat healthy and freshly produced food, if you decide to sample the local food.
7. The Most Wired Nation on Earth
Internet access is easy in Indonesia, with a wide range of phones, and Wi-Fi connections throughout the country. Many Indonesians own a smart phone in urban areas, whilst most towns boast of affordable internet or wi-fi cafes. Indonesia is fast becoming one if the most wired countries on Earth.
Depending where you visit, 21st Century Indonesia is a fusion of the traditional past, and the post modern future. Jakarta the nation's capital, has an overwhelming feeling to most new visitors, whilst life in the villages and outer islands remains similar to centuries ago. Enjoy, explore and experience a truly unique nation.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6537619

Indonesia Dharmasiswa Scholarship to Living in Indonesia

Indonesia is the wonderful archipelago country wonderful with fertile soil and lots of beautiful places like Bali Island. Everyone dreams to visit in Indonesia. What about studying in Indonesia? This is very interesting obviously because students can increase experience of living and traveling in Indonesia.
Dharmasiswa is a scholarship program offered to foreign students who have diplomatic relations with Indonesia to study Indonesian language, music arts and crafts as well as other studies in universities in Indonesia.
Dharmasiswa program is started in 1974. Until 1975, only students from ASEAN are to join the program. But since 1976, students from Hungary, Norway, Mexico, Sweden, Canada, France, Australia, Japan, Netherlands, Germany, Gambia, Senegal and the United States could retrace this program. The main purpose Dharmasiswa program is to foster and enhance interest in Indonesian language and culture among the people of friendly countries. The program is also designed as a reciprocal program to other countries that offer scholarship programs for Indonesia and to strengthen cultural relations among nations. Each year, the program Participants targeted Dharmasiswa continues to increase.
There are 5 schemes Indonesia Dharmasiswa scholarship Program:
Dharmasiswa - Regular
This Dharmasiswa Program is a one-year scholarship program for foreign students to study Indonesia language, traditional music, traditional dance and Indonesian crafts.
Dharmasiswa - Short term
Dharmasiswa Short Term Programme consists of two schemes: 6 (six) months of regular courses for foreign students to study Indonesian and Dharmasiswa Short Term for Preparation Program to enhance the ability of Indonesian language in order to enter education in Indonesia.
Dharmasiswa - Plus
Darmasiswa plus Program Offered to Indonesian language, traditional music, traditional dance and crafts in Indonesian Higher Education. Participants are required to teach a foreign Language 10 hours / week in Junior High School, Secondary Schools, Vocational School (SMK) or Institute of Higher Education of Indonesia Nowhere the relevant learning.
Dharmasiswa - Plus studies
Dharmasiswa plus Program Offered to foreign students to take 4 (four) credits in other study instead of language, arts with to get double degree.
Dharmasiswa - Double degree
Dharmasiswa Program Offered to foreign students from to study language as part of degree programs 1 (one) - 1.5 years until the master program for 2 (two) years.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5174820