Arts, Religion, and Social Change
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About this Program
Discover the astounding dynamics of a highly pluralistic society in one of the most visually arresting, culturally rich and biodiverse parts of the planet. Bali, the program base, is known for its beautiful rice terraces, beaches, temples, and distinctive art forms. Attend classes in an ancient palace. Then travel to witness Indonesia’s arts, including processions to the river, the making of tall and beautiful rice ornaments, and dance performances lasting late into the night. Explore Java’s religious sites, temples, and mosques; view street art with Javanese peers; and roam mountains. Java is the original home of tempe and batik textiles, so you will learn techniques from experts and produce a batik T-shirt. In a farming village in Bali’s Tabanan district, study the local agriculture and unique practices of the subak societies, which govern rice-field irrigation. Plant rice, cook traditional dishes, and make a coconut bowl and coconut oil. Meet healers and make medicines. Hear Indonesia’s peculiar and widely influential traditional gamelan music. Attend visual arts and ballet performances, as well as Hindu and Muslim ceremonies in Bali and Java.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Internship Opportunities
- Language Intensive Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Research Opportunities
- Study Center Program
- Homestay
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 16
- Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
- Typical Course load: 4
- Credit Per Course: 3, 4, or 6
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: School for International Training
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 24
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $8,000
- Spring Semester: $8,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to SIT on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by SIT. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (March to May): Hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Rainfall is common during this period.
- Summer (June to August): Warm and dry, with temperatures from 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F). The dry season is ideal for travel and outdoor activities.
- Autumn (September to November): Hot and humid, with increased chances of rain, as the wet season approaches. Temperatures stay between 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F).
- Winter (December to February): Wet season with heavy rainfall and occasional storms. Temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F).
Travel Resources
- Air: Major airports include Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, and Juanda International Airport in Surabaya. Visit Indonesia Travel for more travel details.
- Train: Indonesia has an extensive railway network, particularly in Java, connecting major cities like Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya.
- Public Transport: Buses, minibusses (angkot), and ride-sharing services like Gojek and Grab operate in most cities.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Key attractions include Bali’s beaches, Borobudur Temple, Komodo National Park, and the bustling capital, Jakarta.
- Language: The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, though many locals speak regional languages and dialects. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
- Festivals: Major festivals include Nyepi (Bali’s Day of Silence), Ramadan, and Vesak (Buddhist celebration).
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Indonesian cuisine is diverse, with popular dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), sate (grilled skewers), gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), and rendang (spicy beef stew).
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially in urban areas, though many dishes traditionally include meat or seafood. Be mindful of food cooked with shrimp paste or fish sauce.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Jakarta: Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 3 - 5, Jakarta 10110 (Phone: +62 21 5083 1000)
- U.S. Consular Agency in Bali: Jalan Hayam Wuruk 310, Denpasar 80235, Bali (Phone: +62 361-233-605)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Accessibility can be limited, especially in rural areas. Larger cities are more likely to have facilities and transport equipped for individuals with disabilities.
- LGBTQ+: Indonesia has conservative views regarding LGBTQ+ issues, and public displays of affection between same-sex couples may not be widely accepted, particularly outside urban centers and in Muslim-majority regions.
- Religion: Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, with Islam playing a significant role in daily life, alongside religious diversity that includes Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous beliefs.
- Race & Ethnicity: Indonesia is highly diverse, with hundreds of ethnic groups, though some minority groups, such as Papuans, may face social and economic inequalities.
- Gender: Gender equality is improving in Indonesia, but traditional norms, wage gaps, and gender-based violence remain significant issues, particularly in rural areas.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by SIT.
U.S. passport holders are required to apply for a socio-cultural business visa prior to departure (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). SIT will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in SIT’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.