It's a bittersweet end for Claire Kirshenbaum '24 as she finishes her intensive language program in Malang, Indonesia. She grew extremely close with her host family and language partners like teachers and fellow students. This is what Kirshenbaum had to say about her experience: "The classes and schedule was very intense. It was extremely fruitful and rewarding. The beginning was difficult, adjusting to the new language, culture, and environment. This was the absolute most rewarding experience.
"Language immersion had its natural challenges and I struggled with not meeting the unrealistic expectations I set for myself. In the end I am so proud of how far I have come in the language, now able to have intellectual conversations on many academic, social, and political topics. I have fallen in love with the Indonesian language and Javanese culture. I am so grateful for this opportunity."
For Kirshenbaum's final essay and project presentation, she researched youth unemployment in Indonesia. It's a big issue for the young workforce who often have university degrees but no job opportunities that match their skill set. "There is a large mismatch in the demands of the labor market and the education system. As one of the most populous countries and fast growing economies, Indonesia struggles to capitalize on the youth population."
Kirshenbaum has become interested in the intersections of tourism and development while studying and research in Malang. "I've seen positive examples like Kampung Warna Warni where a poor village painted all the buildings different colors which now draws in many tourists and benefits the people in the community. This can be juxtaposed with Bali where the rising cost of living and rapid land development makes it difficult for locals while also providing lots of job opportunities. It's very interesting to see how culture is being preserved with modern technological development and globalization."
Despite Kirshenbaum's intensive language program ending, she will continue to live, work and study in Indonesia thanks to the Boren Scholars program. "I will be studying at a language school with private lessons to tailor my language acquisition to my interests in diplomacy, development, and humanitarian work. I will also be volunteering with an NGO focused on providing free services to pregnant women and in natural disaster zones."
Spotlight Recipient
Claire Kirshenbaum
Alumna