Jun 28 - Jul 25, 2026 |
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Whether hiking through bamboo forests, spearfishing with your homestay family, or examining gender roles in the world’s most populous Muslim nation, Indonesia is sure to challenge your worldview and stimulate your senses.
Snorkel vibrant coral reefs in Wakatobi and explore efforts to protect endangered marine ecosystems
Apprentice with Javanese masters in crafts like batik, gamelan, silversmithing, cooking, martial arts, and more
Meet local leaders and experts to unpack Indonesia’s colonial past and evolving geopolitical role
Discover how place and history shape beliefs across Indonesia’s many spiritual traditions from Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, animism, and more
Our journey begins in the lush highlands of Dieng, or Di Hyang—“Abode of the Gods.” Here, amidst ancient 7th-century Hindu temples and geothermal lakes, we set intentions, build community, and ground ourselves in the basics of Indonesian language, culture, and geography. We hike volcanic trails, witness colorful sunrise views, and begin connecting with locals, all while learning how to stay emotionally and physically healthy throughout our travels.
Next, we head to Yogyakarta (or “Jogja”), the cultural and artistic capital of Java. Students live with homestay families and explore the city’s unique mix of Hindu, Javanese, and Islamic influences. We dive into Bahasa Indonesia lessons and participate in hands-on apprenticeships—called Independent Study Projects—learning traditional skills like batik, gamelan, or martial arts from local mentors.
The final leg of our journey takes us to Wakatobi, a remote island chain in Sulawesi. Home to the Bajau “sea nomads,” we live alongside communities in stilted houses over the ocean, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and learn from conservation leaders. Through these experiences, students deepen their global awareness, explore the meaning of “community,” and return home with new skills, perspectives, and a profound connection to Indonesia’s cultural and ecological richness.
Our program begins in the cultural and artistic heart of the island of Java – the city of Yogyakarta. A dynamic center of cultural preservation and learning, the modern and the ancient mingle on Yogyakarta’s streets amidst a diverse community from points all over Indonesia mix in a rich social tapestry. Students spend the two and a half weeks in Java, gaining insight into one of the world’s most densely populated islands and the influence it has over the the rest of the island nation.
We travel inland and upwards to the rolling green hills of Dieng. Sitting over 6,000 feet above sea level, Dieng comes from the Javanese term Di Hyang which means “Abode of the Gods.” The location of the plateau is home to ancient Hindu temples dating back from the mid 7th-8th century AD and geothermal colored lakes. We’ll have the opportunity to embark on some short hikes to see the geothermal activity in the area, learn about the local agriculture, and take in a stunning sunrise over the surrounding volcanic peaks with the call to prayer echoing in the background.
Leaving the island of Java, we make our way to the more remote island of Sulawesi where flights, buses, and boats take us to the southeastern archipelago of Wakatobi, an extraordinary National Marine Park and home to the Bajau people also known as “sea nomads” for their long held tradition of living entirely apart from the land. Even today, many Bajau communities exist as floating villages or in the tidal zones in between land and sea.
We live in homestays with the Bajau community who build their homes over the open ocean, living close to the marine ecosystem from which they draw their sustenance, venturing to land rarely other than to sell fish in local markets. Before we know it, our time is coming to a close! We’ll spend out final days together reflecting on the past month before returning home.
Our Program Components are the building blocks of every travel experience we offer. Each program emphasizes different activities and themes to help you meaningfully connect with your surroundings. The Program Components are a great way to find an experience that best fits your individual interests and goals.
To deepen your experience abroad, you may choose to enroll in one optional college-level course during the program. For those who choose to enroll, they will be invoiced for an additional college credit fee on top of the program cost.
Students who take a college credit course will receive an official transcript from our university School of Record upon successful completion of the program. Taking advantage of the college credit option may make 529 plan funds eligible toward the entire program cost.
Through our School of Record, you have the option to enroll in one of the following courses for college credit:
Experienced educators. Community builders. Life mentors. With deep regional expertise and local language fluency, our instructors are skilled at providing context for the student experience and building cultural bridges. We collectively draw upon personal networks to create opportunities for connection and guide students along their journey.
