CAKRA PODCAST EPS #15 : SUKA TELAGA SARANGAN, BOLU DAN BEKICOT - TOMMASO SARTI - AFS ITALIA

Summary

In this episode of Cakra Podcast, Tommy, an AFS student from Italy, shares his experience of living and studying in Indonesia. He talks about the AFS exchange program, cultural differences, and the lifestyle changes he’s encountered. From education systems to food and traditions, Tommy highlights how Indonesia's warm and open culture has made him feel at home. He also discusses the challenges of adapting to Indonesia's pace of life compared to Italy's faster rhythm. Tommy reflects on his favorite activities, such as volunteering and exploring various Indonesian cities, and expresses his love for the country's scenic beauty, particularly in Magetan.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tomy, an Italian student, is participating in the AFS exchange program in Indonesia, specifically in Magetan.
• 😀 AFS is an international student exchange program aimed at bridging cultural differences through educational and personal experiences.
• 😀 Tomy first learned about AFS through his own research on the internet, about two years ago.
• 😀 His main motivation for joining AFS was his desire to explore the world, especially since he grew up in a small village in Italy with less exposure to diversity.
• 😀 Tomy has traveled to several cities in Indonesia, including Yogyakarta, Palembang, Jakarta, and Malang, and has visited tourist destinations like Telaga Sarangan.
• 😀 Indonesians are known for being friendly, open, and welcoming, which made it easy for Tomy to socialize and integrate.
• 😀 Tomy compares the educational system in Italy to Indonesia's, noting differences such as the absence of uniforms, ceremonies, and the shorter school days in Italy.
• 😀 Tomy's favorite subject in Indonesia is Japanese, while his favorite subject in Italy is Economics.
• 😀 Tomy enjoys gym workouts in Italy, and in Indonesia, he tried extracurricular activities like volleyball and joined the scouts (Pramuka) in Magetan.
• 😀 Tomy appreciates the slower-paced, more relaxed lifestyle in Indonesia compared to the fast-paced life in Italy, especially in big cities like Milan.

Q & A

What is the AFS program, and why is it important?

The AFS program is a student exchange initiative designed to foster international understanding by allowing students to experience different cultures. It offers scholarships for students to study abroad and helps bridge cultural differences between countries.

How did Tomy discover the AFS program?

Tomy discovered the AFS program about two years ago through internet research. He found it to be one of the most well-known programs offering scholarships to students for exchange programs.

Why did Tomy choose to participate in the AFS program?

Tomy was motivated to join the AFS program because he lived in a small village in Italy with a population of less than 2,000 people. He wanted the opportunity to explore the world beyond his small town and experience life in a different country.

What are some cultural differences Tomy noticed between Italy and Indonesia?

Tomy observed that in Italy, life is fast-paced and people are more individualistic, whereas in Indonesia, life is more relaxed, and there is a greater sense of community. He also highlighted the open and welcoming nature of Indonesian people.

What is the education system like in Italy compared to Indonesia?

In Italy, the education system does not involve uniforms, flag ceremonies, or handshakes. The school day is shorter, typically lasting 6-7 hours, and there are no school canteens. In contrast, Indonesia has a more traditional system with uniforms, ceremonies, and a longer school day.

What subjects does Tomy enjoy studying in both Indonesia and Italy?

In Indonesia, Tomy's favorite subject is Japanese, while in Italy, he enjoys studying Economics.

What are some activities Tomy enjoys doing in Indonesia?

Tomy enjoys exploring different places in Indonesia, including cities like Yogyakarta, Palembang, and Surabaya. He has also participated in extracurricular activities such as Japanese language classes, volleyball, and Pramuka (scouting).

How does Tomy balance his time between various activities in Indonesia?

Tomy manages his time by prioritizing the activities he is most interested in. Since his time in Indonesia is limited to three months, he chooses activities that will benefit him the most rather than trying to participate in everything.

What is Tomy's opinion on Indonesian food and local experiences?

Tomy enjoys Indonesian food, particularly dishes like begicot (snail) and bolu pandan (pandan cake). He is also fond of visiting scenic locations like Telaga Sarangan, which he compares to Switzerland for its beauty.

What message does Tomy have for the people of Magetan and Indonesia?

Tomy expresses deep gratitude towards the people of Magetan for their warm hospitality. He appreciates how open and welcoming everyone has been, and he would love to return to Indonesia someday to experience more of the culture and people.