Australia - Indonesia Youth Exchange Program

Thesis:
The Australian-Indonesian Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP) which began in 1981 is beneficial
for both young people of Indonesia and Australia, and two countries themselves. This is also for
a number of reasons.
Argument 1:
First the participants can get an opportunity for first-hand experience of living in and being an
active pasrt of another culture. Their experience is from a rural stay in which the groups live in a
village, and an urban stay where they live in town/city. In the two placed they stay with host
families.
Argument 2:
Besides they can develop their personality in teamwork and negotiating skills, leadership,
confidence, adaptability, etc. This is so because they are given a chance to undertake a
community-based work and social activities in the urban stay.
Argument 3:
Moreover they can have practical experience and the development of skill related to their
academic studies or personal career paths. The experience can be obtained through undertaking
work experience related to their chosen fields of study or expertise, wherever possible.
Argument 4:
Not only for the participants, but the countries also get benefit from the program. It can contribute
to a more stable and enduring relationship between Indonesia and Australia, increases people to
people contacts and institutional links, and can develop a greater understanding of present
Australia-Indonesia relationship and possibilities for future cooperate and involvement.
Reiteration:
Thus AIYEP has proven to be a fruitful program.