Top Five Study Skills For College Students

Okay, when you hear "study skills," you probably immediately want to take a nap, but, seriously, these things are important. Here's a little secret: college isn't really all about learning about certain subjects. It's actually more about figuring out how to deal with information that you're given. Sure, you're building up a base of knowledge that you'll eventually use in your job, but learning how to manage your time and the information you need to know effectively will prepare you for the workplace way more than acing all your tests will. Of course, having the right study skills won't hurt your test scores, either. Here are the top five study skills that you should master this year.
1. Take notes. It's a proven fact that when you process information through your fingers, you remember it better. Learn how to take good notes on your reading and on lectures, and you'll actually end up needing to study less because more information will stick the first time around. Whether you prefer to take notes with a pencil and paper or your laptop doesn't matter, just as long as you take detailed notes.
2. Ask the right questions. Learning a subject inside and out has a lot to do with the questions you ask. If you're in a lecture and you don't understand something, it's important that you ask questions so that you can gain some clarity. At first, you might ask vague questions that don't get you the answers you need right away, but with some practice, you'll figure out how to ask questions that get straight to the point more often than not.
3. Study in groups. Okay, so not everyone likes to study in groups, but knowing how to work with a group can be really important for college and your future career. Find at least one class where a study group would be useful, and then take the initiative to form it. You can memorize things faster when someone's quizzing you, and you can also learn a lot from other people, who probably understand things differently than you do during class.
4. Learn to practice. Whether you're practicing problems before your math exam or practicing essays before a major philosophy test, practice definitely makes perfect. Don't go overboard so that you get bogged down by too many practice questions. Teach yourself to recognize when you need more practice with a particular lesson and when you've got it down pat and will just need to skim a quick review before the next quiz or test.
5. Manage your time. Time management is probably the single most important study skill that you'll need to get through college and, really, the rest of life in general. Whether you need to set a timer to help you focus on important tasks in half an hour chunks, create a detailed to-do list, or make some sort of daily flowchart, you need to figure out how you best manage your time. If you're having trouble getting all your work done, talk to some professors or friends about how they manage to fit everything in. Learn from those people!

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Undip

Diponegoro University (UNDIP) is a prestigious university located at the northern of Central Java Indonesia. It is renowned for being at the forefront of engineering and technological knowledge and expertise, with a mission to be an Excellent Research University. UNDIP has also established a reputation for innovative education and leading-edge research, with a vision to educating technologists and professionals toward the development of creative human resource and advanced technological innovations. This is in line with the aspirations of the country to be fully developed and knowledge-rich nation. UNDIP has 11 faculties and the number of research centres, in addition to academic departments to service technological, educational and research needs of the university.

An important result of UNDIP’s carefully managed modernisation is a steadily improving education system that has poured millions into research and development, and to encouraging international students into the country. In the 2008 THES-QS Top World University Rankings, the Diponegoro University (UNDIP) featured well in the ranking of 501+ position, which decreases from Top 500 (401-500th position) in 2007. In 2009, UNDIP ranked 171th of Top 200 Asia from QS Top Asia University Ranking. In 2009 The quality of teaching in UNDIP has improved greatly over recent years, following a government decree that all teachers and lecturers have to possess a Master/PhD degree in the subject that they are teaching, which was not the case before the turn of the century.

Diponegoro University (UNDIP) has been long time managing its endless attempts to be accredited as a national university that to be proud of and accredited internationally as an outstanding university. This Program was in line with the global era challenges. The Global era requires high quality education institutions that conduct some attainments to participate in the compete beyond the world's rapid competition. Based on the present conditions, the education quality in a university should always be increased in order to develop qualified, knowledgeable, and high technology human resources. The strategic actions had been taken in line with to the new paradigm of higher education development program which has been proposed by Indonesian Directorate General of High Education (IDGHE).

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GMU University

Universities are in unique position to deal with change; universities should present modeling leadership in flexibility and transformation. Universitas Gadjah Mada takes this responsibility seriously, not forgetting that the role of a university is to benefit the nation and humanity. Through research and education programs that are dedicated to generating new knowledge, the university is committed to serving the needs of the society. Research is the foundation of all knowledge, both that which is taught and that which informs service, and as such, research is central to role of a world-class university. Universitas Gadjah Mada is dedicated to supporting research and teaching that can increase prosperity, security and human welfare. This commitment requires research that is relevant, faculty who are empowered, and administration that is efficient. These goals are not simple to achieve, and are never fully met. Instead, Universitas Gadjah Mada recognizes that this is an ongoing, continual process of improvement, one which requires an engagement with global networks, but which remains committed to uniquely Indonesian values. Strong administrative leadership is necessary to insure that faculties are able to generate knowledge that contributes to a sustainable society, and that citizens are able to access the equity in that knowledge. In the spirit of this commitment, it is vital that universities address pressing social issues such as poverty and social tension.

As the oldest and largest university in Indonesia, Universitas Gadjah Mada is especially charged with the responsibility to generate scholars and vision for the nation, through global interconnections that retaining cultural authenticity and a passion for social change. Universities cannot simply pursue knowledge without a purpose, but rather must uphold and integrate the best social values of a society in the process, never losing sight of the fact that universities exist for people, rather than the reverse. Universitas Gadjah Mada invites the world community and global industry to join this project of integrating research with pursuit of a better social good. The global connections of an international university can only be fully maximized when there is strong internal cooperation from within the university. In this way, Universitas Gadjah Mada has to be able to cope with the change we know will come, and those that we cannot anticipate in advance.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is the oldest and the largest state university in Indonesia. It was founded on December 19, 1949 and currently has 18 faculties, 69 undergraduate programs, 24 diploma programs and a Graduate School. Since December 2000, the university has taken a new status as a state-owned legal entity. The University is located in The Special Region of Yogyakarta, one of the smallest provinces in the country, which has been widely known as the center of Javanese culture as well as the center of learning. It has 3,200,000 inhabitants, 511,000 of whom reside in the city of Yogyakarta. The Special Region of Yogyakarta focuses its development on three inseparable pillars: education, culture, and tourism.

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Indonesia Educational University

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Indonesia University of Education, is one of the oldest universities in Indonesia. It was founded under the name of Perguruan Tinggi Pendidikan Guru (PTPG) or Teachers Education College in 1954. In 1963 the College was developed into Institut Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan (IKIP) Bandung or Bandung Institute of Teaching and Educational Sciences, which was later transformed into UPI in 1999. In 2004 a Government Regulation further transformed UPI from an ordinary state university into a State-Chartered University. This institutional transformation has enabled UPI to serve its functions under a corporate university management. The university was established to meet the needs for educating its people, which is deemed as an integral part of achieving the objectives of national independence. In its existence for more than fifty years, UPI has become more responsive to serving its functions as a prominent teachers. education institution.

Currently UPI has a School of Postgraduate Studies and six faculties which run undergraduate and diploma programs. Those six faculties are Faculty of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Social Studies Education, Faculty of Language and Arts Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science Education, Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education, and Faculty of Physical and Health Education. UPI currently has about 22,700 students whose figure shows a 5% annual increase and employs 1,302 teaching staff, many of whom have gain international recognition, and 900 administrative staff. At its 52 years of age, it has produced 75,000 graduates. The alumni spread all over the country and work as educational professionals or policy makers in various government bodies.

UPI's main administrative building was known as Villa Isola, an inheritance of pre-World War II era. Built in 1933, the building was a base for the Indonesian fighters during the independence war. The Villa was then rebuilt and renamed Bumi Siliwangi, a grandiose historical building in its original architecture.

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Indonesia University

Indonesia University (UI) was founded in 1849 and represents the most experiencing educational institution in Asia. Additionally, Christiaan Eijkman (The Director of Javaneese Medical Doctor School-the earlier form of universitas indonesia) was awarded the Noble Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1929. He was the first to point out a substance in the rice skin and later was to be known as vitamin B1. he was also awarded the Prize for his new of investigating and his method to control diseases caused by vitamin deficiency.

Recently, UI produces more than 400.000 alumni and continues its important role both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, it is our commitment to produce high quality of education system, global standard research activities and maintaining high standard of international academic research publications.

Being one of the top best universities in the world, UI is actively expanding international cooperation with other world class universities. Vivacious cooperation had been developed in the domain of education and joint-research with the finest universities. UI builds strong cooperation with top universities such as Washington University, Tokyo University, Melbourne University, Sydney University, Leiden University, Erasmus University, Kyoto University, Peking University, Tsinghua University, Australian National University, and National University of Singapore.
However, UI is actively contributes to strengthen and enlarge international network by actively participating to both regional as well as international education and research association. UI plays an active role on 7 higher learning associations in Asia Pacific, Europe, Southeast Asia, and worldwide associations such as APRU (Association of Pacific Rim Universities), AUN (ASEAN University Network), and ASAIHL (Association of South East Asia Institution of Higher Learning). The first association, UI becomes one of the board of Director of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU).

Furthermore, UI campus is one of the most magnificent green campuses in the world. UI has two campuses; one is in the central business in Jakarta (Salemba) and the second one is located in Depok areas (West Java). Depok campus is a green campus covering 320 hectares. UI maintains the ecology conservation by utilizing only 25 percent of area for academic, research and student activities; while up hold 75 percent for forestation. UI commitment for ecology is also shown by wonderful lakes (in total UI has 8 lakes) inside campus. UI is an astonishing campus that facilitates knowledge transfers and invention activities for all civitas-academica UI and humanity.

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Unpad - FK

The Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran was officially established on 11 September 1957 through the bill Peraturan Pemerintah No.37/1957 (Lembaran Negara No. 9 Tahun 1957) on the establishment of Universitas Padjadjaran. The Faculty of Medicine was augurated along with three other faculties, the Faculties of Economics, Law, and Education. These early faculties were the begginning of Universitas Padjadjaran.

The faculty’s establishment originated from a pragmatic idea, to fulfil local and national need for health professionals. Then Minister of Health, dr. Lie Kiat Teng, was the one who started the idea in the 1957 Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) Conggress in Surabaya. Villa Isola (Bumi Siliwangi) was supposed to be the site of a new Faculty of Medicine, but this plan did not come through. When Rancabadak General Hospital was erecting three new buildings in its complex for the Internal Medicine and Pediatric Departments, new laboratories, and lecture halls, new hope arose for the establishment of a faculty of medicine in Bandung. However, hope faded away once again in the face of a Presidential cabinet change. In the new cabinet, dr. Lie Kat Teng no longer hold the position of Minister of Health.

On the initiative and drive of a number of prominent figures in West Java, a Foundation for the Establishment of Bandung Faculty of Medicine, its members were dr. H.A. Patah (chairman), Prof. Dr. Moch. Djuhana Wiradikarta (Vice Chairman), dr. Chasan Boesoirie (Secretary), dr. Djunjunan Setiakusumah, drg. R. Soeriasoemantri, R. H. Enuch (Mayor of Bandung), and dr. Mich. Kurdi.

The foundation members contacted Prof. Sarwono of the Ministry of Education and Culture. At the time, the foundation was confident in the possibility of establishing a new Faculty of Medicine due to the presence of the Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia (now ITB) who was offering assistance in the form of teaching staff. On October 1956, the Committee for the Establishment of a Bandung State Univeristy was established.

In the early years (1957-1960), there were 26 teaching staff and assistants, led by Dean Prof. R. Moch. Djoehana Wiradikarta (1957-1962), with 65 medical students on the first year and 199 medical students on the second year.

According to Rachman Maas, dr., SpR (former Director of Hasan Sadikin General Hospital in 1996-1999), the admission of medical students at that period was done in a theatre building, with no test at all. The students were selected on behalf of their high school certificates only.

The Director of Rancabadak Hospital, dr. Chasan Boesoirie, in his speech urged the early medical students to work their hardest to fulfil the hopes of the Faculty to producemedical doctors. In that particular speech, it was implied that the class of 1957 FMUP medical students were the pioneers for generations of doctors in Indonesia.

The atmosphere in the lecture halls were no different with a classroom. In the lecture halls, students spent more time writing down dictations from their lecturers without really grasping the subjects being taught. Lecturers often dictated from translated English textbooks, and some from German textbooks. Lectures generally took place without audiovisual aids. After writing down dictations, students continue with discussions.

Up to the 1960s, the lecture halls and laboratories of FMUP were spread out in different locations, namely in the Rancabadak Hospital (two twin buildings in the West side of present-time Hasan Sadikin Hospital were the early FMUP campus), a campus in Jl. Dago 48 (chemistry, physiology, and microbiology laboratories), Hall C in a campus on Jl. Dipati Ukur , Sekolah Pendidikan Guru Taman Kartini Campus on Jl. Van De Venter, and several locations in the Faculty of Engineering UI which became ITB in the later years. Lectures generaly started in the mornings to 13.00 in the day, followed by laboratory work in the afternoons between 15.00-16.00.

The teaching staff at that time came from all around the country, including from FKUI, and also some from outside the country. There were many teaching staff and faculty administrators who came FKUI and FK UGM, they were brought to Bandung and facilitated with housings by dr. Hasan Sadikin. FMUP students during that period had to study extra hard to be able to understand lectures in English by foreign teachers, these lectures were generally in the second and third year.

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How to Get a Scholarship Yourself

What is a scholarship? A scholarship is an amount of money applied straightforwardly to your college costs that you are awarded based on academic good point, financial want, or a combination of the two. There you will receive scholarships in some form to help you compensate your fees, books, room, and sometimes other expenditures such as travel. It is said that there is billion dollars financial help out there. There are many minority, career, or grade specific scholarships out there and to go through them and find out they don't apply to you is a little discouraging but as long as you've done impressive thing or can make an essay, there is probability a scholarship out there for you.
What's scholarship essentially worth? There is no set amount that you can guess from college scholarships. Every scholarship come from a special source and award amount of money based on various conditions. For instance, you may obtain scholarship from your local supermarkets with amount smaller than the one you receive from a National Corporation scholarship. Scholarships may be a one-occasion award, or they may lengthen over some semesters or years. If they are not one-occasion sum of money, so probably you need to keep a definite GPA to keep the scholarship.
For what basis can I obtain scholarships? Most people think of scholarships as rewards for A students - that's true for a little percentage of scholarships. However, most scholarships are based on various qualities and accomplishments: academics, test scores, ethnic origin, employer, career purposes, selection of major, etc. And while many scholarships are based on your plus points in competition with other students, many scholarships, first and foremost those awarded by colleges, are based on financial need as well as your brilliance, or just financial need by itself.
Where should I look for scholarships?
Look Online. Scholarship search databases hold a lot of scholarships. Many won't be quite right for you, or are very small awards; but others may really suit you. But don't apply to a hundred scholarships just because they're there. As an alternative, pick out a dozen or so that perfectly fit your needs and qualities, and fill out the best application you probably can for those.
Look In Your Own Locality. There are local communities, clubs, local newspaper, the power plant, etc. They may award scholarships to college students in area. To find these scholarships, you'll need to seek. Read your local paper, especially the community news. Call local agencies and ask if they sponsor any college scholarships. Call local television station and large employers in your area to ask that. Sometimes, some employers provides small scholarships; so have your parents ask their employers if there are scholarships for children of employees.
Speak With Your College Authority. By talking to the persons in the office of the college, you may be able to get some guides on scholarships that are detailed to students. If you're going to do great effort financially, let them in the office know this. There are programs to help students who really wants. People in the office will know how to get that money.
In order to obtain these free aid you must fill out applications and write papers, they are hard work but as it says in numerous scholarship books, if you are willing to do the work for one, you are possibly already half done with the next one. Make sure you save a copy of every single one of the extra-curriculars that you took part. Don't forget to keep those recommendations handy. In your paper, focus on yourself. A scholarship is often awarded in a very subjective way. Many awards committees, faced with kids they really like, choose the one they like the best. And they decide that based primarily on the paper. Besides, it is often best to plan out what you're going to say, and be sincere; too much buff up can work against you if it makes you seem insincere. Tell about yourself with description and scenery that demonstrates how that things changed you in a way that makes you a right candidate. Of course, each awards committee is special in their judgment. But they will be impressed if you make sure that your grammar and spelling are faultless.
Of course, the amount of scholarship sources is limited. However, that doesn't suggest that you shouldn't try to acquire your fair share. In reality, many people give up and say I can't possibly succeed. That's plainly not right. At least you've got to try to have your part of those scholarship aid.

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College Student Success Secrets

College student success and leadership has always been a topic that deeply resonates with college activities and career coordinators. After all, what use is college if it cannot propel and further college students' success thereafter?
College and academia should never be the octopus that tries to entangle or engulf students, nor the pushy parent that tries to direct them to take (or require) unrelated career curriculum in which they are not interested in pursuing.
To truly revolutionize a college campus and impact college students some important components are vital whenever you bring in a keynote speaker to impact your students.
Undoubtedly, orientation and welcome week are high-energy kickoffs in which you need an outstanding speaker who is able to immediately connect with and communicate to your students.
An exceptional speaker innately and intuitively knows how to do this by nature, as such will flow naturally for any skillful orator with a powerful presence. Upon connecting with and captivating the audience, the keynote speaker should deliver compelling and transformative content. Hype alone will not suffice, nor sustain the interest of college students. Remember college students are clever and can see through phony people who are not congruent, nor one with their message.
Never in a million years did I anticipate being a worldwide professional speaker, but by reason of my travels to over 50 countries and 6 continents, I frequently was invited to speak at various academic institutions, colleges, and universities. Initially, I was overseas serving in a humanitarian capacity, primarily working in war-torn and third world nations.
Because people liked me, I often got asked to speak at organization and governmental meetings, along with some churches and religious gatherings. Humorously, I was even asked a few times to speak to groups at a birthday parties in Indonesia. This was a bit awkward at first, until I realized how earnest and desirous everybody was to hear me.
Most of all, I would say I enjoy speaking to college students because they are in a place in their life where they truly desire personal growth. Their hearts and minds are open to valuable input, powerful impartation, and personal transformation.
Particularly, college student orientations and welcome week kickoffs serendipitously proved to be the ideal fit for me. Because I was a former high school teacher, I experientially know the challenges students face entering and transitioning into college.
I taught English and ESOL (English to students of other languages) to 11th and 12th grade high school students. Therefore I understand the challenges high school students face entering college and the magnitude of the transition involved.
My own years attending community college, awakened me academically as I went from being a B student in high-school to becoming an A student in college. My intellectual curiosity moved me to pursue new bodies of knowledge with a ferocious zeal and passion. I particularly found economics, marketing, communications, and law to be most fascinating.
I attended Valencia Community College (VCC), where I achieved great success as a student, making the dean's list and graduating with a 3.8 GPA. I distinguished myself as a student at VCC, after which I entered UCF and continued making high marks earning Cum Laude at graduation.
In retrospect when I look back on those days spent studying at college, I see specific and tangible action steps I took to propel my personal success. One thing I have yet to mention is I completed my college education in 3 years. This resulted in me graduating with a Bachelors degree, Cum Laude, at the age of 20.
Thereafter I embarked upon my world travels and real education, which books could never have taught me. Nevertheless academic success is something I personally mastered and excelled at. Yet the academic experience was not something I deliberately pursued, but rather by reason of survival discovered.
When I moved from Orlando to a nearby suburb called Clermont, when I began living with my father and step-mom, I was doubly uncomfortable as I entered middle school. While living with my grandparents in elementary school, I completed all homework within a matter of minutes before going out to play during the afternoon following school.
This quick approach to homework didn't cut it in middle school, which I soon found out when I brought home a D on my progress report in my science class. My father immediately with belt in hand applied some stern pressure to my backside to increase understanding up above that I was to do better in school.
Yet never did my father, step-mother, or grandparents sit down with me and teach me how to properly study to excel academically. Ironically, I hear the same story from many high-school and college students throughout the world.
Why is it parents, schools, and colleges punish for poor academic performance but never teach students proper study habits, techniques, and strategies to excel academically?
Well, that million dollar question has been the platform for my speaking career to college students throughout the world.
Empowering students to ace the academic experience is my passion and personal pleasure. I take great joy in taking students who were shunned in high-school and making champions out of them. It is wonderful and a great honor to transform students others wrote off and looked down upon, after which they return to their home town and display their successes before the eyes of the naysayers who didn't believe in them.
Believing in college students and helping them become that which they most desire to be is my greatest pleasure and passion. I guess you could call me a dream-maker of sorts.
Know assuredly A+ success is obtainable. You never again need to be intimidated by books, college classes, or college professors who ask intellectually probing questions.
Let your confidence arise and as you do, your competence will follow and catch up. Never be intimidated by what you don't know or don't understand. Harness your mental capacities and strength to transcend intimidation and embrace motivation.
Let your emotional juices move you to turn intimidation to unquenchable motivation as you cultivate the winner within to arise and conquer what in the past academically has done you in! Now, it is time for you to arise and conquer every class and curriculum that can pave a pathway of success for you to your most desirable future.

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Top 10 Shopping Destinations in Indonesia

Indonesia is a wonderful place to go shopping with the great finds and interesting items that are found here. There are many shopping destinations and here are the top 10 most favored and visited shopping places in this amazing country:

1. South Jakarta - along the JI Sultan Agung where almost everything is found. The latest in shopping industry is found here that lots of shoppers come here making the place really crowded and swarmed with many people. Amazing finds such as clothes, jewelries and others are sold here with very low prices.
2. Gianyar - found in Bali, is a place to find lots of handcrafted jewelries and really decorative accessories. Everyone is welcome to explore great finds and excellent negotiable prices.
3. Kuta - the streets of Kuta Indonesia has several shops and stalls where one can find accessories and clothing items that are with really cheap and affordable prices. There are also funny and interesting stuffs you can find here that can be a souvenir for your loved ones back home.
4. Star Disc Music center - where the latest in the music industry are found and also all kinds of popular music from both local and foreign musicians. There are extensive ranges of choices that can be found here that will truly amaze every music lover.
5. Bali - a great shopping destination in Indonesia where you can find lots and lots of amazing stuffs. It is advisable for shoppers to bring huge shopping bags to carry your shopped items because there are definitely lots of finds here.
6. Manga Dua - a place in Indonesia where the vast complex buildings are found that are usually shopping malls and department stores. These are one of the best places to shop in the whole Indonesia plus you get to be offered the lowest prices in town.
7. Malioboro - where the best finds of silvers and metal bird cages are found.
8. Legian - also an ideal place to shop for lots of goods and accessories and is full of vendors so you have lots of choices.
9. Grand Indonesia - is a very massive building that is very spacious for one to shop. 10. Mall of Indonesia - where the famous brand named items are found. This is where most of the Indonesians shop to make sure to buy quality items and products.

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Indonesia Dream

I had a dream on March 12, 2007 before I woke up, wherein I saw Indonesian leaders standing around me. I was then handed a marriage certificate inviting me to commit my life to help Indonesia and its people.
Purposing to marry my heart and life to uplift Indonesia, I am now seeking reputable publishers and speaking bureaus throughout Indonesia to work with and represent me. Since I don't speak the language yet, it will take a miracle for sure to make this happen. I have published 10 books thus far which I want to translate and distribute throughout Indonesia.
- Breakthrough for a Broken Heart
- A State of Emergency
- Poems That Propel the Planet
- Stop Lusting & Start Living
- Adultery: 101 Reasons Not to Cheat
- God vs. Religion
- Almighty Matchmaker
- Waves of God
- Supernatural Fire
I'm told my ability to transcend barriers and transform individuals and organizations will be highly celebrated in Indonesia. My last trip throughout Indonesia showed me that they like my sense of humor which simultaneously enabled them to laugh, learn, live, and love.
I have traveled to Indonesia 5 times, going from Sumatra to Irian Jaya. I feel way more home in Indonesia than I do in America. Indonesia and its people have captivated my heart. I rejoice every time I get invited back to speak and perform in Indonesia.
Thankfully I don't have these kind of dreams every day, more like once a lifetime. Altering my life to fulfill this divine mandate will require a lot of personal sacrifice, but I'm prepared to do it. I hope some sweet hearted people will come along my side and assist me in the work. The Indonesians are an easy people to fall in love with.

By : Paul Davis is a worldwide professional speaker, life purpose coach, change master, turnaround specialist, and prolific author. Paul has written several books including Breakthrough for a Broken Heart; Are You Ready for True Love; Stop Lusting & Start Living; Waves of God; Supernatural Fire; Poems that Propel the Planet; and God vs. Religion.

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Indonesia's Lucrative Mobile Phone Market

Indonesia is almost like a vast continent of Islands spanning a greater distance than Europe. A nation of Islands, languages, cultures and religions that is one of South-East Asia's true melting points. Aside from the symbols of daily life in Indonesia - the street food stall. There is a new symbol in 21st century Indonesia, the mobile phone store, and phone credit stall - Selling anything from cheap mobile phones to pre-paid credit to mobile phone users.
Then there are the "pimp your phone" stalls, found everywhere in street markets to sophisticated stalls in air-conditioned Malls. Phone users can buy anything from mp3's to customized casing for their phone. Indonesians express themselves through their phones, and this expression has create employment and business, for over a million people.
From the simple Cigarette stand owner, who has diversified into selling pre-paid phone credits, and numbers, to the mobile phone retailers, who seem to take up sometimes whole floors in a Mall.
Why are Mobile Phones so important to Indonesians?
When the Indonesian Government de-regulated the telecommunications market in Indonesia- What was once a luxury, became accessible for people, needing to communicate cheaply with their families, and friends, who often live all over Indonesia.
De-regulation also created over twelve new mobile phone providers. Providers that competed in a free market, where the cost of calls and sms's continued to decrease- simply because of the intense competition.
Phones became more sophisticated, and trendy. They were affordable to most Indonesians, and in a country were lobbying is important- essential to business.
People began switching phones as technology advanced, and hundreds of manufacturers from Nokia to Huawei entered the market.
Many made deals with local telephone providers. Huawei linked with one mobile phone provider to create a service linked to making cheap landline calls, across this vast nation of Islands. A cheap phone, plus an inexpensive phone provider meant a booming business for both companies.
Others have turned more sophisticated offering cheap internet services, linked with more heavyweight phone manufacturers like Nokia, and the "creme de la creme"of phone producers - Blackberry.
Internet-based websites like Facebook.com, and yahoo.com work with some providers to offer instant access to the websites, and services. Others provide inexpensive overseas mobile phone services- aimed at loved ones either studying or living overseas.
Mobile Phones have become an essential part of Indonesian life, and the business has created much needed employment in a young country, with no real social assistance programs. Even a street vendor, can hawk mobile phone numbers, casing, and even trinkets to personalize a phone.
In 21st Century Indonesia, a mobile phone user can often call for free, anywhere in the country , or even get hundreds of free sms's. Whilst the phone itself has become a status symbol, were with such an array of competition, the vast majority of Indonesians, now own and use a mobile phone.
De-regulation and true free enterprise can work as long as the service offered is truly beneficial to people. Many people may laugh at the often faddish nature of Indonesian mobile phone usage, but it has created a bridge for loved ones to communicate, new business, and above all employment.

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Discover The Unique Culture of Indonesia

Indonesian culture has shaped it's ways throughout the generations between it's original indigenous customs and traditions and the multiple influences of the foreign people. Indonesia played a very important role being the middle of trading routes between the Far East and that of the Middle East that had resulted many cultural and multitude of other religions and beliefs.
One of Indonesia's amazing cultures is the country's unique art-forms and that expresses mixed cultures. There are the Indonesian's traditional puppet shows that is influenced mainly by the Hindus and Islam that among the villagers of Java. The western culture in the other hand has influenced Indonesia with modern entertainment features and techniques like the art of TV shows and movies together with their songs. Their political system was influenced mainly of the Western's.
Though the Indonesians have been influenced by many foreign lads, the many remote places of the country still possess and reserve the country's unique culture, rituals, customs and old traditions.
Indonesian music has been a very big part of the Indonesian community making it a very important role in every Indonesian lives. The dance together with their music has also been a big part of Indonesian civilization. There are lots of traditional dances that are being played and performed during special occasions in some public places.
Apart from their dance and music, the Indonesian's drama and theatre are being performed in certain Indonesian occasions. Performances subjects with the country's history. They actually perform folk stories and get to play each unique character that will give life to the performances.
Painting is also been well known for the Indonesians and that they are very artistic and detailed with colorful and traditional designs that are unique by the Indonesians. These paintings are used to be backgrounds of the theatre arts performances that give life to the show.
Here are the some of the traditional customs and traditions behind the Indonesian culture. Through the years, their culture has diverged and lots of styles and techniques are added that made their culture more colorful and lively. So visit this beautiful country any time and learn more about their vibrant culture and their way of living.

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Top 5 Beautiful Beaches in Indonesia

Indonesia offers everyone the best available choices of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here are my top five most beautiful beaches in Indonesia:
1. Balikpapan - is an Indonesian seaport located in the eastern coast of Borneo island. This is small city that is clean with its clear blue skies and a secluded city. Not of the city life is seen so one can always enjoy a peaceful and quiet visit in this lovely place. The can be reached via plane, or car rides and ferry rides. There are lots to be seen in the place including the beautiful and attractive beaches together with the other establishments found in the place. This is a very ideal place for people who wants a fun beach vacation but wants to have a serene and quiet time without the may noise.
2. Manado - the capital of one of Indonesia's provinces which is the North Sulawesi. This is a very beautiful beach bay that is a resident area for many locals. There are also other attraction sites here apart from the coast. There are lots of tarsiers found here that makes the place very well known. 3. Makassars - the capital of South Sulawesi and is the largest city in the island. The beaches are here are pretty crowded during weekends that make this beach very well known. Visitors of the beach can enjoy picnics and a swim to the waters with their family and friends.
4. Jayapura - where the best beaches in Indonesia are found specially the amazing Amai beach that is a famous beach in Indonesia and a perfect getaway place for lots of beach and nature lovers.
5. Ambon Island - part of Indonesia's Maluku Islands that is mountainous and very attractive. During the months October and April are the best time to go for a beach trip in Ambon when the summer heat is on without the heavy rains and cloudy skies. This is a perfect place for families to spend their summer vacation trips.
Here are the top five most beautiful and must see beaches in Indonesia. There are other beautiful and attractive beaches in this wonderful country that will surely delight everyone who visits the. Explore them all when you visit Indonesia and have the best vacation of all.

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Do You Need an Indonesia Visa For Bali?

For those ready to go on a well-deserved holiday to Bali should know if they need an Indonesia visa. For most nationalities this can be arranged upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. The single-entry tourist visa is valid for up to 30 days though.
The following countries can arrange a single-entry tourist visa upon arrival at the visa booth; Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan Territory, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the USA.
Before you receive this single-entry Indonesia visa your passport should be valid for at least another 6 months and you have correctly filled out the embarkation/disembarkation card upon arrival. It cost US $25 for a 30-day single entry visa and US$10 for a 7-day visa.
Nationals who carry this permit are not allowed to extend or convert this visa. Every day that you stay longer until 60 days will cost USD $20 and after these 60 days it will cost 25.000.000 rupiah or a 5 years prison sentence. If you want to stay longer your best option is to buy a return ticket to Singapore.
You then go through the same procedure of a single-entry tourist visa upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport.
There are even nationalities who don't need an Indonesia visa at all. They'll receive a visa free permit. Here is a small list of those countries; Nationals from Chile, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Peru, Macao, Morocco, Brunei, Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam don't need the 30-day visa for staying in Bali. They are issued a maximum 30-day visa free permit.
This visa is also not extendable or convertible into another form of Indonesia visa. For this visa free permit count the same rules as for those holding a single-entry visa. Every day that you stay longer until 60 days will cost USD $20 and after these 60 days it will cost 25.000.000 rupiah or a 5 years prison sentence.
When you take a domestic flight you'll pay 30.000 Indonesian rupiah.

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The Secret Of 'Terima Kasih'

I first met His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1996. Accompanying me was a parliamentarian and two other friends. We were fortunate enough to have a private audience with him. When I said we were from Indonesia, he immediately reacted: "Oh yes, yes, yes ... Indonesia .... Tibet has very strong relations, strong ties with Indonesia."
"Atisha, was a monk from India. He went to Indonesia to learn from the Indonesian master," he said.
Fortunately, I knew the story.
Indeed, not many Indonesians remember we used to be a treasure house of wisdom. We did not import spirituality from India; indeed, even the Indian pundits came to our archipelago to learn from our indigenous masters.
Later, Atisha traveled to Tibet, where he propagated the teachings of his master.
The meditation he taught is still being practiced by the Tibetans. It is called Tong-Len, literally meaning "The Meditation of Terima and Kasih, Receiving and Giving". The common phrase terima kasih, now meaning "thank you", is no ordinary phrase.
There's a deep philosophy behind it. It reflects our view of life and it projects our deep rooted belief. We, Indonesians, believe, or at least once believed, in the law of gratitude. We do not, or did not, need a movie like The Secret to tell us to "be grateful" for all we receive from the universe.
More than 800 years ago, the Indian pundit traveled to Sumatra, then known as Svarna Dvipa, to learn from Dharmakirti Suvarnadvipi, Dharmakirti of Svarna Dvipa. He spent more than 10 years with his master. He documented each word he heard and each lesson he learned.
We, Indonesians, do not have any record of this.
Later, this meditation would be used by Tibetan medicine men and doctors. They would imagine their patients' pain and draw it into themselves. This is the first part of meditation, terima -- receiving. Then, in the second part, they would send out their energy of well being, kasih -- giving.
The was technique soon replaced their herb-based anesthesia. The beauty of this technique is, the receiver of pain, the recipient, can process pain and transform it into well-being. All negativities can be drawn into oneself, be processed and then projected out as positive energy. Now the technique is being used by many Western neurologists, as part of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, to relieve the suffering of some stroke victims.
"But I have to emphasize, we haven't got a clue what's going on," said Max Bennett, professor at the University of Sydney and one of the world's top neurologists.
"It's a phenomenon. But in one sense, it does indicate that there are a lot of things that we know nothing about in Western science," he said.
"We know by the year about 2020, the greatest disabling phenomenon for the health of the human race will be depression. Not cancer, not heart disease, but depression," he said.
This drug-free technique from our own archipelago can ultimately replace the expensive morphine-based pain killers.
When discussing the Chinese occupation of his homeland, the Dalai Lama said, "This is the meditation which frees me from hatred. I use it every day to send out positive energy and feelings to the Chinese."
I personally can never ever forget the words of the Dalai Lama: "We Tibetans are always thankful to Indonesia and Indonesians, for this beautiful Tong Len teaching." I bear witness to Dalai Lama's terima kasih for us, Indonesians and our land, Indonesia. I stand witness to his gratefulness, his gratitude.
Now, as Indonesians let's remind ourselves of what it means to be thanked. It is kembali kasih, and when reading between the lines it means "I am equally grateful to you."
Unlike the American "welcome" and British "never mind", Indonesians return "gratitude with gratitude". Let us now face the mirror of our consciousness and let us check the face of our souls. Have we returned the Tibetan gratitude with gratitude?
For almost a millennium the Tibetans have preserved the missing pages of our history. They have preserved them with a sense of gratitude. How do we return our gratitude to them?
The European Union, the United States, the United Nations and countries like Poland, Germany, India and Taiwan have all commented on the recent uprising in Tibet against the illegal occupation of their homeland by the Communist regime of China.
Perhaps we find it more comfortable to remain silent as we have been doing recently. But, let us remind ourselves this is not our tradition, this is not our culture.
Let us remind ourselves of what Sukarno, the father of our nation, once said: "Freedom to be free* For, of what use would be 'freedom from fear'; of what use would be 'freedom to express, freedom to believe, and freedom from poverty, freedom from fear' -- if there is no 'freedom to be free?'"
Time and again, Sukarno would repeat that the fruits of Indonesia's freedom would not be enjoyed by Indonesians alone and that Indonesia would unceasingly work for the freedom of all peoples from all lands.
I have no space left to discuss the illegalities of the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Any student of history cannot but condemn the occupation. We, as a nation, must immediately stand up against the occupation. Otherwise, generations to come may laugh at our cowardice, unclear foreign policies and our negligence toward history. Aside from the Tibetan issue, I am afraid our attitude may ultimately harm us.

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Luxury Hotels in Indonesia

There are numerous first-class luxury hotels in Indonesia, especially in the touristy destinations like Bali, Jakarta, and many other islands, coastlines, and cities. A lot of the luxurious hotels are equipped with a awe inspiring background of lush green lungs and hills, the gleaming sea, or an outstanding urban skyline.
Amanjiwo
Nestled amongst the hills of central Java is the Amanjiwo resort, a truly serene getaway from the city, displaying an amazing blend of dramatic, traditional architecture and pure class. Nearby the hotel is the world's largest Buddhist sanctuary, Borobudor, and the Tidar Hill.
All of the hotel's 36 suites are large, agreeable and stunningly done up. Amongst the hotel's many facilities is a range of Javanese and traditional relaxation and beauty treatments, a swimming pool, galleries, dining, and more.
The Oberoi, Lombok
The Oberoi, Lombok offers the relaxing, quiet escape away from the busy city life on the untouched, lush Lombok island. Set against the amazing backdrop of palm trees and ocean views, this hotel is a theme of traditional Indonesian luxury and modern class.
With 50 stylishly decorated rooms, this quiet palatial hotel boasts first rate facilities, like a luscious spa, a well-equipped fitness studio, a mirror pool, meeting facilities, as well as several indulgent restaurants.
The Dharmawangsa
Offering a first-class experience all the way for the business or leisure traveller is The Dharmawangsa, located in the most prestigious residential area in Jakarta. The magnificent hotel is only minutes from the capital city's Central Business District, but has a tranquil, palatial experience.
The hotel gives off a incredible, sophisticated interior, with a tinge of rich Indonesian influence, possessing 100 palatial rooms. The hotel's facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre, meeting and banquet facilities and such.
Desa Seni
Set by the seaside of the popularly visited island of Bali is Desa Seni, a unique resort that resembles a traditional Balinese village. This luxury hotel is ancient with a mix of modern luxuries, exuding a typical Indonesian rural village feel.
The hotel also has dining, a novel saltwater pool, a spa, and many activities available.
Kemang Icon by Alila
The Kemang Icon by Alila is incredibly modern and sleek, situated in the vibrant district of Kemang, close to plenty of shops, galleries, restaurants and nightlife. Though there are only 12 rooms, this boutique hotel features excellence at its finest.
The luxury hotel features a yoga studio, five spa treatment rooms, a sleek rooftop pool, and a sophisticated restaurant serving Indonesian cuisine.
With the luxury hotels in Indonesia, you are presented with either a luxurious traditional Indonesian atmosphere, the utmost modern feel, or a wonderful mix of both. There is a wide selection of luxury hotels, from the rural, lush areas, to the sunny seaside, to the bustling city areas.

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Batik Fabric

Batik fabric is cloth which normally uses the wax-resist dyeing technique to produce such patterns. However, due to advances in the field of printing, many products are put into the category of batik even though they were not made with traditional methods.
The popular and well regarded Javanese Batik has designs that are based on the the culture and religion of the area. The three main colors that are used in such prints are usually dark brown, white and Indigo. The patterns on the Batik also denote the rank and social standing of the individual.
The patterns from Java usually differ from any other area in Indonesia itself or other parts of the world. This is because the motifs and patterns present on the fabric is usually a reflection of the specific areas culture and religion. In northern Java for example, batik fabric is usually brightly colored as they draw on the cultures from a variety of background which include, Chinese, Dutch, Arabic and Javanese.
The finest batik fabrics can run into the thousands of dollars. Price usually depends on the design, complexity, fabric and the type of dyes used during production. Expensive examples also usually reflect the length of time that was needed to produce such pieces.
Traditionally, batik was sold in Malaysia and Indonesia to be used as sarongs or traditional dresses. Since they usually come in simple cloth form, they can be used to create a wide variety of products which include batik sarongs, the batik scarf and dresses and shirts.
While there has been some disagreement over which country in South East Asia first incorporated batik into their culture, it is generally agreed that the best products usually hail from Indonesia. While not far behind, Malaysian batik has never been as intricately designed as some of the Indonesian examples.

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Great Places to Visit on Your Holidays in Indonesia

Indonesia is a very interesting country to visit and makes for an ideal holiday. Its diverse range of culture and beautiful scenery draw back holiday makers year after year. There are some fabulous holiday homes to rent in Indonesia with some stunning holiday villas by the beach. You can also rent self catering holiday apartments and use them as a base to explore this wonderful country.
Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world and comprises five main islands of Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Irian Jaya and a group of thirty small archipelagoes. Indonesia is a multi-ethnic country with over 300 ethnic groups inclusive of Malay and Polynesian people. The diverse culture of the country has resulted in an opulent and wealthy culture and heritage, which makes it a tourist's delight.
One among the must see places in Indonesia is the Borobudur temple. It is believed that the temple's name originated from Sanskrit - Vihara Buddha Uhr. It is situated on a hill, overlooking distant hills and sprawling green fields. The temple is built with grey andesine stone and has seven terraces. The great Stupa of the temple is 40 meters tall and the walls are extensively sculpted.
Lake Toba is a beautiful centerpiece of the north Sumatra Lake. The exquisite scenery and the pleasant climate, in the surrounding areas make it a popular tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is the largest lake in South East Asia and it measures 100 km in length. Resultant of a volcanic explosion, the lake's surrounding landscape is fertile. The island of Samosir is located on the centre of the lake and the culture and tradition of the amiable tribe, Toba Batak attracts tourists from all over the world.
Tana Toraja is yet another attraction. Rantapeo, a major attraction of the place, is located in the north eastern part of Ujung Pandang. Rantepeo is located 700 meters above sea level and offers a pleasant climate. The entry point of Tana Taroja is a traditional boat-shaped gate. Tana Toraja has cliff graves and two villages, named Lemo and Londa. Londa is considered as one among the oldest sites of hanging graves of local nobility. Taroja has many excellent craft shops for the shopping buffs.
Krakatau volcano is another major tourist spot in Indonesia. The entire region surrounding the volcano was engulfed in darkness. The volcano disappeared, soon after eruption and resulted in the formation of small islands in the area. One of the volcanoes in the area is called Anal Krakatau or the child of Krakatau, which is a young and active volcano. Boat trips to the volcano, allows tourists to get a closer look at the young volcano.
Mt. Tangkuban Perahu is a must see sight in Indonesia. The volcano is filled with many places for sight seeing and exploring. It is an interesting spot and the mount is famous for its distinct upturned boat shape. The panoramic view of the mount and the forests is a delightful experience. The peaceful mountain erupted in 1969 and Kawah Ratu is the main crater or the Queen's crater, as its name suggests.
Indonesia is a culturally rich country with a picturesque setting. The predominantly Muslim country is a place where people from different religions co-exist. The diversity of the cultures makes it traditionally and culturally rich. The friendly people of the country, year long festivities and innumerable tourist spots makes Indonesia a great tourist destination.
It is no wonder that holiday makers love Indonesia so much and many choose to rent holiday villas and self catering apartments. By renting holiday home accommodation in Indonesia you are able to use them as a base to explore this amazing country. There are some great holiday villas with swimming pools that can be rented direct from their owners.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia is a country with many things to do.
1. Pamper yourself - massage anyone? Here in Indonesia, you can indulge with the great massage treats that are truly relaxing and soothing for your tired bodies. There are several massage centers here that offers very relaxing services for everyone. There are specific spas that are exclusive for tourists so one will definitely have a really great time.

2. Visit the Indonesian temples - when planning a vacation trip to Bali, include to your schedule to visit some of the well known shrines and temples of the place. A temple or two would complete your whole Bali trip.
3. Go Shopping - of course, one's trip to any place in the world will never be complete without the shopping spree. There are hundreds of shops in Bali that are ideal shopping destinations with amazing finds and affordable prices.

4. Check out the traditional dances - locally known as the "Kecak". Where the ck-ck sound is very fun to hear with accompanying native dances in some Bali public places.
5. See the Cheeky monkeys - these monkeys are pretty famous in Bali. Hundreds of these long tailed monkeys are seen in some parts of Bali that is a center of attraction here. Visitors can also feed these monkeys with bananas that are sold outside the gates from where the monkeys are kept.
6. Watch the beautiful Sunset - the days are quiet very hot in Bali and the perfect time for everyone to stroll outside is when the sun is setting. The beautiful sunset of Bali is very spectacular! Visitors always find time to stop and stare at the setting sun during sunset hours.
7. Run in the rain - Bali always have rains, and it is a great fun experience to dance along the rain. It is more fun when you have your friends with you to join you lose yourself along the dropping waters.
8. Eat - indulge with the delicious Indonesian cuisines that are very mouth-watering and delectable meals that are cooked by the Indonesians.

9. Watch the dolphins - in Lovina found in the north of Bali is where the lovely dolphins are found. Lots of tourists come to for them to get a chance of holding the dolphins closely and play with them in the waters.

10. Book your next Bali trip - once you visit this country, you'll definitely be back for more so it is ideal for everyone to book their next Bali trip right after your first trip.

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Transfer Money to Indonesia

If you need to send money to Indonesia to relatives in need, it is time to learn a bit about the best way to do so. Making sure the method you choose to transfer money to Indonesia is convenient for your recipient is important to ensure that they can actually use the funds as soon as possible. If you are considering using the increasingly common technique of sending funds via a prepaid debit card, it is helpful to find out how useful this card would be in this country.
Fortunately, ATMs are quite widespread throughout Indonesia, though they are especially common in larger cities like Jakarta. Most small towns are within a reasonable distance of a major city with ATMs, but it is important to make sure your relative has no problem traveling a bit to get their money. Both Cirrus/Maestro and Plus cards are typically accepted at ATMs in the area, which is what most cards adhere to. This means that most cards from the United States are usable in this country. It is interesting to note that ATM Bersama is one of the major interbank networks in the area, connecting many of the ATMs in Indonesia. Look for such ATMs in the area, as most are quite reliable and connected to well-respected banks, such as Bank Negara Indonesia, Bank Mayapada, and Bank International Indonesia.
While it nice to know that a prepaid debit card can definitely be used in Indonesia, knowing the associated fees and limits is also advisable. For example, most ATMs in Indonesia have a daily withdrawal limit of 500,000 to one million rupiah. However, daily limits also exist in the United States and many other countries, so this should not be surprising. It is also good to know that the most accepted cards are the Visa and MasterCard type, so be sure to choose a company that offers either one before you use a prepaid debit card to transfer money to Indonesia. Not all shops in the area accept cards, but many larger ones do. This includes hotels, larger stores, and most restaurants. However, it is difficult to know ahead of time whether certain retailers accept debit cards, so it is recommended that everyone in Indonesia carry some cash. For this reason, it is helpful that prepaid debit cards can either allow recipients to withdraw cash at ATMs or use them at merchants that accept cards.
Your relative is likely to enjoy the flexibility that comes with using a prepaid debit card in Indonesia. Fortunately, this country is quite updated when it comes to technology, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, which means that this type of card is certainly not rare. Simply make sure that your relative is comfortable using this kind of card before you use it to transfer money to Indonesia.

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Batik - An Identity of Indonesia

Indonesia is a multicultural country which consists of thousand islands and tribes. The differences of demography and geography cause cultural differences, including the outfits worn by each tribe. Batik is one of the outfits that are quite popular, and its popularity has been known worldwide.
If you watch TV and see the President of Indonesia talking in public or in international conferences, you may see him wearing such an ethnic shirt with unique motifs. That is what so called batik, the national clothes of Indonesia citizens.
In some occasions, Indonesian may wear their traditional outfits, such as kebaya, baju kurung, ulos, etc. But when they come to national events, batik talks much. This outfit is a symbol of unity. Indonesian Batik has been claimed as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity for all the techniques, technology, motif development, and the cultural values needed to make a piece of it. It is because the process includes two factors: coloring techniques and the choice of the motifs. This step is not easy since every motif should have a characteristic.
Indonesian believe that the existence of Batik started in Majapahit era, and increasingly popular in the end of 18th century or he beginning of 19th century. Batik was actually purely handmade, but later on, as the technology has developed, it is mostly printed. What supports this change the most is the amount of orders. The handmade ones do need long time of painting, but the printed ones need shorter time.
Years ago, batik was only worn in formal occasions. At that time, Indonesian tend to choose batik instead of tuxedo or other formal outfits. But today, batik is even worn by students and employees as their uniform in certain days, such as every Friday.
In some families, Batik is even considered as a tradition. It makes them have their own motifs which are different from other families. It is like their identity, since the motifs can even show their economical status. Until now, the traditional motifs are still used by the family of Yogyakarta and Surakarta residence. Batik is probably the most unique outfit you have ever known. Where else you can find that brands do not talk much, but motifs do?

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Aircraft Mechanic Schools

Aircrafts are being designed in better and technologically advanced ways, but these machines need proper attention and care for its effective functioning. Hence periodic check up of these aircrafts becomes necessary, and has given rise to a new career option of an aircraft mechanic.

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Vocational Theory

An aircraft mechanic is a professional who services and repairs the aircrafts and its engines. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and dependability of these airplanes. Routine maintenance and inspections of all the aircrafts need to be done by these aircraft mechanics. The FAA has approved many maintenance plans for various aircrafts, which need to be followed by all the airline operators. Many aircraft mechanic schools provide professional courses to students who wish to make a career as aircraft mechanics. These courses include certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelors' degrees in aircraft mechanics. Students are given information about turbine engines, aviation electronics, and the way to use different tools and equipment. Students are advised to check whether FAA, has certified their school in order to work as a certified aircraft mechanic.
Some courses are available during high school that directly prepares students, to enter in an aircraft mechanic college. These courses specifically include studying four years of English language, three years of math, three years of social sciences, and two years of science. The FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] certifies all the qualified aircraft mechanics and need a graduation from any FAA- approved school or alternatively aircraft mechanics with at least 18 months of relevant work experience can apply.

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Training & Vocational Schools Provide Skills That Get Jobs

Training and vocational schools are educational institutions that provide practical and vocational skills and knowledge related to a specific competency, trade, occupation or profession. Training schools usually provide materials and equipment used in actual situations that an individual often faces at their workplace. Vocational school, on the other hand, teaches students how to do a certain job and the skills needed for a given career.

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Training and vocational schools are often operated by different federal departments such as the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services. All of these government institutions provide these programs especially for welfare recipients, poor adults and youth, and workers who have lost their jobs. Training schools have different programs to provide the skills and knowledge required to achieve certification or completion. There are two categories for training and these are on-the-job and off-the-job. On-the-job training places students within the normal working conditions while off-the-job training is done outside of the working area and in classrooms for students to concentrate more on the training itself. But there are some programs in training schools that require both practical and theoretical lessons to be provided simultaneously. These training schools usually have classrooms where an area is designed as a simulation of a "real time" working area. Training schools cater to various levels of students of different ages such as those that teach languages, arts, performing arts, sports, and sciences, as well as those that provide training for improving work skills for their jobs.
Vocational schools are similar to training schools in that students are prepared for jobs using manuals and practical activities which are related to specific trade, occupation or vocation. The programs are designed for students to immediately get jobs after attending vocational schools or to continue their education in colleges or universities. However, vocational schools do not belong to the higher education category.

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Advantages to Speaking a Second Language

There is some debate over the issue of Spanish language that is being taught or not taught in public classrooms. While the majority of the population of the United States speaks English there are many immigrant citizens that have limited ability to speak the language. As the children of these immigrants enter the school system they are learning English and use both Spanish and English to communicate fluently between their parents and teachers.

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While the children of immigrants are growing up bilingual there parents struggle to learn English, but the greater tragedy than that of the immigrants having to learn English is that the children of natural born citizens are making little effort to learn Spanish as a second language.
There are a few schools that offer kindergarten classes the option of English and Spanish lessons that cover the same materials in both languages consecutively but as the children progress through grade school and into middle school their exposure to and use of Spanish classroom communications drops off and the children are left with no real usable language skills in Spanish. The bilingual counterparts to Americas school children however have a tremendous advantage over them as they progress through the educational system, graduating and finding opportunities to use their bilingual skills that give them an advantage over the other students in school.

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Which Foreign Language Should Your Child Learn?

Many Children NOT Encouraged to Acquire a Foreign Language
While nearly a third of UK parents do not actively encourage their children to acquire a second or foreign language according to a study by the National Centre for Languages (CILT), foreign language learning should be encouraged and developed to a much higher degree in schools worldwide. True, many parents, both in the UK and the USA, may harbour their own personal prejudices on foreign language learning, this should not be allowed to alternatively shape the growth, development and education of their children. Globally aware parents really need to consider the long term view of what their children may well face in the coming decades.
How has your occupation, livelihood and daily life been impacted by changes on an everyday basis which you couldn't even have dreamed of as a youth, young adult or even just a few short years ago? As a youth, I swore I'd never be a teacher. Now I'm a university level English as a foreign language professor. Go figure.
Which Foreign Language Should Your Child Learn?
But just which foreign language should your child learn? The question is much more complex than you might initially imagine. Just because you bombed French in junior high school doesn't mean that the only "French" your child should learn is "French fries". If "caramba" or "Ole" are your only Spanish, that shouldn't be the root cause of your child not becoming fluent in Castellano. The world has changed and continues to morph at what may well be an alarming rate for many teachers, parents and even children themselves. Acquisition of a foreign language can be one way of allowing our children and ourselves to cope with the almost constant barrage of new cultures, foods, music, fashion, technology and ideas which pour down on us like the rain of a hurricane gone wild.
What's a foreign language teacher or concerned parent to do?
The ethnic makeup of cities, neighborhoods and in some cases, entire countries is shifting in ways we could never have accurately predicted. The local news stand might now stock newspapers and magazines in foreign tongues. From French and Spanish to Arabic and Punjabi, the media is changing to reflect the altering makeup of our communities. Stroll through your local supermarket. Notice anything new on the shelves of late? Even the meat counter now sports "cuts" of beef like cow's eyes and lungs, pork, lamb and chicken parts like chicken feet among others, that were noticeably absent just a short time ago. Plantain, yucca, a widening variety of hot and mild peppers, jicama, mamey, and a host of other "imported" offerings now routinely grace shelves once reserved only for more "traditional" fare.
Foreign Languages Come in Families
So as far as foreign language learning is concerned, what should you be considering for your child or children? Well, look at how the ethnic makeup of your area is changing, then consider what foreign languages might be useful to know in the short and long term. Remember, if you can speak one language fluently, there's absolutely no reason why you (or your child) can't learn two or three or more foreign languages. Yes, some foreign languages a re more difficult to learn than others, depending on what your first language is, but that's not to say a foreign language outside the linguistic family of your first language (L1) can't be learned. There are approximately 6712 languages spoken worldwide at present. Consider well and choose wisely, grasshopper. Your child's depending on you.

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Which Foreign Language to Teach First

A lot of homeschoolers and mothers of preschoolers ask me which foreign language they should first teach their child (children). If your children are young (as in 6 or younger) - I would make this recommendation. If there is a language which you know well, then obviously start with that language. If your family heritage is Russian, and you are planning a trip in a year or two, learn Russian with your children. Even if you don't speak the language, you can learn with your children by watching a video together (such as Bilingual Baby in Russian) or listening to an audio CD (Teach Me Russian) or doing a software program together (Vocabulary Builder Russian).

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I guarantee your child will learn faster than you, though! If there is no connection to another language, you can either start with a more difficult language, such as Chinese or Arabic - making your child quite marketable when they are older, or an easy language such as Spanish - there are plenty of materials available and native speakers with whom to practice. Just make sure you have an audio program, dvd or software, where you can hear native speakers and learn the correct pronunciation from the beginning.
If you never thought of teaching a foreign language before and your child is still in elementary school - see the above. If they are in middle to high school, Latin is a good choice. I think Latin is better taught in middle and high school than to elementary school students, and would welcome a discussion on that subject. Romance languages such as French and Spanish can help with English vocabulary as well.

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Become Fluent in a Language in High School

It's a common question: why am I not fluent in Spanish, French or Japanese ever having suffered through two to four years of it during high school? As you probably know from your own experience and that of your friends, high school language education helpful for ordering in restaurants, useful for getting into a good college, and perhaps makes a vacation seem slightly more authentic, but very rarely leads to a truly fluent level of speaking, writing and comprehension.

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First, the human brain is a language learning machine during its younger years and becomes less receptive to languages starting at puberty. Second, we were never really meant to learn a language in a class room like something such as history or calculus. Instead, we all learned our first language through a natural process of immersion: Before we started speaking, we had exposure to thousands of hours of conversation around us.
When beginning to speak, we were strongly encouraged and not punished for small errors. Compared to this organic experience, learning a language from a book is dramatically different. Even if language classes cannot reproduce the immersion that we all had growing up, it's still starting too late: language classes that began in elementary school or even before would be dramatically more effective.

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10 Top Tips to Help You Learn Any Foreign Language Rapidly

The mere effort to learn a foreign language protects brains from some of the degenerative effects of aging.
1.) Choose a language that you are likely to use in the future. If you are researching your family tree, you might want to learn the language of your ancestors in order to decipher old records and obituaries; or perhaps you wish to interact with salespeople in one of your company's branch offices abroad.
The old adage "if you don't use it, you lose it" is very pertinent when it comes to retaining language skills.
Remember to select a dialect that coincides with your requirements as well. There are different versions of many languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese, among others.

2.) Rely on your friends, co-workers, and relatives for advice. Ask them about courses, programs, and software. Get their opinions on what worked and what did not work while they were learning.

3.) Investigate the resources in your local library. It may have a good foreign language center, or it may belong to a lending network with appropriate textbooks, audio books, and DVD titles. If you do not see what you need, ask the librarian or use the library's search facilities.

4.) Check Internet reviews. If a specific software program or course has several positive reviews, it may be worth acquiring. However, never buy or avoid a purchase based on a single opinion. People who post reviews have various needs, motives, and expectations.

5.) Before you become too involved with written material, spend a lot of time listening to audio and watching people speak the language you are attempting to learn. Nowadays there is a plethora of resources such as streaming radio and TV broadcasts on the Internet, YouTube, DVDs, and free MP3 downloads.

6.) Ambient noise can make some sounds difficult to distinguish. Try to listen to foreign language productions using earbuds or headphones whenever possible. The noise-cancelling type works best, but anything is better than nothing.

7.) Rely on mental pictures without an English translation. Learn a few key phrases and repeat them to yourself whenever possible. Do not think of the English words. Instead, link the foreign phrases directly with mental concepts and images. If a foreign word means "mad dog", for example, form an image of a dog with bared teeth foaming at the mouth.

8.) Expect to make mistakes. They are part of the language acquisition process. Talk to yourself when you can. Try to remember correct grammar, but do not dwell on it at first. It is more important to say the words and get used to the sensations produced in your ears, tongue, and facial muscles. If you have a long commute, pretend that you are talking on your cell phone. Nobody will know you are practicing!

Download Drill of National Exam 2010

Download Drill of Bahasa Indonesia - UN SMA 2010
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Download Drill of Bahasa Indonesia - UN MA 2010
(equipped with a complete solution)

Download Drill of Bahasa Indonesia - UN SMK 2010
(equipped with a complete solution)



Download Drill of Bahasa Indonesia - UN SMP / MTs 2010
(equipped with a complete solution)

Download Drill of Bahasa Indonesia - UASBN SD / MI 2010
(equipped with a complete solution)

9.) Technology is amazing. If you carry a smartphone or PDA with you wherever you go, consider installing a foreign language dictionary. The correct word for any situation will always be at your fingertips.

10.) Spend some time every day speaking or listening to your new language. Be sure to check the author's information box for a link to her eBook containing hundreds of tips and hints for learning any foreign language.
(c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included.

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Learning Indonesian Made Simple

Another name for the Indonesian language is Bahasa Indonesia. From the name itself, you can tell that it is the official language of the country Indonesia. The country is made up of about 7,508 islands and it is considered the world's fourth most populous country in the world with a population of over 237 million. That is why you can never tell that the Malay-looking individual you are seated with on the bus is an Indonesian or has Indonesian descent.
The Indian culture has a strong influence on Indonesia. In fact if you're going to check it the word Indonesia came from Indus meaning India and nesos which means island in Greek. The Muslims had brought along Islam while different European traders fought over what they termed as "Spice Islands." It was only after the Dutch succumbed that the country earned their independence.

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Being in a strategic location as to its neighboring countries Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Philippines, East Timor, and Australia, it is a great place for trading, and it has been the main foundation of its economy. The reason why the country now is defined by poverty is the sectarianism and extreme separatism of its social sectors. You see the Indonesian society is made up of several groups of religious, ethnic, and linguistic groups. One of the major factors that contribute to its unity despite several factions is its national language: the Indonesian language. That's how significant is the language to them. So if you are trying to impress a business partner prospect or is about to be wedded to an Indonesian, it would be a good and sure way to earn his trust and loyalty if you know his language.
The Indonesian language is also one of the most spoken languages in the world. Many people would still call the language Bahasa although the word itself only means language.
East Timor which used to be an annexed island of the country now declared Indonesian as one of the two working languages in the country, next to English. You would love to be in Indonesia as well if you are an environmentalist. The biodiversity life in Indonesia is rich and the second highest in the world. They owe it to the vast expanse of wilderness found in the country.
You can get a copy from The Talking Book Store.

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Learn Indonesian Quick and Easy

Sell-a-mutt buggy! This seemingly alien-like greeting is basically a good morning in Bahasa or Indonesian. It's funny if you think about it how the language that you're speaking - as English if you get to read from the second phrase to this - comes naturally as if we're born with it.
It is not called mother tongue, for anything. But the great thing about learning another language is simply like any other skill, it can be learned!
So you want to learn a quick and easy way to learn Indonesian?

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Here's a basic factual run through for it. Bahasa Indonesia is the country's official language. However, it is commonly referred to simply as Indonesian. Fun fact for it is that topping the list, is the foreign adopted language, English. What's interesting about Indonesian is that it is scribed in Roman letters; however, its roots are basically coming from Sanskrit, pointing to the country's Hindu-Buddhist history.
There are those who have learned the language because there was a need for it. But, regardless if you are among them, you'll know it gets to be learned faster if apt interest is there.
So here are some tips for tim-pulp tea-young, meaning you, my friend.
Firstly, you set a goal. This means that the more earnest you are with getting those study times for Indonesian learning, the quicker it is to reach that goal.
Secondly, jot it down. Remember, your brain can only store as much, so let the notebook do it for you. Find time also to review on them.
Thirdly, you can do it the Pimsleur way. Here's the basic concept of it. Languages are acquired by people through listening. The more you get to be exposed to constantly listening to it, the faster the brain gets to recognize it.
Lastly, practice, practice, practice! You can partner up with a friend who's an Indonesian, knows of it, or someone who is practicing as you. You'll find it fun as well when you do this, because it would be like getting that scene in right in front of a camera, only that there are bound to be a number of bloopers and retakes.
Happy learning!

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Fast Ways to Learn Indonesian

The Indonesian language or Bahasa Indonesia is the official national language of Indonesia. This means most of the words in the language are formed by joining different words together. This beautiful language is based on one version of the classical Malay of the Riau-Johor Sultanate.
The Indonesian language was first proclaimed as the official language of the country of Indonesia because of the declaration of Indonesian independence in the year 1945 and is currently spoken by almost all of Indonesia's two hundred forty million inhabitants, making it one of the most widely spoken languages in the whole world. The Indonesian language as a modern dialect of Malay has borrowed a great deal of its words and pronunciation from many languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Persian, Portuguese, Sanskrit and many other languages. This makes it a truly fascinating and magnificent language to learn.

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Download UN Exam of Indonesia Language for UN SMA / MA 2009

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There are many ways to learn Indonesian but the easiest and most cutting edge way to do so is through the use of Indonesian audio language tapes. Audio courses are based on the main idea that anticipation, graduated interval recall, learning core vocabulary, and organic learning help the student learn more and as a faster pace than conventional language courses. These tapes cover not only spoken Indonesian but also dabble a little in reading and writing the language.
The best part about this method of learning is that aside from being cheaper from enrolling in an Indonesian language course at a school or hiring a private tutor, it gives you the option of being mobile as you go about learning. You can listen to your lessons while you are lying in bed at night or even during naps. Studies say that listening to your audio lessons while your mind is in a state of sleep enables you to learn more effectively since your mind is absorbing all of this new information into your subconscious.
An added perk for using Indonesian language audio lessons is that every time you find yourself unsure that you have mastered the lesson you just finished, you can just rewind or repeat the audio lesson at no additional cost, as many times that you desire.

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