Programs

Australia–Indonesia BRIDGE School Partnerships Program

Established in 2008, the Australia–Indonesia BRIDGE School Partnerships Program is an initiative of the Australia–Indonesia Institute and Asia Education Foundation (AEF). To date, the program has established 189 Australia–Indonesia school partnerships and directly involved over 756 Australian and Indonesian teachers.

This immersive and blended model of professional learning supports school communities across Australia to build an international school partnership with a sister school from Indonesia.

Indonesian language ability is not a requirement for Australian teachers to take part in this program, although it can offer added learning outcomes. However, sound English capability is required by Indonesian teachers to participate in the program.

Through school partnerships, BRIDGE builds teacher capacity to:

• a deep knowledge and understanding of the diverse cultures of Indonesia and Australia;
• intercultural understanding and an understanding of how to implement it in the Australian Curriculum, and Indonesian contexts;
• new approaches to using digital technologies in the classroom to enable global collaboration;
• establish an international school partnership that will provide unique student learning opportunities; and
• contribute to a community of learners across Australia and Indonesia. 

Two teachers from each Australian and Indonesian school will have the opportunity to participate in a three-week professional learning program together in Australia to establish the new partner relationships, plan for sustainable school partnerships through intercultural understanding and explore the use of new technologies in teaching and learning.

The professional learning program includes: 

• a workshop on building knowledge and understanding of Australia for Indonesian teachers, providing an overview of Australian culture, society, history and its education systems;
• a workshop for Australian and Indonesian teachers focused on building relationships, intercultural understanding, use of ICT in teaching and learning to support communication and collaboration, building school partnerships and the sharing of pedagogical practice;
• a school visit and homestay program in Australian schools, providing opportunities for Australian teachers and students to interact with Indonesian teachers, experience aspects of Indonesian culture across learning areas, establish the terms and nature of the school partnership, plan for future collaboration and share teaching experiences;
• a one-day debriefing for Indonesian teachers to reflect on their experience in Australia and share ways forward for online engagement.

Timeline

The following timeline is indicative only and is subject to change. The impact of COVID-19 may result in additional amendments. BRIDGE will remain in contact with participants and continue to adhere to Australian Government policies and approaches regarding travel and group gatherings. 

For any enquiries about the Australia-Indonesia BRIDGE Program, please contact bridge@asialink.unimelb.edu.au or (03) 8344 4800.