Indonesia’s culture and diversity are just some of the lessons that hundreds of Australian volunteers take with them when they return home, according to the Australian Embassy here on its official website on Saturday.

Over the past nine years, more than 750 Australian volunteers have taken up assignments in Indonesia, with nearly 200 volunteers over the past year.

Indonesia is the number one destination for Australian volunteers seeking to exchange knowledge and skills with local organisations, people and communities.

Through the Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program, volunteers can develop links for long-term co-operation and knowledge sharing between Australia and Indonesia.

Volunteers form enduring friendships with people in Indonesia, as well as develop a deeper understanding of how to work across cultures.

AVID representative Will Shea, 31 years old, says that his assignment in Indonesia taught him a better perspective on the work/life balance, and the importance of family and outside life from work.

“Working cross-culturally is especially important for working in Australia, as it is such a multicultural country itself,” he says.

“In Indonesia I developed a lot of patience and understanding, and in turn, people welcomed me in their workplace and community. Indonesian people are very gracious,” said the NGO Organizational Development Advisor.

Shanti Fowler, a Community Relations Officer in Nias, has had memorable learning experiences during her work in the province.

Shanti visited villages in Nias and spoke in Bahasa Indonesia, but she was surprised to learn the villagers only spoke Bahasa Nias. Now, she is now learning the Nias language.

“The local people in Nias are very calm and not over-heated whether they agree or disagree on something. It’s a great attitude and I hope to bring that back to Australia for the future,” says Shanti.

The AVID program is an important and long-standing part of the Australian Government’s development cooperation program.

From teacher trainers in Kupang to business development mentors on Nias Island (Sumatra), Australian volunteers are often the public face of Australia’s aid program.

They undertake assignments to collaborate in Indonesian organizations in the both the private and public sector. Assignments can range between a few months to two years.