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The Exchange Began at Home

Mollie Hand

Published December 18, 2025

6 Minute Read

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ROOM to host, Room to grow

I'm not new to hosting exchange students. As a former Rotary exchange student myself, I always look for chances to pay it forward. I've hosted students from Japan, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, and Colombia. When I was approached by the International Students and Scholars Office, I quickly asked my husband, Dan, if he'd be on board to host a Young Southeast Asian Leadership Institute (YSEALI) scholar for four weeks, and since we had the room and a six-year old who would thrive from the experience, it was an easy decision. I soon learned that our scholar would be Suci Utami Armand, a student interested in bettering education in Indonesia. To my surprise, my department head, April Heaney, was separately approached to be a unit host for a YSEALI scholar as well. A few weeks before Suci arrived, I learned that my unit LeaRN would be her host at the University of Wyoming and I would get to have her in my home. This was a very unique coincidence, and it allowed me to learn much more from Suci at home and at work. (Click on the circles below to see more pictures.)

As Suci wrote her project, April convinced her that I should be the one to travel. Originally, the trip would have taken place May 2025, so when I didn't hear anything about it, I assumed her project was among many that are not selected. Then in September, I received an email from the American Councils that her project was chosen, and she would host me in January 2026. What an exciting day when I found out!

As soon as I learned that I would be traveling to Indonesia, I downloaded two language Apps: Duolingo and Babbel. While I'm aware that many Indonesians speak English, I really feel better prepared if I could conduct myself with respect and gratitude by attempting to learn Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian language). Duolingo is very rewarding, but it did not have as much explanation about the language itself. It is designed with the idea that a second language can be picked up much like a first language, without long explanations of the grammar. Babbel provides more grammar and culture explanation. I would have to say that they complement each other. I think I'm learning more words on Duo Lingo, but I really enjoy the cultural facts and linguistic explanations from Babbel. Before she left Laramie, Suci already shared some words, but I had long forgotten them, so I'm glad I'm starting fresh. A word everyone should learn in any language from a country they are visiting: Terima kasih! (Thank you!)

Indonesian Culture at UW

I wanted to be sure others on campus knew I would be traveling to Indonesia, so I submitted a news release. After it was published, I heard from Margaret McElligott, assistant director of international student recruitment at UW. She asked if I might be able to add a day to my schedule to visit Jakarta and present to university and high school students about some of the benefits of studying at the University of Wyoming. I was happy to take on this added responsibility, so my travel plans were coming together.  Last week, we met with a partner in the Jakarta International College, and I felt such a warm embrace from across the Zoom call! I really look forward to connecting with more Indonesian people throughout my travels.

Preparing to Leave

As soon as I received this opportunity, I reached out to my Gamelan leader, Pak Made. He told me I should visit Bali because he would also be on the island during the beginning of my travels. After speaking to the American Council, I got the additional days of travel approved to spend some time in Bali and learn more about gamelan from its origin. I'm so lucky that my daughter Addie will be joining me as far as from Laramie to Bali. She'll stay there longer while I fly on to Jambi, where the reciprocal exchange takes place, and finish my time in Jakarta. Addie will fly home with me once again, so I'll have a travel buddy. 

 

Check Back

In many ways, this exchange has already begun — in our home, our classrooms, and our community. In the next weeks, I plan to blog about my experiences as often as I'm able. For now, I'll list things I'm excited about and things I'm worried about. 

Looking forward to:

  • playing gamelan in Bali
  • seeing the ocean
  • visiting temples
  • experiencing the food
  • learning how rice is grown
  • visiting a batik fabric factory
  • practicing my Indonesian language
  • most of all, seeing  my dear friends Pak Made and Suci! 

Worried about:

  • jet lag
  • potentially getting sick because I'm not used to the spices
  • missing my family

I'll leave with a very short video I took of the Papuan Dance during the 2024 UW Indonesian Night. Sampai jumpa lagi!