Cassandra Mora was a participant in the 2020 Development Studies Professional Practicum from Murdoch University. Cassandra is studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Global Politics and Policy. Cassandra received a $3000 New Colombo Plan mobility grant to support her participation on this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS program?
Over the past year, I have been pushing myself to take on new and exciting opportunities. Part of this was to extend my professional and personal capabilities as my final year of university was quickly approaching. The DSPP program attracted me because I could undertake it between university semesters.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
Yes, I did receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant. It enhanced my experience by providing me with the chance to extend my studies outside of Australia and seek opportunities that I may not have been able to have before receiving the grant.
Q: How will the Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career? Would you like to return to Indonesia again in future?
The Professional Practicum has been greatly beneficial for extending my worldly experience. Gaining some experience within an NGO has been valuable in gaining insight into future career prospects. Moreover, my time in Indonesia was amazing and I would love to come back and work in Indonesia full-time or with ACICIS.
Q: What organisation did you intern with?
I had my placement with Rumah Energi. During my time with the organisation, I was taught a lot about biogas and the role it plays in improving the lives of users. Rumah Energi educated me about how the reactors function, the benefits of bio-slurry and the BIRU program launched by the Indonesian government. I oversaw the day-to-day tasks of the staff at the Klaten office. This included observing the maintenance checks of biogas reactors and promoting the BIRU program by meeting with various levels of government and a variety of other organisations and institutions including an alternative school.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
Due to cultural differences, my workplace appeared rather casual and relaxed. Unlike Australia, professional work in Indonesia calls for a lot of socialising and informal relationships. This was evident in my work place due to the amount of chit chat.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in the future?
I would be very excited to return to Indonesia for work or further study.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
I enjoyed spending my time in exploring my neighbourhood and hanging out with other ACICIS students. Maintaining a good rapport with other students on the program greatly enhanced my experience.
Q: Favourite place to eat? Favourite Indonesian food?
Place: Nanamia Pizzeria sticks out for me as it was always a place where I would meet up with friends and have a good time.
Food: Nasi Goreng of course!
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
WAH KAREN! (Cool!)
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
Personal: Borobudur
Work: Klaten, Blora, Kudus and Semerang