Charli Anderson was a participant in the 2023 Law Professional Practicum. Charli is studying Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts at The Australian National University. Charli received a $3000 New Colombo Plan mobility grant to support her participation on this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS internship program?
The ACICIS program seemed like an amazing way to study abroad, while learning about a culture which is totally different to ours in Australia.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? Do you think the NCP is an important initiative? If yes, why? The NCP is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates on experiences such as the Professional Practica.
Yes, the NCP is a great way to encourage Australians to learn about our local neighbours!
Q: Where did you live in Indonesia (Kos, homestay, hotel, rental etc.)? Any tips for prospective students on finding accommodation?
I initially lived in a Kos, and then an AirBnb with two other students on my placement. If you have the opportunity, sharing with other students is a really fun way to make lifelong friends!
Q: How have you found the academic components of this program – i.e. the language classes/seminars?
The language classes were a really good way to get a feel for the language & help us at least order nasi goreng for the rest of the program!
Q: What organisation are you interning with? (Explain your role and responsibilities)
Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP). At the ICRP, we were lucky to engage with the local communities and have discussions about their rights to religious freedom. We also wrote legal opinion pieces and made podcasts for the organisationIndonesian Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP). At the ICRP, we were lucky to engage with the local communities and have discussions about their rights to religious freedom. We also wrote legal opinion pieces and made podcasts for the organisation
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
Our NGO worked from a house, which is quite common for NGOs in Jakarta. This made it feel more relaxed and like a family, which was a really nice change.
Q: What are the main skills you have learnt during your internship?
I’ve learnt so much! Some of the most important skills would be cultural sensitivity, communication, application of international human rights instruments, and reading foreign legislation.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this experience?
The friendships I made have been some of the strongest in my life!
Q. Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this program? If yes, how was this achieved?
Yes – so so much. Our community trips with the ICRP included visits to an Indigenous community, the Ahmadiyya community, the Sikh community, alongside Chinese New Year Celebrations and talks with other NGOs. These visits meant we spoke to so many people from diverse cultures, which really sums up what it means to be Indonesian.
Q. How will the internship benefit or influence your future career?
I hope that it will help me to understand more about our important Australian neighbours, as I aspire to work in international law.
Q. Would you recommend this program to your friends?
100%.
Q. Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Hati hati di jalan!