Fairooz Farzana was a participant on the 2024 Business Professional Practicum. Fairooz is studying a Bachelor of Business at Queensland University of Technology. Fairooz received a $4,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant to support her participation in this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS internship program?
I saw the program as an opportunity for me to undertake an internship in my field of study. Also doing an internship in a whole different country, surrounded by diverse cultural norms, provided with a different perspective of the world of business.
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, I did receive the NCP grant and I believe it to be a very forward-thinking initiative. Me receiving the grant gave me more confidence and support to undertake this program. I believe the grant not only provides opportunities for Australian students to do an international internship, which becomes very beneficial for their future careers, but also connects the commercial, cultural and political aspects between countries.
Q: Where did you live in Indonesia (Kos, homestay, hotel, rental etc.)? Any tips for prospective students on finding accommodation?
The first week of the program, I stayed at a hotel arranged by ACICIS. The following 5 weeks I organised my own accommodation through Airbnb. I think it’s a great and credible platform for securing your accommodation since you’re in an unfamiliar territory.
Q: How have you found the academic components of this program – i.e. the language classes/seminars?
The language classes were very intensive and fast-paced. However, the teachers were very supportive and helpful throughout the learning process.
I found the seminars to be a bit irrelevant to my area of study since I am studying management and most of the seminars were based on economics and related topics. However, I did enjoy knowing about the economic conditions of Indonesia and they do to tackle the challenges that arise. I also gained knowledge on the international relationship aspects between indo-pacific countries.
Q: What organisation are you interning with? (Explain your role and responsibilities)
I did my internship with the Institute of Sustainability and Agility (ISA). My role in the company, apart from being an international, was to collaborate with the research team to execute the tasks set and contribute to the company’s improvement and development.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
While I didn’t really get to experience the work culture in Australia bit from what I have heard it’s really different to the work culture in Indonesia in general. The work culture in ISA is very supportive and compassionate. They treat you like a family member and will make sure that you are felt welcome. Your contributions are made clear from day 1 and all your questions and concerns will be answered. They take care of you throughout your internship with weekly meetings and make sure that you understand your
tasks well and are in your capability. My mentor Ibu Maria is the greatest mentor you could have. She takes care of you like a mother and will support you throughout your internship journey.
Q: What are the main skills you have learnt during your internship?
I have developed on my presentations and communication skills, research and analysis skills and also my academic writing skills.
Q: What did you get up to in your free-time? i.e. in the evenings and on weekends.
Most evenings and weekends I went shopping and just around Jakarta. I did visit Yogyakarta, Taman Mini Indonesia and Istiqlal Mosque.
Q: What surprised you about Indonesia? Any new insights?
I think the most surprising thing about Indonesia for me was experiencing their rice culture. How they can eat rice with literally anything still messes with my mind. Another thing I found surprising was how little the local people know english. Even in big shopping malls and restuarants you would struggle to find people who knows even some words of English. I thought since Indonesia is a tourist country that won’t be a problem. But me taking language classes before coming to Indonesia and the first 2 weeks of language classes provided by ACICIS, really helped me get around Indonesia.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this experience?
My internship experience and the opportunity to experience a whole different country and its culture.
Q. Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this program? If yes, how was this achieved?
I did get to learn a bit about the Indonesian culture through the seminars, language classes and the batik workshop.
Q. How will the internship benefit or influence your future career?
International experiences are seen as a great milestones in your resumes in Australia. When recruiting, companies value the wide range of experiences a student gained outside of their academic knowledge.
Q. Would you recommend this program to your friends?
Yes.
Q. Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Hati-Hati.