Maddison Bowne was a participant in the 2024 Law Professional Practicum. Maddison is studying Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Global Studies at Monash University. Maddison received a $4000 New Colombo Plan mobility grant to support her participation on this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS internship program?
After studying Indonesian in high school I always wanted the opportunity to combine my love of law and Indonesia! Furthermore I really wanted to complete an international internship as I am not sure when I would ever be able to get that opportunity and it is really suited to my interests international law. Also this program fit in perfectly with my course requirements.
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. It’s very important as I probably would not have gone on this trip without the grant.
Q: Where did you live in Indonesia (Kos, homestay, hotel, rental etc.)? Any tips for prospective students on finding accommodation?
I booked a Kos through Rukita. I loved it and thoroughly enjoyed the unique experience. It was challenging navigating the booking and communicating with the landlords as it was all in Bahasa but I was able to work through this and it was very worth. My tips are to make use of your LOs as they are beyond helpful and also to get out of your comfort zone and embrace he challenges.
Q: How have you found the academic components of this program – i.e. the language classes/seminars?
I found the language classes really enjoyable and useful. The small class size also allowed students to form stronger friendships. The law seminars were really interesting and necessary. However, at times they felt quite lengthy and tiring.
Q: What organisation are you interning with? (Explain your role and responsibilities)
KontraS. I was apart of the international advocacy team. During my time I wrote several urgent appeals, a short editorial and a longer op-Ed on a topic of interest of mine. We also attended court a couple of times, a diplomatic address and various meetings.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
It was incredibly different to anything I had experienced in Australia. It was a lot more casual. The organisation was smaller and everyone knew each other which was nice.
Q: What are the main skills you have learnt during your internship?
How to write an urgent appeal to the UN. Research skills. Networking skills. How the navigate CSOs and their intersectionality. Cross-cultural communication.
Q: What did you get up in your free-time?i.e. in the evenings and on the weekends.
I went to many malls! I also went out to many restaurants for meals with friends. One weekend I took a trip to Uluwatu in Bali. I also went indoor climbing several times.
Q: What surprised you about Indonesia? Any new insights?
I don’t know if this surprised me or was more just so lovely to experience but every single person in Jakarta and Indonesia was extremely kind and helpful and genuinely nice. I did not have a single negative experience with a person and it made me so happy.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this experience?
For me personally living by myself was extremely rewarding as it was something I had never done before and may never do again. Apart from that the connections I made with people was the most rewarding! Connections with Indonesian people I will definitely visit again one day and connections with students I get to take back to Australia.
Q. Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this program? If yes, how was this achieved?
Yes definitely, mostly from our personal interactions with people. I learnt about culture from our LOs and AOs as well as colleagues at the internship. Eating meals with them and chatting was he best way to learn about culture.
Q. How will the internship benefit or influence your future career?
The connections I’ve made will possibly be relied on in the future which is an incredible gain to have made. Also, as I wish to build a career in international law, having an international internship will not only benefit my legal experience but also showcase my ability to adapt to new situations and my proficiency in cultural competence.
Q. Would you recommend this program to your friends?
Yes I would. 🙂
Q. Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Maaf, saya hanya berbicara sedikit bahasa Indonesia!