Lucy Smith is a participant in the 2019 Sustainable Tourism Professional Practicum from Flinders University. Lucy is studying a Bachelor of International Tourism majoring in Event Management. Lucy received a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant to support her participation in this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake this ACICIS Professional Practicum?
Bali, being my favourite destination, was one of the main draw cards in participating in this ACICIS practicum. However, I really wanted to experience working in an overseas workplace as, in the future, I would love to work in a resort in an Asian country like Singapore, for example. In addition, the ACICIS practicum provided me with several placement options that I was interested in, in comparison to what my University had on offer.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
Yes I did! Receiving the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant was very helpful as I’m a full-time University student who cannot work full-time, so without this aid I would not have been able to get the most out of my stay in Bali or even have the opportunity to participate in this amazing practicum.
Q: How will the Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
It has allowed me to gain a better understanding of what is involved in working at a resort; mainly, how to effectively communicate with guests, how to check in and check out guests and how to handle guests’ complaints. It was also invaluable to be able to work in an international workplace, as I would love to work overseas in the near future with a focus on hotel management.
Q: Which organisation are you interning with? What are your roles and responsibilities?
I completed my Internship with Arma Museum and Resort located in Ubud. I was placed in several areas, including the Museum, restaurant and front reception. Each place had different roles however my main role and responsibility was content proof reading and helping with checking in and checking out guests.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
The work environment in Bali was a massive change to the work experience in Australia. The main difference would be the relaxed work environment. The work experience was also very social, meaning that everyone working at Arma wanted to get to know us and even hang out with us on our days off.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
Most definitely! Indonesia is one of my favourite destinations.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
On my days off I enjoyed going shopping and doing various activities like white water rafting and ATV. During my stay in Bali, my family came to visit which gave me the opportunity to head down to Seminyak and Canggu, where I was able to eat and drink at some nice cafes and restaurants like Sisterfields and Sea Circus.
Q: Favourite place to eat? Favourite Indonesian food?
As I was based in Ubud for my professional practicum, my most favourite restaurant was Nostimo Greek Grill located opposite my workplace. Although it was a little more expensive in comparison to a Warung, you get what you pay for and the owner was lovely. As for Indonesian food, my favourite would be the classic Nasi Goreng.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Bagus sekali!
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
During the practicum I only visited Bali, however I would love to go back and further explore the Indonesian Islands of Flores, Borneo and Raja Ampat.