Start Me Up

This experience went way beyond my expectations. Being able to intern for a tech startup in Queensland was a once in a lifetime experience I’ll never forget.
While I interned for the startup we worked out of a lively coworking space in the city. We got to meet lots of other startups and some really interesting people. I loved going to the different events around the city (organized by the co-working space), and learning about new areas of tech while picking new skills.
Queensland itself had so much to offer, including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Surfer’s Paradise and, of course, the Great Barrier Reef. I loved that despite being winter, it was still warm enough to go to the beach for a swim!
All in all, couldn't recommend going out to Aus to intern more, learn new entrepreneurial skills and meet some cool people.

It was my first time travelling to Asia by myself, so I was a little nervous but very excited. From arrival I felt welcomed, from the driver that picked me up at the airport to the hotel in Ubud that we stayed in for the first weekend. The whole cohort was lovely, and all people wanting to improve themselves and gain something from this experience.

Despite the high cost of the program plus flights, it was one of the best months of my life. I got the chance to work with incredible people, and the kinds of people that move to Bali to create and work on startups are all people I enjoyed learning from. All this was done while learning and exploring a different culture and land, and getting actual professional experience. Plus, what better way to work is there than being able to jump in a pool, lay by the beach, or go surfing when it's all getting a bit much, or simply after a long day of work?

You end up doing so many things you never expected to do. I had never done yoga, surfed, been on a scooter, trekked up a volcano in the middle of the night, or climbed down a cliff to reach one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. Not just in terms of exploration, but professionally, I met so many ambitious individuals just going out there and doing what they want to do, ignoring that fear we all have to start something new without anyone knowing if it will work out or not. On top of all that I made good friends, including my boss, whom I'm still in touch with and working for on a voluntary basis (yes, I enjoyed it so much I am now working for free when I can, primarily on weekends...)

I would highly recommend the experience. You would have to save a little bit, which is one thing I would like the program to see is making it a little more accessible. However, I cannot disagree that every bit of that money was well spent and well worth it, and if I could afford it I would have stayed another month more!

I am so grateful that I applied to Start Me Up and got to live/work in Bali for a month! I worked remotely for a start up in London and developed marketing as well as international communication skills. We traveled on weekends to neighboring Indonesian islands and I got to immerse myself in the culture. The mentors were amazing and will go out of their way to help you. I left feeling like I had grown as an individual and had connections to extremely intelligent and genuine women. I haven't had an interview yet where they haven't asked me about Bali and the skills I learned there. If you’re thinking of applying to Start Me Up, you definitely should because you'll get a lot more out of it then just a good traveling experience.

My one tip: Go into this program wanting to get the most out of every moment, you'll regret it if you don't. Say yes to everything and jump into the Bali life style of bare-feet.

My internship with Start Me Up was incredible! I worked with a really awesome local organization building them a new website and met SO MANY people while I was there. The networking opportunities were great and so were the workshops and dojo (nearly every night). Obviously, a huge bonus to this program is that you're in Bali! We got to work hard during the day on our internships and then spend our nights and weekends exploring the island and even other parts of Southeast Asia. This truly was one of a kind experience that you won't regret! The people and staff were amazing and you get work experience while you travel! My group was awesome and the accommodation was perfect, we were right on the main road in Canggu so we were walking distance to Dojo, the beach, and basically everywhere. It's also cool because the people in your cohort are from all over the world so you make friends that you can stay with when you travel. The food was the best food I've eaten in my life and I honestly would go back just for that! This opportunity with Start Me Up has really opened my eyes to the possibilites of working remotely and I am so happy I found it before I graduated.

I worked 4 weeks in Bali and 2 weeks in Thailand for a Blockchain Consultancy that was also based out in Canggu, Bali; it provided the perfect platform to learn what it takes to run a startup, put together financial models and grasp SEO. It helped me develop the skills and knowledge to start my own company using the Lean Startup method as well as being a valuable addition to my CV.

I can't recommend this program enough; if you want to learn, meet like-minded individuals and have a great work-life balance, this is for you.

A day in the life included getting up early to train at Body Factory (arguably best gym I've ever been to), working until lunch, going on an adventure with friends to an amazing food spot, finishing tasks off in the afternoon from the pool and then going on an amazing night out with the best people.