AIFS Abroad: Study, Intern, or Study & Intern in Australia

I joined this program for a billion reasons but for the sake of the people reading this I’ll try to shorten it down. After traveling to Spain on a family trip over the summer, I developed the travel bug. No one in my family had ever studied abroad but I couldn’t find a reason not too. Besides traveling, making new friends, and living my life to the fullest...I’ll be attending grad school in a year and they rank international work very high. Just a little added bonus :)

Salisbury University does a fantastic job taking most of the organization out of my hands. My only tasks consisted of getting a few forms signed, a few phone calls with the global experiences team (resume prep, skill building, etc.), and then completing an interview for my internship. The school was very supportive and made sure I was on top of my tasks. They were always there to answer my questions and put me at ease.

Tell us a little about yourself. Have you ever interned or worked abroad?

Manda: I am a people-person. Ever since I was young, I’ve always enjoyed looking after and helping others in one way or another. Life has led me on an interesting journey – on top of working with young children for my whole life, I have also helped to start-up a small charity, worked on a play and a short-film, and now landed in the role of Sydney Location Coordinator with Global Experiences.

I haven’t interned or worked abroad, but I did complete a three-week exchange program to Italy during high school. This was like a younger and more-condensed version of a GE internship – I spent 2 weeks at a local school with my host siblings, was taken to see the sights and sounds of Rome by my host parents and the company, and then the other exchange students and I packed our bags and gallivanted around the rest of the country for a week. It was an amazing experience. I met some lovely people, learned a lot about the language and culture and experienced some moments of culture shock, and awe!

What makes interning in Sydney a unique experience for international interns?

Manda: Sydney is a very iconic and multicultural city in the heart of the Asia-Pacific region. Quite simply, where else in the world can you see a gorgeous sandy beach from your office, cross a Coathanger to work, or say G’day to your boss every morning? Plus, you’ll get to live in the future for a few months thanks to our time zones!

What can you tell us about the workplace culture in Sydney?

Manda: Most workplaces and people in Sydney are a lot more relaxed than in other countries. Not everyone works in a crowded office or wears a suit and tie to work every day; that said, each job is different. My best tip for anyone starting an internship is to dress to impress, physically and personally, on your first day, but know how to be flexible and adjust to what your colleagues wear and do. Taking on part of the culture is a good part of learning your way in a new country.

Global Experiences has partnered with Clifton StrenthsQuest to work out what our participants' key strengths are and we provide coaching around how to leverage their strengths in their workplace and for future success.

What are some extracurricular activities participants enjoy while interning in Sydney?

Manda: Global Experiences participants receive more than just an internship! The program comes complete with a Location Coordinator who is their personal tour guide and has organized a range of events to show them the see the sights and sounds of Sydney in a truly unique way. Each program is different because each intern is different; however, your social calendar may include experiences such as: a trip to the Blue Mountains, one-on-one encounters with native Australian animals, a tour of the Opera House, a surfing lesson, whale watching, a harbor cruise, or an Australian sporting match.

What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering interning abroad in Sydney?

Manda: Leap and the world will catch you! That’s right, all you have to do is say one little word – “Yes”. Just visit the Global Experiences website, apply for an internship in one of our 9 international locations, and leave the rest to us! The team at Global Experiences will make it a program to remember.

Don’t forget that on top of having a simply fantastic time on the other side of the world, you’ll also receive a style of work experience unlike most others. Almost all companies across the world will choose to hire a previous international intern over someone else, and you could quite easily earn a higher salary too!