Ahlam Ali is a participant in the 2019 Development Studies Professional Practicum from Murdoch University. Ahlam is studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and International Relations. Ahlam received a $3000 New Colombo Plan mobility grant to support her participation on this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS program?
I saw it as an opportunity to finally see what is outside Australia while at the same time gaining more experience for my future career.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
Yes, I did, it certainly made my life a little less stressful. I would say financial issues were my biggest worry and the New Colombo Plan helped me out with that.
Q: How will the Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career? Would you like to return to Indonesia again in future?
Certainly, something unique on my resume like this would make me stand out as a potential employee, but simply having experience in my career field will certainly open up options for me.
Q: What organisation will did you intern with? (Explain your roles and responsibilities)
I was interning with Migrant Care, an organisation that advocated for migrants’ rights. I was involved in translating documents and researching a couple of things, but I really enjoyed communicating with my mentors and having a better understanding of what migrants truly go through.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
It’s definitely different. I found out that Indonesians are very relaxed and easy going but it was definitely not something to complain about.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
Trying different foods and seeing sunrises and sunsets at mountains and temples.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in the future?
Certainly, maybe in a different city to Jakarta. I found out that I was not too suited for that busy city life but I definitely would love to go back to Indonesia.
Q: Favourite place to eat? Favourite Indonesian food?
My favourite Indonesian food would of course be Gado-Gado, and I would gladly eat it anywhere. But I will say that the street carts do it better than restaurants.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Makan (eat) or the word the traffic people shout out when trying to help a driver reverse out!
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
I went to Yogyakarta, Jakarta and Malang. Basically, the whole of Java island.