Hannah Allum is a participant in the 2019 Sustainable Tourism Professional Practicum from the University of Technology Sydney. Hannah is studying a Bachelor of Management majoring in Tourism.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake this ACICIS Professional Practicum?
I decided to undertake the Sustainable Tourism Professional Practicum to gain hands on experience and broaden my understanding of Sustainable Tourism, which is an industry in which I hope to pursue a career one day. I wanted the opportunity to learn outside the class room and gain an intensive cultural experience, to make new friends, network with people within the industry, learn more about Indonesia and specifically Bali. I also had never been to Bali before and had always wanted to go.
Q: How will the Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
Immensely. I think cultural experiences not only benefit your future career, but also personal growth. I think learning how other cultures and societies operate helps to expand intellectual horizons and think outside the box. The people I met during the Practicum have also given me inspiration about my career options. Also, Bali is a booming tourism destination so there is a lot of content and case studies that could come of use. It was the perfect destination to learn more about tourism sustainability.
Q: Which organisation are you interning with? What are your roles and responsibilities?
Sarinbuana Eco Lodge – my primary role was guest interaction and learning about the lodge operations. I would assist with administration, sit in with staff and their daily tasks and learn about permaculture. I was lucky to be able to explore the beautiful area in which the lodge was located and spend time with guests who were all extremely friendly and mostly passionate about eco-tourism.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
Definitely more relaxed and slower paced than my experiences with work in Australia. I think it is an important skill to be able to adjust to culture shock, and not expect the way things are done at home to be done in other countries. I really enjoyed the slower pace, and wanted to offer my skills where possible instead of expecting the host organisation to suit my needs and wants. I tried my best to adjust my skills to what they needed.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
Possibly, you never know where life takes you!
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
I loved exploring nature, eating lots of good food (tempe is awesome), going to the beach, Scuba diving, spending time with friends, signing up to cooking classes and bike riding!
Q: Favourite place to eat? Favourite Indonesian food?
Warungs! I recommend eating local to save a bunch of money. I loved trying new Indonesian foods. They have an amazing range of herbs and spices, some I had never heard of.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Bagus = good/nice
Belimbing = star fruit
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
Nusa Penida, Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta and Tabanan.