Angus' study abroad story

Study tour: Indonesia Law, Governance and Culture 
Semester abroad: Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia 
Overseas internship: Jakarta, Indonesia 
Swinburne course: Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Business
 

Angus on one of his many trips to Indonesia

The best part about the experience was the freedom to do and go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and to meet new people and try new things. This taught me a lot about myself and how to travel and live independently in a foreign country and taught me a lot of practical life skills.

These experiences have helped me develop many skills, most of which involve learning in foreign environments. These skills are what I hope to build upon to make me stand out in a crowded field of applicants for whatever positions I may seek in the future, particularly considering that most large firms and companies are orienting themselves to have a more global perspective in their operations (plus speaking a second language is pretty fun!).

In 2018 I was lucky enough to participate in the Indonesia Law and Governance Study Tour. Before this, I had no intention or interest in travelling abroad for study or work, but I was referred to this program by a friend and decided to give it a go.

I had such an enjoyable and immersive experience on the Study Tour, that a few months later when I was offered a chance to apply for a semester exchange at the university we visited on the study tour, it did not take much convincing for me to apply. I knew that the experience would not only be a lot of fun, but that it would improve my employability skills as well. 

I began my exchange at Universitas Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta, Central Java and quickly made new friends in my course (I studied the International Undergraduate Law Program, which was taught in English). I had also come over with three other friends in my same course back at Swinburne, and we all took Indonesian Language training classes alongside our study. We had all enjoyed living, travelling and socialising together with our new friends for a number of months before the others returned back to Australia.

After this, I worked for a month intensively doing more language training before commencing a nine-week Internship at a Law firm based in Central Jakarta. At this internship I worked in both English and Indonesian and took on tasks that replicated what I would have done back at an Australian firm – doing research, document drafting and engaging with clients in meetings.

Through all of these programs I have travelled frequently, met numerous people and done so much during my time abroad that I would not have anticipated prior to me making the decision to go. The people, food, culture and experience as a whole has had a very positive effect on me and I will likely remember it for the rest of my life, and ultimately, I hope to return in the future – whether that is to visit or work, only time will tell.