Batool Al-bidiri was a participant of the Law Professional Practicum (LPP), in 2025. Jess is studying at Monash University.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the Acicis internship program?
I chose to undertake the Acicis internship program because I believe that applying my degree should extend beyond Australia. Understanding legal systems in different countries is essential for broadening my perspective and developing a more comprehensive approach to law. This program offered a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a different legal framework, gain firsthand experience in international legal practices, and enhance my ability to work in a globalised legal environment.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? Do you think the NCP is an important initiative? If yes, why?
Yes I did receive the grant and i think it was an important initiative. Without the grant I wouldn’t of been able to partake in the program due to the tuition costs, accommodation and flights, however the grant eased the financial stress and helped me so much with finances.
Q: Where did you live in Indonesia (Kos, homestay, hotel, rental etc.)? Any tips for prospective students on finding accommodation?
I stayed in an AirBnB with my friend from uni, my advice to future students would be to look at places early on especially if there’s a group of you going, however if you don’t get the time to don’t stress! the staff are so helpful with accommodation and will give you some recommendations.
Q: How have you found the academic components of this program – i.e. the language classes/seminars?
The academic components of the program were so fun!! It was great to have all programs included in the language classes, I made so many friends from the other programs which I still speak to now! The seminars were so insightful and helpful especially towards the end of program when I was researching my final essay.
Q: What organisation are you interning with? (Explain your role and responsibilities)
I interned with AYMP, my role was to compare Australian company law to Indonesian company law. I was able to visit the courts and talk to partners and associates about areas of law I was interested in!
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
It was honestly pretty similar, I was placed in a corporate law firm and the culture was the same long hour grind you would expect in an Australian corporate field.
Q: What are the main skills you have learnt during your internship?
The main skill I learnt was moving out my comfort zone, its really hard especially in a country where you’re seen as a foreigner to ask questions and put yourself out there. However, during the program I made it an initiative of mine to step out my comfort zone and get the most out of the program, this was so helpful during my placement as I learnt not to fear asking questions and asserting myself.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this experience?
The friends I met along the way was the most rewarding part of this experience. I’m based in Melbourne but I made friends with people from all around Australia which I still speak to now even after the programs ended.
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this program? If yes, how was this achieved?
Yes, I learnt so much about Indonesian culture through many ways. My language classes taught me how the tone in someone’s voice is such an important part of Bahasa Indonesia. My seminars taught me how the law was influenced by certain parts of Indonesian culture, and lastly, my free time going to markets and different cities showed me Indonesia’s night life!
Q: How will the internship benefit or influence your future career?
I learnt so much about corporate law which was an interest of mine before coming to the program, so taking that information on now I have a better idea of what kind of law I would like to go into in the future.
Q: Would you recommend this program to your friends?
Yes!
