Emily Child is a participant in the 2019 Creative Arts and Design Professional Practicum from Griffith University. Emily is studying a Bachelor of Design majoring in Graphic and Communication Design and a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing. Emily received a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant to support her participation in this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Creative Arts & Design Professional Practicum?
I had wanted to participate in an overseas exchange or study program since I began my degree. I found out about the ACICIS practicums through a lecturer in my first year and was instantly drawn to Indonesia. I have always loved travelling to countries with cultures that contrast to my own, and Indonesia seemed like both a unique and exciting country to study and intern in.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
I did receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant and probably wouldn’t have been able to have this incredible experience without it. The Grant covered my tuition costs, essentially enabling me to participate in the CADPP.
Q: How will the Creative Arts & Design Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
My participation in the CADPP will have an enormous influence on my career, particularly regarding international employment opportunities, which I plan on pursuing in the future. Through the practicum, I was able to enhance my cross-cultural interpersonal skills as well as gain practical experience in an international work environment. Additionally, the placement element of the practicum gave me the opportunity to produce a unique and professional project that I am able to exhibit in my portfolio.
Q: Which organisation did you intern with? What were your roles and responsibilities?
I Interned with The Distillery Letterpress Jakarta and worked in the production team. I performed various roles across the four-week placement including ink mixing, plate making, quality checking, packaging projects, and learning how to use the letterpress machine to print my very own project.
Q: How is the work culture of your host organisation different to work experience you have had in Australia?
Organisational culture at The Distillery is entirely different to any workplace culture I’ve experienced in Australia, and I mean this in the best way possible. The Distillery maintained a very team-orientated organisational structure and was by far the most cohesive yet fun team I’ve worked in. Despite tough deadlines, there were guaranteed to be lots of laughter and smiles on any given day, due to the team’s relaxed nature. Another point of difference I observed and embraced was that my Indonesian co-workers were far more open and showed a genuine interest in my personal life. Everyone was so social and friendly and we even frequently spent time together outside of work.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
I would love to! If I were lucky enough to work in Indonesia again I would love to experience working in a city like Yogyakarta.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
Travel and spend time with my placement and practicum friends – karaoke became a typical night out.
Q: Favourite place to eat and favourite Indonesian food?
My favourite Indonesian food is gado-gado. I didn’t really have a favourite place to eat as local street food was my preference.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Sama-sama, it’s just about every second word that comes out of my mouth.
Q. What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
Jakarta (where I completed my placement), Yogyakarta, Bogor and Cisimeut in the Lebak Regency of the Banten Province. I also planned to travel to Bandung and Malang, however I ran out of time to visit them.