Linda McBride was a participant in the 2021 Virtual Law Professional Practicum. Linda is studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Griffith University. Linda 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 decided to undertake the ACICIS virtual internship program because I thought it was a great way to see the world during COVID times, to undertake a study abroad program without having to travel. I already have a huge interest in travelling, learning about different countries and their cultures, and this program was the perfect opportunity for me to be exposed to a new country, a new language and a new culture all from home.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? Do you think the NCP is an important initiative?
I was very fortunate enough to receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant from the Australian Government and receiving the grant was a huge reason why I was able to partake in this program. I think the NCP is a very important initiative because it gives so many students an invaluable opportunity and experience that they may never have been able to achieve it wasn’t for the grant.
Q: How have you found the academic components of this virtual program – i.e. the language classes/seminars?
The language classes were definitely my favourite academic component of the virtual program because they were extremely interactive, the small classes made it more personal and it was a great way to meet other students from other universities throughout Australia. The seminars were always really interesting and provided so much detail about Indonesia and the various legal topics.
Q: What organisation are you interning with?
I was placed with the Jakarta International Law Office (JILO) for my internship and my role as an intern was to assist in presentations and meetings, commentating about the Australian law and how it compares to Indonesia. I created a presentation for the law firm and other meeting participants to help educate them about Australian law.
Q: How have you found the work culture (albeit online) of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
I found the work culture of my organisation quite interesting and more relax than the work experience I have experienced in Australia. At first the language barriers and cultural differences were new and challenging, I was able to adapt quickly and the more I learnt the better it was. I only spent a short time with my host organisation but the communicated well and were always available if I had any questions or needed help with anything.
Q: What are the main skills you have learnt during your virtual internship?
The main skills I have learnt during my virtual internship is language skills, better communication and organisational skills.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this virtual experience?
The most rewarding part of the virtual experience was being able to connect with people overseas, to be able to work in a completely different environment all online and to learn from people who have perspectives that I’ve never met or encountered before which was amazing. The program has really prepared me for working in a variety of environments and working alongside so many different people, cultures and languages.
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this virtual program? If yes, how was this achieved?
I was really surprised to have learnt as much about the Indonesian culture that I did. The language classes especially were fully immersive and made me feel like I was sitting in a classroom in Indonesia and not online at home.
Q: How will the virtual internship benefit or influence your future career?
This virtual internship will benefit my future career in terms of international work, communications and adapting to an online world.
Q: Would you recommend this virtual program to your friends?
I would definitely recommend this virtual program to anyone, it’s fantastic way to immerse yourself in a new culture, meet new people and learn new things.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Terima kasih banyak. It may only mean thank you, but it’s a saying that I will never forget and will hope to use it more in the future.
Q: Describe your experience of the virtual internship program in three words:
Completely eye opening.