Isabelle Harris is a participant in the 2020 Journalism Professional Practicum from RMIT University. Isabelle is studying a Bachelor Communications and majoring in Journalism. She received a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant to support her participation in this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS program?
I thought it would provide some really interesting insights into the country. I also thought that it would give me some valuable professional experience and resume building opportunities.
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 NCP grant, which allowed me to cover a large portion of the fees for the ACICIS program, without which I would have been under financial strain to attend.
Q: How will the Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
It definitely fueled my desire to work in features reporting, especially internationally. I know for sure I will work overseas in the future.
Q: What organisation did you intern with? (Explain your roles and responsibilities)
I interned as a features writer at The Jakarta Post, where I wrote full length feature articles from start to finish. These were sometimes given to me by my editor, but I had opportunities to find and produce my own stories as well as put my own angle on the stories given to me.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
I found it to be quite chilled out in some aspects, but it was largely similar and I didn’t have trouble adjusting. It’s different in that meetings and assignments are less formalised but that just a result of the culture of Indonesia.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
Definitely!
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
I tended to visit museums and art galleries, as well as going shopping or attending local events.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Bagus!
Q: Favourite place to eat? Favourite Indonesian food?
The tiny warungs that had the best food! But it’s a tie between martabak and bakso.
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
I mainly stayed in Jakarta, but I also visited the Thousand Islands and Bogor.