Student Internships in Indonesia: global experience with real-world impact

Indonesia is a key IndoPacific partner to Australia and Southeast Asia’s largest economy, making it a powerful place to gain international work experience. 

Through internships in Indonesia, UTS students combine professional development with cultural immersion, building global skills and career confidence in a region that matters. 

Why pursue an internship in Indonesia? 

Turn your global experience into a career advantage. 

Indonesia is one of the most dynamic countries in the Indo‑Pacific and a close strategic neighbour to Australia, making it a powerful place to gain international work experience. As Southeast Asia’s largest economy with a population of over 280 million people, it offers Australian students’ exposure to largescale markets, emerging industries and complex economic systems that increasingly shape global trade and business.

For students interested in careers across business, sustainability, development, policy or international relations, Indonesia provides realworld context that cannot be replicated in smaller or more mature economies. This also means that work experience in Indonesia is transferrable and directly relevant to future careers connected to Australia’s economic, diplomatic and development priorities. 

An internship allows you to apply your degree in a real-world, international context while developing adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills and professional confidence. Living and working in Indonesia gives students firsthand insight into global sustainability, development and community challenges. 

Professional growth through real-world impact 

Work on sustainability and environmental initiatives.

A defining feature of UTS international Internships is the opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental and sustainability projects. Students work alongside local organisations addressing grassroots challenges, from conservation to eco-tourism and community-led initiatives. 

“Throughout my international internship I enjoyed working in a new environment, adapting to different working customs and immersing myself in a vibrant culture. The hands-on experience in conservation efforts was incredibly fulfilling.”

Jessica

Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Laws

Cultural immersion beyond the workplace 

Live, learn and connect in Indonesia.

International Internships are designed to immerse students in Indonesian culture through cultural workshops, community activities and daily life experiences that build cultural intelligence and empathy. 

“Indonesia has a rich culture that varies across its many ethnic groups. The cultural workshops were extremely eye-opening and very different from what we know in Australia.”

Amy

Environmental Internship

Build adaptability and global perspective 

Learn to thrive in new environments.

Working in an international setting challenges students to adapt to new workplace norms, communication styles and expectations, fostering resilience and preparing them for global careers. 

“The Indonesian workplace encouraged a more personal approach to professional relationships, creating friendships that foster effective working habits.”

Jessica

Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Laws

Find clarity in your future career 

Shape your path as a global professional.

Many students return from their international internship with renewed confidence and clarity about their future career direction, particularly in sustainability, development and international work. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Indonesia and would definitely consider living and working in the Indo-Pacific in the future.”

Ethan

Portrait of Francesco

UTS alumni stories: Francisco Widjojo

(00:01:46)

Since studying a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business at UTS, international student Francisco has been an industry go-getter.

UTS alumni stories: Francisco Widjojo transcript

After graduating, I was working as a corporate lawyer in Sydney.
I was helping large companies acquire other businesses and raising money in the equity markets.
That’s when I started to see the real growth of Indonesia.
I was trying to figure out, where is Indonesia going?
Where do I see myself, as this third culture kid with international experience?
How could I contribute to the growth story of Indonesia?

We started Arkblu Capital so we could directly invest in the next generation of homegrown Indonesian tech companies and venture capital funds.
As Managing Partner, I basically oversee our entire investment process, from sourcing to deal execution to deal support.

During my studies, obviously I learnt the technical components of law and business, but I think the most important aspect is that I learnt how to think.
UTS is very practical.
At uni we created financial models, we deconstructed different businesses.
That critical thinking and problem-solving ability, I think is the number-one thing that I received from an Australian education.

Another thing that drew me to UTS was its strong international focus.
The international leadership opportunities at UTS really allowed me to have a broader view of the world.
I think as the world becomes a lot more globalised and integrated, being able to understand and interact with people from all around the world is so important.
And it's those global connections that have really allowed me to thrive.
  
 
 
 
 
 

Is an international internship right for you? 

International Internships are ideal for students who want to gain international work experience, build employability skills, develop global awareness and explore careers with real-world impact. 

Speak to your Faculty about global internship opportunities or learn more UTS global exchange and short programs in Indonesia and the world. 

“This Global Short Program has been life-changing. I gained skills and knowledge I couldn’t have acquired in a normal classroom setting.”

Amy

Environmental Internship

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