For Alex Suwitra, learning to adapt and overcome obstacles in a completely foreign environment was an important experience that helped to set him up for success in his future career.
‘My decision to undertake an internship in Indonesia was the best decision I have ever made. It was both unbelievable challenging and rewarding I lived in a rural village in South India for a month as part of my internship, building social enterprises with Australian organisation, 40K. My team was tasked with supporting a candle-making business that would have local women making candles for sale in India and Australia. It was a huge challenge, living very isolated from all the other interns and in very hot and high-pressure conditions, faced with language and cultural barriers at every turn.’
I learned so much about myself and had to step totally outside of my comfort zone. I gained unparalleled practical experience while being immersed in a completely different culture. This has been so beneficial to me professionally, socially, and personally.
‘This experience helped me to identify the correct career path and is largely responsible for the obtainment of my current job at ANZ. I predicated a foreign leaning experience but received much more.’
Alex Suwitra
Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce
Learn more about studying an international studies degree at Deakin University.