What Will You Do on Program?
During the Weeks
You will generally spend approximately 40 hours per week at your internship site. Naturally, what you do during this time will depend largely on what type of organization you are working with and what they are working on at the time of the program. However, we work hard to make sure that:
- Your work will be varied so as to provide as much of an insight into the organization you are working for and the industry that you are working in as possible
- You will be given tasks that utilize and develop your skills to the fullest extent possible
- You will get out of the office and meet as many people as possible
In saying this, we ask you to bear in mind the large difference in working culture that exists between Indonesia and Australia. A common expression in Indonesia is "jam karet", meaning rubber time. This reflects the relaxed attitudes of Indonesians, and we strongly encourage you to embrace and learn from this difference, which inevitably means accepting that you will generally not be as busy as you would at work in Australia.
Your evenings are generally yours to spend how you like, although on occasions there will be optional group dinners and similar events. However, it is amazing how quickly any free time you have will fill up, so we try to leave them as open as possible.
On the Weekends
Below is a list of possible weekend activities. We have adopted this structure instead of having a defined 'timetable' because of the dynamic nature of life in Yogyakarta. It ensures that the team is able to take advantage of exciting one-off opportunities that come up during the program, as they are bound to do. It also allows the flexibility to alter the program according to the wishes of you, the participants on the program.
Although there will be activities offered every weekend, and during the week on occasions, please remember that you are not obliged to participate. It can be quite draining trying to fit everything in, and at times you are likely to want to spend time relaxing and recuperating, or socializing with friends that you make while on program. We understand this, and ensure that we give you the freedom you desire.
Some of the possible events for weekends include:
- Trips to Borobodur Temple
- Trips to Prambanan Temple
- Trips to local industries to see how products are made and learn about their distribution channels
- Watching Yogyakarta play in the Indonesian soccer league
- Trips to neighboring cities, such as Solo
- Trips to Gunung Merapi, the volcano that towers over Yogyakarta
- Trips to local Non-Government Organizations
