What inspired you to go abroad?
I've always wanted to travel and experience more than just The States, summer or 2017 seemed like the perfect opportunity!
Why did you choose The Intern Group?
I chose The Intern Group because the process was so simple! Once you get accepted into the program they find an internship for you, all you have to do is tell them times that you can interview with the company!
What was your favorite part about Melbourne?
Melbourne felt really safe, I was never afraid to be walking around at 12 AM like in other cities I have visited. There was also tons to do, in the 8 weeks I was there, I was never bored!
Koala-ty picture
What made your experience abroad unique?
The company I interned with, Adecco, made my experience one in a million. They were super welcoming and understood that while I was there to intern, I was also abroad and needed to experience the city.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff was always there if you needed them. I was never put into a situation where I needed them, but I knew that if something happened they were just an email away!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wish I would've packed lighter so I could've brought back more souvenirs!
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
On a weekday I would wake up, go to work, and then meet up with other interns within my program for dinner! On a weekend other interns and I would try to plan fun things to do! For example I went to Phillip Island to see the penguin parade, Sydney, and The Great Barrier Reef!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Exploring the city was always really fun to do and I loved trying new food!
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
The accommodation was small but I never really spent much time in my room other than sleeping! The best thing about the accommodation was the student liaison, if you had any problems with your room you could go to her!
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Melbournians work hard and play harder.
What was the hardest part about doing an internship abroad?
The hardest part for me was worrying about if I would make any friends. I'm a very social person and I couldn't imagine not having someone to hangout with for 8 weeks. With the Intern Group, you have a bunch of other people in your group that are feeling the exact same way. In the end it was nothing to worry about, my group became very close and we tried to do stuff together every weekend.
Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef
What surprised you most about Melbourne?
I expected Melbourne to be just like any other city, everyone rushing by and not having time to help you if you're lost. Man was I wrong! People were rushing by but if you stopped and asked someone where something was they were super friendly and tried to help you out the best they could!
What is one thing you wish you would have known before doing an internship abroad in Australia?
As stupid as it sounds I wish I wouldn't have doubted the weather. When I thought of Australia, I thought of beaches, kangaroos, and sunny days. It gets cold during a Melbourne winter, there isn't snow unless you go to the mountains but it's enough to not want to freely walk around!
If you could intern abroad again, where would you go?
I would have no trouble going back to Melbourne, but I would truly enjoy a different spot with the Intern Group. They're always adding new locations!
What do you feel the biggest benefit of doing an internship abroad is?
Going abroad makes you a lot more responsible and puts you outside of your comfort zone. It also helps you become more aware of the culture in other places!
Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to Melbourne?
Pack a lot of basics, while you're there you're going to want to shop, don't be an idiot like me and not have enough room for everything!
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I'm able to see the bigger picture now. If you live in The States you never really know what's going on in the rest of the world, I'm much more aware now!
Would you recommend The Intern Group to others? Why?
Yes! I had such an amazing time and I suggest that everyone should think about going abroad, you'll never regret it.
