Community Internship
You have chosen to put your skills and University theory to the test by enrolling in an international community internship. We have mutually agreed goals of achieving strong learning outcomes and best practice for Australian students and academics whilst working to build the capacity of developing communities and local organisations on small-scale projects.
Our internships provide communities and organisations in Asia with opportunity to engage with skilled students while providing students with practical work integrated learning experiences and a cultural immersion they would unlikely gain on the ground in Australia. Our programs are fully supported with orientation, off the beaten track sightseeing, ticking off all the major ‘must dos’ and attractions, plus local experiences to reinforce our commitment to responsible travel through food, shopping and cultural tours all while making new friends.
Approved University provider
Real world projects to solve
Industry sectors including disabilities, education, environmental management, human rights, textiles and design, women’s empowerment and youth work
About the program
Working with a non-government organisation (NGO) or in a community service environment allows students the opportunity to not only learn how community-based organisations operate but also enables students to provide additional support using individual skills and knowledge on hands on programs. Throughout the internship students work in multi-disciplinary teams that create a holistic learning environment all while working to achieve common goals and facilitate community service program management, planning and delivery.
Learning
outcomes of this program
Developing soft skills are imperative for graduates to build their skills and enhance employability. More than 4 in 5 Australian students say their short-term international study experience has had a positive impact on their employability, according to this report published by IEAA.
Our placements are designed to place students on sites and in situations where they can meet learning outcomes and develop the following skills to add value to their degree:
- Cross Cultural Communication Skills
- Project Management
- Teamwork and Peer Learning
- Problem Solving
- Critical and Creative Thinking
- Inter-professional Learning
- Working through Interpreters
- Time Management
- Leadership, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Skills
- Resourcefulness
Destinations
Click on an option below to find out more.
Cambodia
The Nineteen Degrees community internship program in Cambodia enables students to immerse themselves in local Khmer (Cambodian) culture through working within a local NGO or community organisation. Students will work closely with staff in these grassroots community organisations on a project which will give them a true understanding of community development, sustainability and problem solving in a developing country. The program is located primarily in the main city of Siem Reap, the home of Angkor Wat as well as regional trips to smaller regional and tourism hubs.
India
Our longest running program is our community internship program in India which provides an interprofessional student team with exposure and insight into development work with India’s most vulnerable populations. The program commences in the capital Delhi allowing for sightseeing to the famous attractions followed by students completing their internship in Dehradun at the foothills of the Himalayas at amazing organisations including Latika Roy Foundation, Purkal Youth Development Society, Purkal Stree Shakti Samiti and Waste Warriors. The placement combines visits to institutions and organisations with discussion and reflection on contemporary thinking around community development with a chance to work alongside a local social enterprise and complete a short project.
Thailand
Nineteen Degrees collaborates with Thai businesses, NGOs, human Nineteen Degrees collaborates with Thai NGOs, social justice and community based organisations on an internship program to develop the intercultural, philanthropic, creative and communication skills of students. This program is focused on human rights and will introduce students to organisations doing amazing work in the fields of human trafficking, domestic violence, women’s empowerment, children’s rights, legal access and international development. The program is located in the Northern city of Chiang Mai, home to stunning mountains, hill tribe villages, fair trade cafes, markets and tasty cuisine!
Itinerary
Each itinerary we create is a bespoke experience tailored to each University’s requirements. Below is a sample of what you can expect to encounter on a Nineteen Degrees program.
01
Week 1: Arrival, Welcome & Orientation, Introduction to Culture, Community Site Visits, Language Classes & Sightseeing, Introduction to NGO or Community Organisation and their staff, Project Planning
02
Week 2: Commencing Internship, Project Research, Outline and Delivery, Conducting Education Sessions & Daily Debriefs
03
Week 3: Continuing Internship, Education Sessions, Daily Debriefs, Present Findings to organisation staff before farewells and departure
“It has been hard work to get these projects completed on time but seeing the appreciation and positive reactions from students and teachers alike made it worth it and we would all happily do it again in a heartbeat.”
- Lincoln Maitland-Smith.
Bachelor of Psychological Science & Business, Griffith University
Frequently Asked Questions
Nineteen Degrees classify themselves as a social enterprise, what is that?
In the absence of a formal legal definition, Social Traders Australia has worked with Professor Jo Barraket, Director of the Centre for Social Impact - Swinburne University to develop a definition of Social Enterprise, which is consistent with international definitions. Social Enterprise has four key pillars. In the company’s eyes, social enterprises are organisations that:
- are led by an economic, social, cultural, or environmental mission consistent with a public or community benefit;
- trade to fulfil that mission;
- derive a substantial portion of their income from trade; and
- reinvest the majority of their profit/surplus in the fulfillment of their mission.
Does this program receive academic credit?
Yes, all of our programs are designed in partnership with a University faculty or school according to their requirements and the desired learning outcomes.
What is the application process for students?
Each University has their own set requirements; however, the majority of programs require students to complete a detailed Expression of Interest form, meet academic and subject criteria then participate in an interview before they are accepted onto a program. Please contact your Global Mobility office for further information.
How did you choose the partner NGO and community organisations for the community internship?
The organisations that we partner with have taken many years to develop. We ensure that each partnership we create has aligned values and that they are able to offer a satisfying experience for students.
Why choose Cambodia?
A few weeks on placement in Cambodia will allow you to work hands-on in your chosen discipline whilst getting to grips with Cambodian culture, its people and complexities.
How do you select your in-country partners?
The majority of our in-country partners have been selected after years of working together. These relationships are based on trust, consistency and mutual respect. Prior to signing a contractual agreement with our in-country partners we ensure that they are willing to follow our code of conduct.
Can I apply as an individual student on one of your programs?
All of our programs are group-led tailor made programs so unfortunately, we don’t take individual students directly.
Why should I be interested in your program(s)?
Our programs provide a unique opportunity for students to increase their professional development, gain clinical experience in a culturally diverse setting as well as improving their cross-cultural communication competencies and project management skills.