The Griffith Asia Business Internship program (GABI) has been awarded over $200,000 in New Columbo Plan funding for 2022, providing a new round of Griffith University students the opportunity to engage with Australia’s neighbourhood through international internship opportunities in seven different locations.
The GABI program is hosted by the Griffith Asia Institute, jumpstarting students’ careers and forging professional connections through remote and in-country internships.
This year, internships will be offered in locations including Fiji, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and China.
Internships are an excellent way to foster Asia-literacy and forge long lasting connections within the region.
In Trimester 3, 2021, 40 students engaged with the Asia-Pacific region online through the program.
Willow Perhouse, a Bachelor of Asian Studies student, recently completed her 6-week internship with Austcham Korea through the GABI program.
“It was a pleasure to work alongside the AustCham Korea team and learn more about their role in Australia-Korea bilateral ties, especially during such a momentous celebration – that is the 60th anniversary of Australia and Korea working together diplomatically,” she said.
“I have learnt many new skills and made lots of valuable connections during my time interning with AustCham Korea.”
Dr Andrea Haefner, the lead of the GABI program, said in an increasingly connected world, it was more important than ever for students to bolster their ability to work in dynamic workplaces and across cultural and language lines.
“The program helps student develop their knowledge and skillset and aids in establishing their network to navigate and thrive in Asia all the while enhancing their employability outcomes,” Dr Haefner said.
The GABI team is hopeful of facilitating in-country internships for the first time since the pandemic began in 2022, after two successful years of remote internships.
Applications for Trimester 3, 2022 will open in early Trimester 1, 2022.
For more information on GABI, please go to: www.griffith.edu.au/asia-institute/global-wil-internships or contact [email protected].