Why did you decide to do your internship in Australia?

I was born in Australia to Mexican parents and move back to Mexico when I was 3 years old. I always wanted to come back so I figured this would be a perfect time.

What made this experience unique and special?

I think its the people that I've gotten the chance to meet, everyone has taught me something different. Being able to talk and hang out with people from so many different nationalities really gives you a different perspective on things.

How has this experience impacted your future?

Well personally I think I've grown a lot, I think living by myself and being completely responsible for everything will do that to you. Professionally I think I have really improved my skills, especially being faster and more organized in the kitchen.

What was the highlight of your experience?

Well, it would have to be the people I've met, and everything they have taught me. Either if they helped me in the kitchen or outside of work, that experience will be with me for the rest of my career.

What advice you would offer someone considering interning abroad in Australia?

I would definitely tell them to do it. And I would advise them to meet as many people as they can, and work as hard as they can so that they can make the most of the experience.

Why did you choose to complete an Internship?

After I had completed my studies I wanted to improve my skills in the field in a foreign country with a multicultural society and I believe every new working venue will help me to develop new abilities. Another reason is that nowadays most of the employers are looking for employees with strong CV and I know mine will be strengthen with this internship. 

What have you learned the most during your internship?

Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world. In the hotel I work there are chefs from India, Philippines, Nepal and other nationalities which gave me a chance to learn their food culture as well as the their technique. I have also learnt new cooking techniques and improved my current culinary skills.

What benefits do you feel AI contributed to your internship and time in Australia?

AI was part of the process all the time. My questions, even the most ridiculous ones, were answered by them any time I have sent them an e-mail. During my internship period the letters they sent me and the discounts which have been provided by them to certain companies made my stay more comfortable.

What advice would you give future interns?

The first month of the internship will be an adapting period with lots of homesickness. It will be better for future interns to go out, try to make new friends which will improve their view of life. For the working purposes, I would suggest them try to learn as much as they can, ask questions all the time and take notes or take photos of what they do if they are allowed to use their mobile phone. Do not think that Australia is always hot. Try to bring some winter clothes with you too.

What do you enjoy most about Australia?

I love the society of Australia. As a metropolitan city Sydney is a big city, which politeness is not expected for crowded city people. However Sydneysiders are kind really helpful to foreigners. I also like the scenic beauties of Australia with beaches, mountains are fascinating. It is easy to reach to those scenes by public transport.

Why did you choose to complete an Internship?

Whether an internship is paid, for academic credit, unpaid or not-for-credit, it doesn't change its value. For me, Internships are an investment in my future. By doing an internship I gain real world experience, it gives me the opportunity to gain hands-on training in a professional environment. It also gives me the opportunity to expand my networking, which is so important in the hospitality industry.  I can also learn how to communicate in a professional way. Completing an Internship will help me to build my resume and make it even stronger because employers are much more likely to hire someone with internships and work experience rather than someone with a generic resume or lacking experience.     

What have you learned the most during your internship?

Time management is the most important thing that I have learned during my internship. I have learned how important time management is in the real world, how every minute counts and worth the penny. By knowing how to manage my time, I feel that I can be more efficient in my workplace. I also learned about teamwork, where teamwork is a crucial thing in food and beverage industry. When we work together as a good team, we will achieve a good result from the customers, and when there is a happy customer, it will just simply makes me happy and make my day.

What benefits do you feel AI contributed to your internship and time in Australia?

AI is really helpful to my internship and my time in Australia. They always helped me and gave me support from the beginning until the end of the internship program.  Australian Internships also helped me to keep on the right track, they always give me a better solution for every problem. For me, chose AI for my internship career in Australia was the best choice that I've ever made because they really find the best workplace for me as well. By came along to do my internship from AI, it gave me a chance to be trained as a leader and supervisor which is good for my future career.

 What advice would you give future interns?

Make friends as much as you can, travel every site of Australia, and don't forget to learn about the history! While you're in Australia, you have to make lots of friends and learn about their cultures either from Australians or any foreigner. Every single city in Australia has different things to see! From the buildings, the weather, and also the lifestyle. Then the history, this is a must thing to know and learn! I learned so many histories about Australia from the history of Aboriginal people until the famous Australian bushranger, Ned Kelly! Last but not least, don't you forget to try Vegemite!

What do you enjoy most about Australia?

I could say that traveling is one of my passions. I love to see different things and this is what I like about Australia! Australia offers me so many new things to see and experience. As I am working on the beautiful island called Moreton Island which is the 3rd largest sand island in the world, it gives me an unforgettable experience, and I am really in love with the beaches. I became friends with so many people from different nationalities and Australia just simply gives me a whole new perspective about everything! I also love the diversity in Australia, where everyone always respects each other's culture. I could say that Australia is my favourite country so far!

“I decided to come to Australia because Australia is a tourism country, so there are many opportunities to improve my skills & knowledge especially on my field – Hospitality. With this internship experience, I could develop my career and also have new knowledge about managing 5 star hotels. 
My advice for future interns is: be confident, take your time and reach your experience and knowledge for achieve the best future.”
 

"I've been an intern before, this was my second time. First time was in the US and while I had made so many good memories there, being an intern in Australia was a different one as this is where I could say I've actually learned real lessons. This is where I've learned that I can be a leader and manage shifts and fellow staff. I have learned so much from developing my leadership skills, coffee skills, and bartending skills and also learning a better sense and knowledge of the Food and Beverage department.

I would definitely recommend anyone who had just graduated from UNI to have an internship first before finally going out to the world and finding their own spot in the industry. Truly life changing. Over all, my experience in Australia has been amazing. People are friendly, places are just beautiful and there are just diverse cuisines everywhere!"

"I decided to go to Australia to broaden my knowledge in the culinary field. The diverse culture has helped me be knowledgeable to other cuisines aside my own. I was able to taste different kinds of food and experience various cooking skills that are not common to my country. However, my stay here was not only beneficial to my career but it has also led me to discover myself- my strengths and my weaknesses. Leaving my comfort zone has made me independent and resilient, a person who is now ready to face challenges that will come her way. And for that, I am very grateful. My advice to the future interns is to be involved- do things beyond your assigned task and observe and always ask questions. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn as much as you can from the talented people around you."

"Australia is just a place that I've been dreaming of. Who would have thought through this internship I was given a chance to chase and aim one of my dreams. I found my second home through the help of Australian Internships who patiently helps and assists me for this wonderful internship. I am so lucky that I was placed in a company where I can have an extended family, who treats me not just an ordinary team but also one of their family member. This internship broadens my experience especially in Hospitality, my chosen profession that taught me how to become more confident to handle different type of situations. Be stronger to face difficulties. Being wise in terms of decision-making. Being independent to live and be able to stand for myself. And lastly, how to respect each and everyone despite their differences. This program helps me to travel and explore Australia too, aside from gaining my international experience in so many ways you also have a privilege to see the beauty of Australia."

"Deciding to do Internship in Australia is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. It taught me how to embrace, respect and appreciate everyone's culture. It made me realize the value of intercultural exchange. Going to a different country without knowing someone is a challenge, I became independent, strong and wise on the decisions I make. Leaving the Philippines for a year is like me leaving in my comfort zone. I told myself If I want to be successful, I need to leave my comfort zone and take a risk. If I want to be better than average, I need to get out of my comfort zone. Rewards are most often determined by the risk that we take.
I am just so lucky that I choose Australian Internships because they are known for providing the highest quality programs and services. And I am proud I made the right decision. It became one of my major support systems during my stay in Australia. When I saw the training plan that was created for my program, I became more excited. I can tell how much they really want us to learn from the food and beverage skills and It was crafted to the very specific details. With one year of internship, I consider this as one of my adventures. I love doing something I’ve never done and going somewhere I’ve never been. I have a positive approach to new experiences. I am excited about growing, learning, and improving myself. Adventure is fun because it gives us promise and hope. It promises new things and it gives us hope of becoming a better person from those experiences."

"This internship has impacted my present and future in so many ways. It made me grow with integrity, knowing that this is when you make good and take actions even if there’s nobody watching you. It made more mature as I became independent. I learned to do everything by myself: living alone, travelling on my own, etc...
My co-workers at the restaurant were really nice and we worked as a good team. My supervisors Monica and Dexter were wonderful examples to follow. They are great leaders and individuals, always guiding me to the correct path; they provided confidence and support, very professional. The head chef Pablo was also very approachable, professional and supportive."