Brisbane businesses looking to expand their international horizons and students wanting a uniquely Australian experience can now apply for Brisbane City Council’s 2024 International Internship Program.
Council says the program will see Brisbane businesses host domestic students with multicultural backgrounds or international students from Brisbane’s sister cities on a four-week paid placement subsidised by Council.
Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said the program was a fantastic opportunity for students and businesses alike.
“Brisbane is Australia’s most business-friendly destination and our International Internship Program aims to support our city’s growing economy through creating opportunities for business,” he said.
“Local and international students will grow their industry experience and build professional portfolios, while businesses are supported financially through the program with Council subsiding 50% of the internship wage.
“As Brisbane continues to grow, these international opportunities are crucial for business owners wanting to expand their organisational reach abroad with fantastic young professionals.”
Student applicants from various disciplines will be matched with the most relevant host business applicants based on their skill sets and requirements.
Disciplines include aviation, digital and technology, education and training, health and aged care, media, professional services, tourism and hospitality, and trade and investment development.
Former host business Outsource Institute’s Managing Director, Stephen Love said the company’s participation in the program was a transformative experience.
“Our intern, Aisyah, brought her expertise in supporting diverse learners to provide disability and inclusivity training to our international engineering students and staff,” he said.
“Aisyah’s dedication and valuable insights have led us to integrate this training into our ongoing induction processes, creating a more inclusive workplace.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of Brisbane City Council’s International Internship Program, connecting us with talented individuals like Aisyah to help us grow globally.”
Successful intern Aisyah Ardani, from Semarang, Indonesia, said she was able to experience an authentic working environment in Australia.
“I was supervised by a fantastic mentor and got the opportunity to expand my network,” she said.
“This internship program also helped me to contextualize what I learned into practice while getting paid.
“This is a life-changing experience you don’t want to miss.”
Expressions of interest are open via www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and by searching ‘International Internship Program’.
