UNAIR NEWS – One of the golden opportunities students in college is take part in internships abroad. Universitas Airlangga Library, in this case, Ngobras (relaxed chat) activity shares experiences regarding inbound and outbound training for Universitas Airlangga and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Malaysia students.
The casual chat on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, presented four speakers from Information and Library Science FISIP UNAIR and three students from UiTM Malaysia. On that occasion, they shared their experiences during internships outside their country.
“During our internship at UiTM, we gained a lot of experience. One of the things that impressed us was that we could print any books we wish at the Library Archive Unit. We also do community service, such as in orphanages and in schools. We also introduced the UNAIR Library in one of the schools there,” said the IIP FISIP UNAIR student.
The international internship is one of the programs of the Department of Information and Library Science (IIP). The internship program is a form of collaboration between Universitas Airlangga and Universiti Teknologi MARA. The internship lasts for three months, one month online, and the next two months offline.
“We got information about the internship from the department. For costs and other needs, we use personal funds, but you can submit a proposal to the faculty to get funding,” said the IIP FISIP UNAIR student.
Intern tips
The four FISIP UNAIR students also shared their tips for participating in internships abroad. First, keep looking for internship information. Internship information can be obtained on the department’s social media or from friends and lecturers. Second, if you have committed to an internship abroad, carry out the activity with full responsibility. Third, expand relations abroad and explore your own abilities to be able to contribute to internships. Finally, you need to be mentally strong.
In addition, the three UiTM students who had the opportunity to take part in an internship at the UNAIR Library also shared their stories while in Indonesia. They want to take part in the internship because they want to gain new experience to bring back to their country.
“A memorable experience for us was participating and being a teaching staff in library classes, participating in activities in Bali, and also being surrounded by good library people,” said the UiTM student.
They also give advice for taking part in internships or student exchanges abroad: you have to be mentally and physically prepared because you will be away from your family. Friends of the same country must also be considered siblings and help each other. In addition, take advantage of the opportunities that exist to gain experience. (*)
Author: Nova Dwi Pamungkas
Editor: Binti Q Masruroh
