Arcadia Australia

Considering an Internship in Australia? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!

On this post, we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions from students exploring Arcadia’s internship program in Australia. Whether you’re wondering about the type of businesses we partner with, time commitments, or how placements align with your academic goals, this FAQ covers it all. Dive in to find helpful insights on preparing for an incredible professional experience abroad!

What is the time commitment required If I want to do an internship in Australia?
Internships in Sydney do demand considerable time commitment, which can make it challenging to find a balance while exploring Australia. It is two full days over 14-15 weeks, so balance is essential.

Am I getting credits for the internship?

Yes you can, although you must confirm your homeschool accepts to transfer the credits for the  Arcadia Internship. If that’s the case, you will receive 4 credits for the Semester internship (Course code SYDI INPR 310) and 3 credits for the Summer internship program (Course code SYDI INPR 210)

What type of experience can I expect?
The Internship will provide you working experience in an Australian business, learning attributes specific to your placement area and an immersion into a different culture. You need to consider what experience you are looking for in a specific field and  do you want to align it with your potential career aspirations or academic studies? Consider both the environment and the potential career growth.

What Type of Businesses Are Available for Internships?

While we aim to partner with large corporations and multinationals in certain fields, it’s often challenging to place international students in these companies due to specific visa or academic requirements. Larger companies tend to recruit mostly postgraduate students with 1-2 years of work experience or even only Australian citizens on longer Internship experiences

Therefore, we tend to partner with smaller, local organizations where you can gain valuable hands-on experience and have a deeper, more personalized learning opportunity. These placements offer an excellent chance to develop meaningful skills in a close-knit environment.

Are internships paid?
Arcadia Australia internships are unpaid, as they are integrated into your academic program. For further information, you can check the link below from the Fair Work Ombudsman who is the official compliance workplace regulator in Australia.

What if my position isn’t a fit? Can I change the business placement?
If you feel your internship isn't the right fit, it’s best to communicate early. While it’s not possible to change companies once you start, Arcadia offers support to ensure you have a valuable experience. To avoid this situation, we encourage you to prepare thoroughly for your initial interview with the company—research the organization and gather as much information as possible about what they can offer. This will help ensure the internship aligns with your expectations and goals.

How do I get to my internship?
Most students use public transport in Sydney, and we’ll help you formulate the best route to your placement. Also, keep in mind that Sydney is a large city and commuting from your residence to the work placement (often during peak travel times) may take a while. You should plan your travel schedule accordingly.

What is the timeline of internships?
For the Semester Internships, you are committed to 16-18 hours per week over 15 weeks. Once you organize your class schedule at your partner institution, you can then organize your Internship hours/days around these classes, ensuring your placement contact is happy with these times (they are usually extremely flexible). For summer interns, the commitment is generally around 24-30 hours per week over a 6-week period.

Are internships face-to-face or online?

Most internships in Sydney are face-to-face, offering students an immersive experience in the local work environment. This allows for hands-on learning, direct mentorship, and networking opportunities within the city. However, depending on the industry and specific placement, some online options might be available, allowing for flexibility in certain circumstances. Face-to-face placements are generally preferred to maximize cultural and professional exposure, especially since students are only here for a few months.

How is my success measured?
Your performance will be evaluated based on feedback from your host company, as well as the reflections and assessment related to the academic component of the internship.

Do I have to do internship work after hours?
While you are not expected to work outside of your internship hours you might be asked for help and assistance at events, conferences and any other job related task. However, managing deadlines and coursework alongside the internship is part of the challenge.

Will there be other interns?
Many companies host multiple interns, so you may have the chance to work alongside other students from Arcadia or different universities.

Will I have to work weekends? Am I entitled to ask for free time?
Internships are typically weekdays only, allowing your weekends to be free for you to explore and relax. If you are planning to travel, you do have one mid-Semester break allocated at your University, where you will have a week off to explore Australia or even neighboring countries.

However, if you travel during this mid-Semester break, you will be requested to catch up on the hours missed to ensure you can complete the 240 hours of the program.

Can I add this to my resume?
Absolutely! Your internship experience is a valuable addition to your resume and can give you a competitive edge in job applications and your future career. Students are also encouraged to ask for Linkedin references from their internship supervisors.