STUDY ABROAD
My one-month internship in Malaysia was a journey of cultural immersion, personal growth, and unexpected leadership opportunities. Within the diverse group of 14 interns from Australian Universities (including 3 from the University of Technology Sydney, 6 from Swinburne University, and 5 from Deakin University) I found myself not only striving for inclusivity but also naturally embracing a leadership role.
Despite our different backgrounds and the fact that no one knew anyone else prior to commencing our internships, I was determined to ensure that everyone felt a sense of belonging from the beginning. This entailed reaching out and speaking with everyone individually on our first day, and then creating a group chat on WhatsApp to ensure that everyone was included in group discussions. I recognised that a few of the other interns had not had an opportunity to travel internationally before, and were lacking in confidence in terms of contributing to the group. I actively connected with theses interns, helping them find opportunities to share their thoughts and engage in conversations. One particular example that stands out was a fellow intern who was initially hesitant about suggesting tourist attractions that may be interesting to visit due to her lack of travel experience. By engaging in a one-on-one conversation and taking the time to listen to her concerns, I was able to empathise with her apprehensions and encourage her to express herself. This allowed her to feel valued and build her confidence, thus fostering a positive environment where she felt comfortable enough to suggest we visit Batu Caves during our first weekend, an activity the group keenly participated in and enjoyed.
As the days passed, my role as a leader within the group evolved naturally. Although we were busy during weekdays due to our internships at various organisations, I was committed to making sure that we made the most of our time in Malaysia after work and on weekends. While planning group activities I focused on choices that would accommodate as many preferences as possible, which required a balance between the ideas of individuals and the dynamics of the group. Our weekends involved fun trips to places like Melaka and Langkawi, fostering friendships within the group whilst offering us insights into the vibrant Malaysian culture. Additionally, we explored various after-work tourist attractions such as night markets and visited iconic landmarks like the KL Tower. Providing direction for the planning of activities had a positive influence on the well-being of the other interns as I helped create a sense of shared ownership within the group. This approach not only empowered others to contribute ideas but also allowed us to explore various parts of Malaysia, maximising our time and ensuring that each day was filled with meaningful experiences.
However, there were times when I recognised that encouraging people to step outside of their comfort zones wasn't the right choice. During an outing to an ATV Adventure Park, a new experience for everyone involved, one of the interns who had been enthusiastic beforehand became visibly nervous. As we prepared for the activity, I observed his discomfort during the practice ride on a small track. I approached him and inquired whether he was ok, and we moved away from the rest of the group to engage in a quiet conversation. When he expressed uncertainty about the ride I addressed his fears, talking through his concerns whilst emphasising the importance of his comfort and safety. Ultimately he decided not to proceed with the activity, revealing to me that he felt relieved that he had the space to voice his concerns without embarrassment or fear of judgement. This incident highlighted the significance of recognising when not to push or encourage someone to participate in an activity, and the importance of providing a safe environment for individuals to make their own decisions.
On a personal level, this experience became more about self-discovery than I was anticipating. As I navigated unfamiliar environments and engaged with people from diverse backgrounds I became more aware of my strengths, limitations, and capacity to adapt. This newfound self-awareness allowed me to approach everyday challenges with a sense of resilience and an open mind. My internship also reinforced the notion that leadership exceeds formal roles and titles, and is more about the positive influence one can have by fostering inclusivity and helping people find the space to express themselves. As I look back on this journey I am filled with gratitude for the unforeseen leadership opportunities that helped me to develop as an individual.
