Jack Eather, a final-year International Relations student at the University of Queensland, saw his academic and professional journey take a transformative turn thanks to an internship in Thailand through Next Step Connections.
His experience wasn’t just about building a resume – it ended up reshaping his career ambitions, introduced him to life-changing friendships, and offered a deep dive into international affairs and environmental policy.
Jack shared his story with the team at Next Step Connections, and it’s a powerful reminder of how global internships can open doors that traditional academic paths often overlook.
When Jack first came across the opportunity with Next Step Connections, it was almost serendipitous. “I found out about the program after sifting through the university’s Global Experiences page,” he recalled. He fell in love with Thailand after backpacking through the country the summer before, so Jack jumped at the chance to return, this time with his future in mind.
His participation was made possible thanks to the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant enabled by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
“The grant is specifically for students who are completing an international or educational experience in Asia and actually covered the full cost of the Next Step Connections program,” Jack said.
Cost is often the biggest obstacle for students considering studying abroad. In fact, studies have shown over and again that many students who want to study abroad don’t, simply because it’s just too expensive. Programs like the New Colombo Plan are specifically designed to eliminate these barriers, a clear reminder that funding can make all the difference for these types of experiential learning opportunities to be accessible to a broader range of students to ensure intercultural studies in a highly globalized and fast-paced world.
Jack’s internship placed him squarely in the Energy Transition sector, a field directly connected to his academic interests in environmental policy. “I was focusing on analyzing the Bangladesh Climate and Development Platform, looking for ways to assist other lower-income countries to set up financing mechanisms to support infrastructure,” Jack explained. This hands-on work wasn’t just another bullet point on his CV – it connected his academic studies to practical, real-world applications.
Next Step Connections was essential in helping Jack connect with an internship he would get the most from. “Without [their] help, I doubt that I would have been able to find an opportunity that was so aligned with my degree and interests,” Jack said.
Still, Jack believes that universities could do more to promote these kinds of opportunities. “I think more universities should promote this experience as the exposure and growth is something that I probably wouldn’t have experienced for years after graduating if I didn’t participate,” Jack emphasized.
There is data to back this up. A report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) showed that students who participate in international internships are 20% more likely to secure employment within six months of graduation compared to their peers who don’t. Yet, only a small percentage of students are aware of these programs, and even fewer universities actively promote them. Institutions that do invest in marketing study-abroad opportunities see much higher participation rates, which in turn boosts student employability and strengthens their global networks.
Many studies show how internships, particularly those abroad, enhance both academic and career trajectories. According to the QS Global Skills Gap Report, over 50% of employers believe that recent graduates lack key skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and cultural adaptability – all of which are emphasized in international internships. For Jack, this was more than just theory. By contributing to the Energy Transition sector and interacting with global stakeholders, he was able to expand his knowledge beyond textbooks.
One of the most impactful aspects of Jack’s experience was the mentorship he received. In his final week at Empacte, Jack presented his research findings to energy professionals in Bangkok. “It was the first time I had presented my work to industry professionals outside of university,” Jack shared. “I am so grateful for my mentor Hanh who pushed me to succeed in this, without her constant support, I wouldn’t have been able to do it,” he said.
Beyond professional development, Jack’s internship in Thailand offered him a rich experience immersing himself in another culture. “I made the most incredible friends through the internship program, who I am still in touch with today!” he said. These personal connections were fostered during weekend trips to local villages, where Jack had the opportunity to practice his Thai language skills.
Study abroad programs often emphasize the value of cultural immersion, not just for personal enrichment but for building essential soft skills. A recent survey from the Institute of International Education found that 90% of students who studied abroad reported an increase in cultural awareness and global perspective, skills highly valued in today’s interconnected world.
Jack’s experience with Next Step Connections didn’t just shape his professional outlook – it expanded his horizons in ways he didn’t anticipate. “I have a whole new outlook on my career now, and I feel that the experience has opened my eyes to all of the possibilities that are actually out there,” Jack shared. His advice for students considering a similar path?
“Don’t hesitate. If you are an Australian university student, there is funding available that could potentially cover your entire fees – why wouldn’t you go?”
For Jack, the connections, both personal and professional, he forged through the program have already started to influence his career trajectory. “The industry connections that I made during this experience have already helped me in ways that I couldn’t have even imagined,” he said.
Jack’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact of global experiences. Through a combination of professional mentorship, cultural immersion, and financial support, Jack found career direction and built lifelong friendships. This underscores the importance of universities actively promoting these opportunities to ensure more students have the chance to explore the world while gaining essential skills.
It’s “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet incredible people, have an insane cultural experience, and find career direction that isn’t available while staying in your home country,” he sums up.
