UniBreak

Frequently Asked Questions

We have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about the UniBreak Internship program here. If your question is not answered, please contact us via email or phone and we will be pleased to assist you with your inquiry.

Email : internships@antipodeans.com.au
Calling within NSW
Phone : 02 9413 1522
Freecall from outside NSW
Phone : 1800 50 20 14

What is the idea behind the UniBreak Internship program?
An internship is a specialist period of training within a local or multi-national company in the destination of your choice. You will be given the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals in a supervised environment. More and more young people are looking to gain professional experience in their chosen industry overseas to add value to their resume and to stand out from the crowd. An internship allows you to do so in a safe and structured way and gives you access to a huge array of industries and destinations. Students can gain exposure to the chosen profession with the knowledge that they will have back up and support during their internship.

Will I be paid?
Internships in developing countries are generally unpaid.

What happens if you can't find me an internship?
In the event that an internship cannot be found the initial deposit of $500 will be returned to the student. A non-refundable administration amount of $250 will also be retained if the student does not accept the secured internship.

When are the intakes for the Internship Program?
Internships are generally available during university semester breaks in mid-year and particularly over the Christmas holiday period.

In which countries are the Internships available?
Internships are available in numerous developing countries. Please access the Destinations pages on the website for more information as this is always changing and being expanded.

What areas of work are internships available in?
Internships are available in a variety of areas and industries in most of our destinations. These generally fall in to two ares - business and social development. Some of the more popular placements are in Marketing, Advertising, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Media and Journalism, IT, Engineering, Medical Clinics and Nursing, Education, Social Work, Womens' Groups, Orphanage Work and International Development.

Who does an internship?
University undergraduates and recent graduates looking to build on their studies with an overseas professional experience, improve their language skills or gain academic credit for their internship overseas. An internship is appealing to anyone looking for personal and professional development while enjoying the uniqueness of an interesting destination.

How long do I go for?
Internships can be for between two to three months, depending on the availability and visa requirements in your chosen destination.

What do I need to do to apply?
Students need to send their Interview Request Form that is available to download from the website, along with their resume, personal statement and two references. For assistance with completing and creating these documents please refer to the sample resume on our website and seek advice from your university’s career centre. To apply for an interview you must submit all the relevant documentation. Students should aim to make this look as professional as possible as this information will be forwarded to potential companies. Free support services are provided by your university’s careers centres for students to help you write a resume, a personal statement, approach people for references and conduct yourself during an interview.

What happens once I have my interview?
Following a successful interview, you will be sent an Acceptance Letter accompanied with a Booking Form which should be completed and returned along with a 1st instalment of $500 to secure your place in the program. This contributes towards the final cost of the internship. Antipodeans Abroad will then begin the search with our in-country agents to find and tailor make an internship placement for the student. This process may take some weeks.

When do I find out about the placement?
Upon success of securing a suitable internship you will be sent an official Sign-Up Letter and details of the placement, company and location. An invoice outlining the remaining payment schedule will also be attached. A further two instalments will follow as required by the payment schedule and the final balance is due 60 days prior to departure. From this point onwards students will commence the preparation process.

What about flights?
You will be provided with suggested flights prior to departure that have been arranged at a competitive cost by our representative at Student Flights.

What about travel insurance?
Travel insurance that covers emergency medical and associated travel costs is mandatory on all our journeys. This is to cover doctors, hospitalisation and transport costs that may occur in an emergency overseas.

Antipodeans Abroad offers insurance to all travellers through Cover-More at an additional cost. Please contact us for further assistance and for a quote. We can provide you with an enrolment form to be completed and returned with your payment if you decide to take out Cover-More travel insurance with us at a competitive cost.

You may have an alternative travel insurance policy in which case please ensure that you provide us with a policy number and a 24-hour emergency assistance number.

Do you have a destination information package?
As part of the pre-departure briefing we'll give you a detailed UniBreak Internship Handbook which will contain all the information you'll need about the country you'll be living in, the internship placement you'll be participating in, visas, medical and health information, equipment lists, money and communications and lots of other useful information to help you on your way.

Can I travel after the placement?
You can certainly arrange your own independent travel after the internship.

How do I raise the funds for the placement?
We can give you a comprehensive fund-raising pack with plenty of ideas, the most important of which is to approach your university for funding, get a part-time job and start saving.

What happens if I get sick?
Your In-country Agent will be on 24 hour back-up to provide any support you need. Most of the local towns have basic hospitals and for anything more major you will be taken to a city. You will be fully insured under your mandatory travel and medical policy, which must also provide for medivac in the case of emergency.

Where will I stay?
In most destinations we will provide you with accommodation for at least the first month. Our In-country Agent will assist you to find accommodation for the remainder of your internship.

Will I get homesick?
It's quite natural for people to become homesick but it's not something that should worry you unduly. You will learn to appreciate your own home and family more by being away from them. You can always take comfort from the fact that you will be returning home in a short while.