International Internship
DESCRIPTION
CESASS’s internship program provides international undergraduate/postgraduate/graduate opportunities to gain academic and practical experience about Southeast Asia. The internship program offers international students with activities to understand more about Southeast Asia from a regional perspective. This program enables interns to network with researchers, experts, and students from the region and beyond.
DETAILS
The internship provides students the opportunity to:
- Gain practical experience within the academic environment in Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia.
- Experience both the academic and social life in Indonesia.
- Apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a work setting
- Develop a greater understanding about career options
- Develop and refine oral, and written communication skills
- Identify areas for future knowledge and skill development
Regular
Year-round registration
Affiliation Internship
Year-round registration through affiliated institution
Can be personalized (minimum one month internship)
Institutional fee depends on the activities
Available for transfer credit
- Internship certificate
- Insights on Southeast Asia (sharing session from affiliated researchers and/or native people within Southeast Asia countries)
- Network with researchers and experts in Southeast Asia social studies
- Skill on practicing research and writing research.
- Consultation of research/thesis with the researchers and experts
Regular (join the internship based on personal initiative)
- Fill in the attendance list/logbook everyday ((±3 hours work or ±15 hours per week)
- Join the Research Method and Academic writing class (2 times)
- Write an academic essay, submitted at the end of the internship
- Involved in CESASS’ activities such as CESASS Chat, Sharing Session and individual activities
- Present a topic of interest in the CESASS Chat.
- Maintain cleanliness and comfort at the office
Note: Designated activities depends on the credit or desired output of internship
Affiliation (join the internship officially sent by the home affiliation)
- Designated activities depends on the agreement between two institution
- Have interest in Southeast Asian social studies
- Open to get along and work together in teams
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Copy/scan of passport
- Portfolio (if any)
Send all the required documents via email to pssat@ugm.ac.id
CURRENT INTERNS

ZOE PEARCE
Nationality: Australian
Home University: University of Western Australia
Field of Study: Asian Studies and Indonesian Language
Research Interest: Indonesian and Australian Relationships and Sustainable Development in Indonesia

CAMERON REGAN
Nationality: Australian – Dutch
Home University: University of Queensland
Field of Study: International Relations
Research Interest: Australia-Indonesia Trade and Security Relations

SANTIAGO BALSEIRA
Nationality: Spanish – Mexican
Home University: Jönköping University
Field of Study: Economics and Business
Research Interest: Sustainable Development in Indonesia
FORMER INTERNS

SABRINA TAN
Nationality: Filipina
Home University: Universitas Gadjah Mada
Field of Study: Anthropology
Research Interest: Sama-Bajau Studies, Dance Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, Cultural Diplomacy
Testimonial: “My internship at the Center of Southeast Asian Studies was a truly invaluable experience. Working alongside a diverse team, I had the privilege of contributing to a book draft and participating in research sessions that deepened my understanding of the region’s intricate social and developmental landscape. These experiences sharpened my academic writing and analytical capabilities while expanding my network within Yogyakarta’s scholarly community.
What made this experience truly special was the genuine camaraderie that developed among colleagues. Our shared meals, laughter, and exchange of perspectives created connections that extended well beyond professional boundaries. The Center’s interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on cross-cultural dialogue provided me with new lenses through which to view complex regional issues.
The supportive mentorship at CESASS allowed me to develop my own voice in academic discussions. I leave with not only enhanced skills but also a rekindled passion for Southeast Asian studies and its potential impact on the region’s future. To Ibu Rini and the entire CESASS team – thank you again for this wonderful opportunity. I look forward to working with you all again in the future!”

MEHMET FURKAN KELES
Nationality: Turkish
Home University: Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University
Field of Study: History
Research Interest: Cultural Diplomacy, Indonesian Politics
Testimonial: “I have to admit that I didn’t fully take advantage of the programs at CESASS because I had a full schedule with my Darmasiswa Scholarship.
However, on the 75th anniversary of Türkiye–Indonesia relations, I am happy to have assisted CESASS further the cooperation between UGM and the Turkish academic community. CESASS has initiated active cooperation by inviting Dr. Tufan Kutay Boran, an expert on Indonesian politics and an excellent speaker of Bahasa Indonesia. I hope that with this collaboration initiated by CESASS, we will see more productive and fruitful events involving Turkish academics, diplomats, businesspeople, and UGM in the future.
I would like to thank the entire CESASS staff for giving me the opportunity to enhance my academic abilities while studying language and culture in Yogyakarta through the Darmasiswa Scholarship Program. I especially would like to thank Ibu Ita, who taught me a lot during my limited time at CESASS.”

LUIZINHA FARIA FACULTO DE JESUS
Nationality: Timorese
Home University: Universitas Gadjah Mada
Field of Study: International Relations
Research Interest: International Political Economy and Development, particularly centered on the ASEAN Region and the Dynamics of Regional Cooperation, Economic Integration, Inclusive Growth, and Global Environmental Issues.
Testimonial: “During my internship at CESASS in 2024, I was able to progress both academically and emotionally. Being in such a diverse and intellectually engaging environment allowed me to have a better grasp of Southeast Asian issues, particularly in terms of development and regional collaboration. The helpful mentors and collaborative attitude created an environment in which I felt encouraged to ask questions, exchange ideas, and test my own beliefs. It was a tremendously amazing experience that has influenced my perspective on research and the region as a whole.”

ANIELLO IANNONE
Nationality: Italian
Home University: Università degli studi di Napoli “L’Orientale”
Current Position: Lecturer at the Department of Government and Politics, Universitas Diponegoro; PhD Candidate in Social Sciences and International Relations at Universitas Airlangga
Research Interest: Southeast Asian Politics and IR, Labor Migration, Critical International Relations, Political Economy
Testimonial: “The 2019 internship at the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS), Universitas Gadjah Mada, was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It provided a dynamic and stimulating environment to engage with critical political and social issues in Southeast Asia. The academic writing training offered by the center significantly enhanced my ability to articulate research ideas more effectively. Moreover, the experience fostered valuable scholarly connections that continue to enrich my work as a lecturer and researcher today.”

SYUKRI RIZKI
Nationality: Indonesian
Home University: Goethe University Frankfurt
Field of Study: Southeast Asian Studies, University of Frankfurt
Research Interest: Philology, Literature, History
Testimonial: “I greatly appreciate the opportunity to undertake a three-month internship at CESASS from July to September 2019. To complete a mandatory module in my master’s degree at the Southeast Asian Studies Department of Goethe University Frankfurt, students were obligated to enhance their scientific practical skills. I choose to pursue an internship at CSASS based on a colleague’s recommendation. Some valuable moments at that time are worth recalling.
I undertook the internship during the summer semester break of 2019 so that I didn’t have to miss any class of my master’s program. As I arrived at CESASS to start the internship, I was inquired about the outline of my master’s research. The CESASS staff proved to be exceptionally supportive, facilitating my connection with two lecturers from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM, who provided valuable insights on my research topic and recommended relevant materials for reference. This support helped me develop critical thinking in dealing with my research data later on. The CESASS even scheduled a public talk where I could share my research idea and thus receive some critical feedback from the audience.
Equally important to mention was that I could involve myself in various CESASS activities. I enjoyed participating in the Yogyakarta city tour for newly arrived Thai students from Thammasat University. I was glad to mingle with several Indonesian and international interns and discuss with them academic and casual issues almost every day. I felt honored to proofread some publication drafts of CSASS researchers. Together with Prof. Hermin Indah Wahyuni, I represented CESASS at an international conference on da’wah and communication at UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya from September 24-26, 2029, during which I presented some preliminary findings of my research.
Moreover, there I learned from Mrs. Vissia Ita Yulianto that a researcher should regularly make their scientific contributions accessible to the public. This advice motivated me to have my two articles published by the IKAT Journal. For this, I extend my utmost appreciation to the journal reviewers for their feedback, which significantly enhanced my writing for publication. After finishing the internship, I attempted to maintain the relationship with the CESASS researchers. Therefore, I participated as a presenter in a CESASS symposium on social science 2020, presenting my paper online while I was in Frankfurt.
Overall, my internship at CESASS is one of the most memorable experiences that I am proud to include in my CV. It not only fulfilled the requisite module of my study program but also enriched my perspective about the significance of international academic collaboration among social science scholars.”