INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP

GLIMPSE OF ACTIVITIES

CURRENT INTERNS

FORMER INTERNS

CAMERON REGAN
Nationality: Australian – Dutch
Home University: University of Queensland
Field of Study: International Relations
Research Interest: Australia-Indonesia Trade and Security Relations
Testimonial: “I undertook an internship with the Pusat Studi Sosial Asia Tenggara (PSSAT) UGM during an exchange semester in the city of Yogyakarta from April to June earlier this year. PSSAT has been one of my first experiences in a professional academic setting with dedicated work towards the promotion of Southeast Asian literature on social studies. I found a natural and smooth introduction into the organisation with my work on press releases, social media, a personal research essay, and pre-publication proofreads clearly set out for me by my supervisor and other mentors. There was particular intrigue in the research essay project as it was intentionally left open-ended for an issue I remain passionate about. Namely, the importance of marine infrastructure in digital and electrical global connectivity. PSSAT even posted the essay on their website in a show of good faith to my research. There were only positive experiences while at the institute. Only made richer by the great lunches with Bu Ita and jajanan khas of Yogyakarta which the team helped us interns discover. My time at PSSAT deeply contributed to my overall impression as a first-time visitor to Yogyakarta, where the guidance of my supervisors helped me not just with research issues, but those of life and integration into Indonesia itself. This I remain deeply thankful for, terima kasih banyak kepada seluruh PSSAT.”

ZOE PEARCE
Nationality: Australian
Home University: University of Western Australia
Field of Study: Asian Studies and Indonesian Language
Research Interest: Indonesian and Australian Relationships, Sustainable Development in Indonesia
Testimonial: “During my internship at CESASS UGM, I have learnt invaluable skills and made lifelong connections. Being an international student visiting from Australia, I was able to gain a deep understanding for the importance of producing high quality research and learn skills from the team. The CESASS research team is such an inclusive and supportive working environment, where I was able to learn about Southeast Asian social issues and how to create and develop high quality research pieces. I really enjoyed my time there and will keep employing everything I learned there into my future career.

ADAM TAYLOR
Nationality: British
Home University: King’s College London
Field of Study: Human Geography
Research Interest: Global Energy Transitions, Hydropolitics and Infrastructure
Testimonial: "CESASS is a truly wonderful place to do an academic internship. I only wish my time here had been longer! I had the opportunity to meet academic staff from the department, as well as the freedom to explore UGM’s wonderful campus and to learn more about key hydrosocial issues in Java relevant to my PhD project. The guidance I received from CESASS colleagues has been invaluable and I benefitted immensly from their knowledge and generosity. I was also supported to present my research in class at UGM, developing ideas in discussion with an incredible group of engaged students. I would particularly like to thank Dr. Ita and Imel for their kindness and thoughtful advice throughout the internship, which I would have been lost without. I am very excited to return to CESASS in the future and to develop my connections to this wonderful center. Thank you!!"

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!”

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.”

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.”

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 CESASS 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.”

GLIMPSE OF ACTIVITIES

CURRENT INTERNS

FORMER INTERNS

2025

2024

2019

2018