The Griffith Asia Business Internship (GABI) program offers Griffith Business School students a transformative experience, immersing them in the dynamic business landscapes of the Indo-Pacific. Now in its ninth year, this flagship initiative, delivered in collaboration with the Griffith Asia Institute, provides a six-week opportunity for students to develop cultural awareness, gain global perspectives, and build lasting professional relationships.
With inclusivity at its core, the internship program attracts students from various disciplines and backgrounds, fostering an environment where future business leaders can thrive. The program's reach is further enhanced by the Australian Government's New Colombo Plan (NCP) Mobility Program Grants, which offer financial support to participants.
Last year, under the leadership of program convenor Dr Anne Cullen and program administrator Ms Shania Forrester-Bidgood, 29 students undertook internships in Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Seoul, broadening their understanding of international markets and cross-cultural collaboration.
Bachelor of Business student Shane Gallirhir strategically incorporated GABI into his academic journey, securing an NCP Mobility Grant to intern with the Malaysia Australia Business Council (MABC) in Kuala Lumpur. Reflecting on his experience, he said,
"The program gave me the chance to live and work in Southeast Asia, which sparked immense personal and professional growth. Interning with MABC allowed me to network with industry professionals, attend key events, and gain confidence in my abilities. It was truly a dream come true."
Master of International Tourism and Hospitality Management student Jae Kim embraced the opportunity to intern with Seoul-based advertising agency WPER, where he contributed to branding and marketing strategies for major clients in the arts, food, and lifestyle sectors. He described the experience as invaluable, saying, "Working at WPER exposed me to the fast-paced world of creative ideation and stakeholder engagement. The experience has been a pivotal stepping stone toward launching a global career."
For Bachelor of Business student Cailym Livingstone-Thorn, interning with Tokyo-based YOUNEEDS was a unique opportunity to apply his knowledge of International Business and Japanese to real-world projects. He found the experience highly rewarding, sharing,
"The internship allowed me to gain hands-on experience in market research and business development while refining my cross-cultural communication skills. Working in Japan's professional environment has deepened my understanding of international markets, an invaluable asset for my future career."
Applications are now open for the 2025 program. Students interested in embarking on their own international journey are encouraged to visit the website for application details.
