NEXT STEP Connections equip and empower the next generation of learners to reach their full potential through competency-based internships in Asia through an in-person or virtual experience.

NEXT STEP Connections Internships Abroad enables you to participate in curated work experiences in Asia. NEXT STEP Connections ensures anyone can participate in an Internship Program according to their own availability, academic requirements, professional goals, and personal aspirations.

The team provides in-person participants with personal and professional enrichment through unique in-country social networking, cultural experiences, career advice, one-on-one support as well as opportunities to develop professional skills in various internship industries.

The remote international internship builds essential critical skills and knowledge for charting and navigating your future career. Acquired competencies include networking, creative problem-solving, navigating workplace challenges, multicultural diversity, interviewing, and sustainable business practice. The course includes guided mentorship, competency-based assessment, and engaged online learning through active participation in workshops, case studies, role-playing, and virtual presentations.

What can I participate in?

Individual Internship (In-person)

NEXT STEP Connections offer a range of in-person internship opportunities over a wide array of sectors across Japan, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea.

Internship (Virtual)

Virtual internship opportunities are offered over a wide array of sectors across China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea.

NEXT STEP connections have a range of international internships from a number of fields including:

AI
Advertising
Asian Studies
Biotechnology and food science
Business
Communications
Computer Sciences
Cybersecurity
Data
Digital Marketing
Education
Engineering
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Environment & Sustainability
Fashion & Design
Film & Animation
Finance
Gaming
Health & Wellness
Human Resources Management
Information Technology
International Relations
IOT
Journalism
Legal
Marketing
Media
NGO
Public Relations
Research
Social causes
Social Entrpreneurship
Sustainability
Sustainable Engineering
System Design
Tourism & Hospitality
UX/UI
Visual Design

Further information on each sector, can be found on the NEXT STEP Connections website.

Visa Information (In-person)

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.

Contact NEXT STEP Connections for visa and immigration information.

Application Instructions

All applicants must meet the UQ Internship Eligibility Criteria and any other criteria as outlined by the host organisation. Students are required to apply to both UQ and NEXT STEP Connections via the buttons below.

Students will receive access to their Internships Workflow once their application is approved by the Internships and Global Experiences Team.

Apply to UQ Apply to Host

Costs

The Program fee for in-person is approximately AUD $4,990 - $9,290 depending on the location and length of the internship. More information regarding program fees can be found on the host website.

In-person Japan (6 - 8 weeks): AUD $7,575 for 6 weeks and $8,075 for 8 weeks
In-person Thailand (6 - 8 weeks): AUD $4,990 for 6 weeks and $5,340 for 8 weeks
In-person South Korea (6 - 8 weeks): AUD $7,700 for 6 weeks and $8,690 for 8 weeks
In-person Singapore (8 weeks): AUD $8,375 for 6 weeks and $9,290 for 8 weeks

This cost includes:

30 Hours per week
Guaranteed Internship
Furnished Housing & Utilities
Monthly Activities
Airport Pick-up reception & Drop off
Next Step Connections Gateway Orientation
Local Sim Data
Transportation Pass
24/7 In-Country Support
Health & Travel Insurance
Immigration Visa Assistance*
Pre-departure Advising
Next Step Connections Personal Branding Workbook
Resume Review & Work Interview Preparation
First day of Work Induction
Learning Objectives Outcome Evaluation
Student Handbook
Letter of Recommendation & Certificate of Completion

The Program fee for virtual is AUD $1,495 depending on the location and length of the internship. More information regarding program fees can be found on the host website.

This cost includes:

Guaranteed Projects with a team of 2-3 in an Asia-based organisation
Resume Review
Interview Preparation
Personal Branding Workbook
Comprehensive Future of Work Orientation
Weekly touchpoints
Program Advisor
Monthly Cultural &Employability Speakers Sessions
Network with students & professionals
Letter of Recommendation & Learning Outcomes Report

Funding

New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant

New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants  are available to eligible students if approved to undertake an Internship meeting the below criteria:

Country	Duration	Date parameters	Mode	Value
Japan*	Min. 4 weeks	Must end by 31/12/2024	in-person	$4,225
South Korea*	Min. 4 weeks	Must end by 31/12/2024	in-person	$4,000
South Korea**	Min. 4 weeks	Must start by 31/12/2024	in-person	$4,000
Singapore*	Min. 4 weeks	Must end by 31/12/2024	in-person	$4,000
Thailand*	Min. 4 weeks	Must end by 31/12/2024	in-person	$4,000
China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea.**	4-12 weeks	Must start by 31/12/2024	Virtual	$1,200

* NCP funding is guaranteed for eligible students.
**Limited NCP grants are available for eligible students.

Internships and Global Experiences Grants

Funding is not guaranteed even if all selection criteria are met. Funding should not be a factor when developing your budget and should only be considered supplementary financial support if awarded.

Applicants will be considered for only one grant per application round.

When you submit your application for an internship, you are automatically considered for funding that is relevant to your nominated experience. Please refer to the Short-Term Experiences Funding page for details.

Credit for Internships

Some students may be able to receive credit towards their UQ program pending faculty approval. The Global Experiences Team is unable to provide further advice regarding internships for credit. If you are interested in seeking credit, please refer to the Credit for Internships page for more specific details

Ethan - Next Step Connections

Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours), Winter 2024

Jack - Next Step Connections

Bachelor of International Studies, Winter 2024

Dayoung - Next Step Connections

Bachelor of Arts, Winter 2023

Find other internship experiences

Key Dates

Application Deadlines

UQ: 24 September 2024
Host: 24 September 2024

Program Dates

Start: 17 November 2024
End: 23 February 2025

Program Duration

Minimum: 6 weeks
Maximum: 8 weeks

Due to Queensland legislation, students are not permitted to undertake unpaid work (not-for-credit) for more than 30 days in a calendar year. Please take this into account when planning your internship.

Fast Facts

Type: Work Experience
Mode: Internship
Location:
In-person: Japan, Thailand, Singapore & South Korea
Virtual: as above + China, India, Indonesia & Vietnam
Credit: For-credit or Not-for-credit
Cohort: Undergraduate

OS-HELP Loan

If you participate in an internship program you may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth-supported student.

Application Deadlines

15 January for overseas study commencing March to August
15 March for overseas study commencing May to October
15 June for overseas study commencing August to January
15 September for overseas study commencing November to April

Refer to the funding page for more information on eligibility requirements and loan amounts.

Internship Information Sessions

Students are encouraged to register and attend an information session to receive more details on the short-term application process, eligibility criteria, funding etc.

Information Sessions