Next Step Connections
Next Step Connections equip and empower the next generation of learners to reach full potential through competency-based internships in Asia through an in-person or online experience.
Next Step Connections Internships Abroad enables you to participate in curated work experience 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. 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 (online)
Virtual internship opportunities are offered over a wide array of sectors across Greater China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, 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
- Biotechonlogy and food science
- Business
- Communications
- Computer Sciences
- Cybersecurity
- Data
- Digital Marketing
- Education
- Engineering
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Environment & Sustainability
- Fasihion & 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 only
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 International Internships 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.
Costs
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 weeks) | AUD $7,575 |
| In-person Thailand (6 weeks) | AUD $4,990 |
| In-person South Korea (6 weeks) | AUD $7,700 |
| In-person Singapore (6 weeks) | AUD $8,375 |
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
Program fee for virtual is approximately 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
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.
New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant
New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants available to eligible students if approved to undertake an Internship meeting the below criteria:
Country | Duration | Date parameters | Value |
Japan* | Min. 4 weeks | Must end by 31/12/2024 | $4,225 |
South Korea* | Min. 4 weeks | Must end by 31/12/2024 | $4,000 |
South Korea** | Min. 4 weeks | Must start by 31/12/2024 | $4,000 |
Singapore* | Min. 4 weeks | Must end by 31/12/2024 | $4,000 |
Thailand* | Min. 4 weeks | Must end by 31/12/2024 | $4,000 |
* NCP funding is guaranteed for eligible students.
**Limited NCP grants available for eligible students.
Internships and Global Experiences Grants
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
Key Dates
Application Deadlines
UQ: 24 September 2024
Host: 24 September 2024
Program Dates
Start: 17 November 2024
End: 23 February 2025
Duration: 6 - 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 & Online
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.