Intern Abroad HQ Bali: Career and Adventure Combined

After failing to secure an exchange program or a placement year, I had to look elsewhere for career development opportunities. I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted my career to take, and that’s when I discovered Intern Abroad HQ and their Media, Marketing & Events Internship. I knew that if I was going to return to school in September, I wanted my summer to be epic. After spending a summer at Camp America in the United States, I craved deeper cultural immersion, adventure, and beaches, while also gaining experience in a similar field. That’s exactly what I found with Intern Abroad HQ. An internship in Bali—who would’ve thought I’d end up on the exotic, tropical island of Bali? In my eyes, it wasn’t a place where students on a budget would go.

After receiving internship offers from companies in Ubud and Seminyak, I decided to interview with one of them. The team spoke fluent English; some were locals from Indonesia, while others hailed from South Africa, Singapore, and Thailand. It seemed like an amazing place to learn about different cultures. So, I saved up, packed my backpack, and boarded three different flights before finally landing in Denpasar a month later.

Travel and exploration were just as important to me as career progression, so I chose an internship that aligned with those goals—working three or four days a week. This schedule gave me plenty of time to explore, including trips to the Gili Islands, hiking in Lombok, and even visiting the Komodo Islands.

Unfortunately, as soon as I reached baggage claim, I realized I had arrived alone, and my bag hadn’t even made it past the first stop. I was due to start my internship the next day with no fresh clothes. Thankfully, the airport promised to deliver my bag to my accommodation within a day or two, which was a huge relief. Still, I was jetlagged and had to go shopping in a completely new place right away.

My days were filled with brainstorming ideas for rebranding the company, developing marketing campaigns, creating social media content, and helping to organize events. What surprised me most was how much I grew professionally. The hands-on experience in media and event management boosted my confidence and skills. I built a portfolio of real-world projects, received valuable feedback from my supervisors, and even earned an international reference letter—which was extremely helpful for future job applications. It also became a great conversation starter during interviews, as employers were often intrigued by my experience in Bali, a destination typically associated with remote workers and digital nomads rather than summer internships.

If you’re looking for an internship that combines meaningful work with adventure, Bali with Intern Abroad HQ is unbeatable. I left with unforgettable memories and a much clearer understanding of different workplace roles, which helped me make better career decisions in the future.

If you’re passionate about internships and gaining career exposure, you’re unlikely to get that at home unless you have connections. I’d always recommend saving money from a part-time job and going for it. Whether you want to work with animals, children, or in the media field, this program is the perfect launchpad for your career and personal development.