Celebrate graduation with a meaningful experience you’ll remember forever
Ditch the typical schoolies week and make your summer count with a meaningful adventure in Indonesia.
Share new experiences with other adventurous souls and make friends for life
Journey off the beaten path, it will change how you see the world
Explore Nature
Step into Indonesia’s tropical rainforests and marine coastal environments, exploring one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems and witnessing conservation in action.
Discover New Places
Step outside your comfort zone, navigate new experiences, and gain the independence that comes from real-world learning.
Encounter Incredible Wildlife
Discover how local communities protect their livelihoods while safeguarding endangered species and regenerating the natural world.
Learn From Nature and Community
Connect with Community
Work alongside grassroots changemakers – educators, conservationists and community leaders who are building more sustainable and inclusive futures.
Meet Other Changemakers
Take part in hands-on community projects that celebrate creativity, collaboration and local wisdom.
Experience Meaningful Cultural Exchange
Curated especially for school leavers, you’ll share the journey with other young people who are as curious, passionate, and purpose-driven as you are.
Make Lifelong Friends
Learn Something New
Go beyond traditional travel – every trek, project, and conversation deepens your understanding of people, place, and planet.
Discover Purpose Through Adventure
Step outside your comfort zone, navigate new experiences, and gain the independence that comes from real-world learning.
Build Confidence and Independence
Step outside your comfort zone, navigate new experiences, and gain the independence that comes from real-world learning.
Develop Skills That Matter
Choose Your Own Adventure
Spend a week in the vibrant rainforests of Sumatra or along the stunning coast of Simeulue – or do both! Immerse yourself in meaningful work, connect with local communities, and experience Indonesia’s breathtaking landscapes – all while making a real difference.
Week 1
Simeulue Island Adventure
16th Jan - 24th Jan |
9 days 8 nights
Simeulue (in Aceh province) is a coastal paradise full of adventure and purpose. Explore pristine beaches, discover vibrant marine life, and support local community projects. Immerse yourself in the island’s unique culture while making a positive difference.
Awake to the sound of the surf right outside your bungalow at Mahi-Mahi Resort.
Start each day with a guided yoga session, a beach walk or simly doing whatever feels right.
All meals are communal, you’ll meet new people from all over the world while eating delicious, healthy, tropical food.
Relax by the infinity pool and enjoy the stunning coastal landscape.
Enjoy all the activities and equipment the resort has to offer: ping pong, beach volleyball, badminton, pool table, backyard golf, snorkelling, paddle boards.
Simeulue Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Medan| Check In | Welcome Intercultural Workshop
- Day 2: Fly to Simeulue | Check In | Orientation and Safety Briefing | Explore Resort
- Day 3: Sinabang Morning Market | Ecosystem Impact Bird Conservation Visit
- Day 4: Island Hopping Day Tour | River Walk or Waterfall Hike
- Day 5: Environmental Education School Visit | River Walk or Waterfall Hike
- Day 6: Surf Lesson | Lagoon Visit
- Day 7: Snorkelling | Resort Games | Bonfire
- Day 8: Beach Clean Up | Market Visit | Ice Bath Challenge | BBQ Dinner
- Day 9: Check Out | Depart to Medan
$3,200
Share the adventure – bring a buddy and you’ll both save 10%!
Week 2
Bukit Lawang Jungle Adventure
24th Jan - 31 Jan |
8 days 7 nights
Bukit Lawang (in North Sumatra) is a jungle adventure like no other! Trek through lush rainforest trails, watch orangutans in their natural habitat, and connect with local communities. Experience the beauty, of this remarkable village while making a meaningful impact.
Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest, the river, and the gentle rhythm of village life
Connect with the community – play with local children, help at the tree nursery, or join reforestation efforts.
Spend time in nature each day, learn about the local flora and fauna, including orangutans in their natural habitat.
Cool off in the river or unwind in your bungalow among rice fields, pause to reflect on the day and the inspiring people you’ve met.
Gather each day to share a home-cooked meal prepared by your hosts. The table is set for fragrant local dishes and lots of shared stories.
Bukit Lawang Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Medan| Check In
- Day 2: Orientation | Language Class | Explore Medan
- Day 3: Depart for Timbang Lawang| Basket Weaving | Tempe Making
- Day 4: Fruit Tree Nursery Visit | Tree Planting | River Swim
- Day 5: Depart for Ecolodge | Jungle Trekking | River Tubing
- Day 6: Free Time – Explore Bukit Lawang
- Day 7: Depart for Medan | Storytelling at Yayasan Cinta Baca
- Day 8: Check Out and Depart to Medan
$2,800
Share the adventure – bring a buddy and you’ll both save 10%!
What is included?
- Shared accommodation
- Pre-departure support and visa advice
- Airport transfers on nominated arrival and departure dates
- Immersive orientation program
- Introduction to Indonesian language
- Intercultural communication workshop
- 24/7 in-country support with program facilitator
- Participation certificate
- All arranged activities as per itinerary
- Meals and drinks
- Travel insurance
- Domestic travel to and from Medan and program locations
What is excluded?
- Internet and phone access
- International flight costs to and from Medan
- Airport taxes and associated costs
- Visa costs and passport fees
- Vaccinations (if required)
- Laundry, toiletries and amenities
- Extra activities and travel, or any other items of a personal nature
Reasons to love Indonesia
- More than 17,000 islands – from jungle-covered Sumatra to tiny tropical paradises.
- Home to wild orangutans – one of the only places on Earth to see them!
- Food heaven – think nasi goreng, satay skewers, and endless tropical fruit.
- Incredible biodiversity – more coral species than anywhere else on the planet!
- Close to home, yet worlds away – trek, surf, snorkel, or relax all in one trip.
What is the food like?
From classic favourites like nasi goreng and satay to fresh tropical fruit, world-renowned Indonesian food is healthy, flavourful, and flexible, with dietary requirements easily accommodated for peace of mind.
Must try: Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Satay, Rendang, Martabak and all the fruits!
What do I need to know about the culture?
North Sumatra and Aceh have rich traditions and religious practices. Students are encouraged to dress modestly and behave politely. Simple gestures, like greeting with a smile, go a long way. Being aware of these customs helps students connect meaningfully and enjoy a respectful, enriching experience. A cultural orientation is included at the start of the program to help everyone feel confident, comfortable, and ready to connect meaningfully with the people and places they visit.
Is it safe to travel to Indonesia?
Indonesia is a safe and popular destination for travellers. Participants are supported throughout the program by experienced local guides and staff, with secure accommodation, carefully planned transport, and structured activities. Health and safety briefings ensure students can explore, learn, and immerse themselves in local culture with confidence and peace of mind. Comprehensive travel insurance is included in the program fees, read the details here.
How should I budget?
Indonesia uses the Rupiah (IDR), and everyday items are very affordable. Meals cost around $3–$10 AUD, snacks $1–$5 AUD, and souvenirs $2–$15 AUD, making it easy for students to enjoy food, activities, and local experiences.
What is the weather like?
Expect sunny skies, tropical heat, and the occasional rain shower in January — the perfect combo for jungle treks, beach days, and adventure around every corner.
Parents,
No Need to Worry!
We know how important it is to feel confident when your teen travels. Our programs are built with care, experience, and support every step of the way – so students can focus on discovery, connection, and adventure, while you can relax knowing they’re in safe hands.
Health & Safety
All our programs have been risk assessed and there are contingency plans for everything that may arise during adventures.
Back to Nature
This ia a chance to unplug and truly connect with nature. Time will be spent outdoors, exploring, learning, and experiencing the world up close.
In Country Support
Led by an experienced facilitator and supported by teams in Jakarta and Australia, students are in safe, knowledgeable hands
Peace of Mind
We’ve got it all covered - insurance, trusted partners, and child safety - so you can relax knowing your teen is in safe hands.
For over 18 years, International Internships has collaborated with dozens of universities to connect Australian students with transformative programs across Indonesia, combining professional learning with cultural immersion.
Mahi-Mahi Surf Resort is an eco-focused resort in Simeulue working hand-in-hand with local communities to promote sustainable tourism and ocean conservation. Partnering with Ecosystem Impact, they’re restoring marine habitats, protecting coastal ecosystems, and supporting livelihoods through education and hands-on action.
Darma Pinem is a local guide, conservationist, and founder of Nature for Change, leading community-based efforts in Bukit Lawang to protect orangutans and the rainforest while empowering local people through education and sustainable eco-tourism. Check out what he does here.
Ready to
Get Out There?
Our mission is to facilitate meaningful experiences that inspire students to grow as people and kick-start the life they want.
For more than 18 years, we’ve helped Australian students gain hands-on experience in Indonesia through study intensives and internships, giving them practical skills they can use for life.
We’ve delivered over 1,000 placements in partnership with Australian universities and the Australian Government through the New Colombo Plan, supporting students to engage meaningfully with local communities and industries.
As specialists in Indonesian student experiences, we uphold rigorous policies and procedures that meet the high standards required by both the Australian Government and our university partners, ensuring every program is safe, impactful, and professionally managed.
Our Partners
