Let’s be honest. Australia is already on your list. This breathtaking country calls us all down under in some form or another, but maybe you hadn’t considered it for an internship.
The pandemic saw Australia under one of the strictest border lockdowns on the planet, meaning virtually no one has been able to get in for two years. But as with the rest of the world, times are a-changing, and the Aussies are welcoming guests into their home once again.
For you, that means a brilliant opportunity to intern abroad in Sydney with Sage Corps this summer (or winter, if you’re talking Australia). The winning combination of a phenomenal startup environment paired with one of the world’s most livable cities could take the sting out of that flight time. Here’s why you should intern in Sydney.
It’s one of the best places in the world to live – officially
Sydney is one of the world’s greatest modern cities. Along with Melbourne, Adelaide, and a few other strongholds, the Aussies continually show that they’ve cracked city living. Please don’t take our word for it; the top ten most livable cities globally are usually dominated by destinations down under.
Rankings like these take many factors into account, from crime levels to healthcare to green spaces. Depending on the year, Sydney has come out on top and only ever as low as 11th. An excellent healthcare system, a dedication to vast amounts of green spaces in the urban environment, and tremendous infrastructure help make it a fantastic place to stay. Although you’ll only be there for a few weeks, you’ll be there long enough to sample the Aussie way.
Does that impact your work experience? Probably not as much, but getting to spend time in other parts of the world helps you piece together a better picture of what you want your life to look like. Sydney might show you that having comprehensive public transport is a must for you going forward or that something as minor as having trees all over the street means a lot to you.
It’s an entrepreneur’s dream base
Australia is a long, long way from the US and even Europe. Its government knows that for new businesses to want to set up shop in the furthest corner of the planet, they need to throw them a bone. To that end, Sydney has some of the best startup and general businesses incentives the world over.
The government offers substantial tax breaks for angel investors willing to invest in fledgling companies, and many companies can claim hundreds of thousands back on R&D spending, clearing some of the obstacles that halt many startups’ progress in the early days.
As a young intern, getting to experience the fast-moving nature of the startup industry is an invaluable opportunity. Even more so is to experience it within a supportive framework that values small businesses for what they are – the future. As with all our internships, you’re not going to function as a fly on a massive wall. You’re going to be an essential part of the day-to-day functionality of your placement. You’ll spend time with the people running the show and leave with a feeling of accomplishment. Sampling how far corners of the world do things is just the icing on the cake.
Lion Unleashed startup event in Sydney
Sydney is a city built for enjoyment
If your unique placement is the icing on the cake, then being in Sydney is the incredibly juicy cherry on top.
The city is unbelievable. Your first glance through an airplane window tells you everything you need to know—an impressive urban sprawl wrapped by natural wonder. Water shapes the city and lends to more than 100 beaches within the metropolitan area. You read that right—one hundred beaches within the city.
There’s barely an angle of the city that isn’t stunning, whether you’re strolling by the Opera House or lounging on Bondi Beach. Nature is never far away, so if the busier parts ever get to you, you’re never more than half an hour from respite.
Surrounding Sydney, you’ll find enough national parks to fill every weekend with adventure and enough bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues to fill your evenings once you’re done. One thing is for sure – you’re never going to be bored in Sydney.
Sage Corps interns getting out and enjoying winter in Sydney
It’s straightforward to get around
Depending on where you’re coming from, public transport might be a day-to-day part of life or a non-existent entity. Either way, you’re going to be amazed by Sydney’s comprehensive systems.
Trains, light rails, buses, free coaches, and ferries are dotted all around the city, making even the outermost limits of the massive town accessible. There are even a few free buses that dart around the main tourist spots, making your weekend sightseeing a breeze.
It’s approachable
There’s a fair chance this is your first major experience out of the country. It’s a daunting chasm between college a few states away and a job placement on the other side of the planet. Being nervous is totally normal and part of the process, but throwing in added pressures can be a little too much.
Unlike a placement in Europe, where you could potentially find yourself lost in a new language, the Aussies are all speaking English, even if the accent makes it a little tough sometimes. You’re going to be in an intimidating new environment and having one less thing to navigate can lend to your confidence and help make the most of what should be an amazing opportunity for you.
You can extend your time abroad
Australia is famous for its Work and Holiday Visa (the visa you’ll likely be using to intern), but did you know that it gives the holder a year to travel AND work in the country. Now you’ll only have the summer. But if you felt like extending your time once your internship is over, get packing and head up the backpacker trail.
Spend as long as you’d like soaking up Eastern Australia’s coast from Byron Bay to Cairns. Scuba dive around the Great Barrier Reef, camp out on Fraser Island and sail around the Whitsunday Islands. It’s a backpacking rite of passage, and as you can earn money while there, it can wind up being super affordable compared to a more traditional trip.
The Land Down Under can also be your land of opportunity. Don’t let that flight deter you. Once you’ve had your first G’day, you might have second thoughts about ever leaving. Learn more about our Sydney internship.
