Jake Crocker (economics and mathematics)
Jake Croker, a combined major in Economics and Mathematics with a minor in Business, travelled across the world to complete a co-op work term in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Working as a program assistant at the Center for Indonesian Policy Studies (CIPS), his responsibilities included drafting summaries for CIPS’ research papers, writing company policies set to be filed to the Ministry of Labour, writing and filming videos for multiple funding purposes, and designing a Pitch-deck for potential investors.
A new work environment
“CIPS, and Indonesia in general, has a warm and laid back culture. Though, the staff are very proud of the work they do and hard at work doing it, they will always find time to engage with each other socially.
Everyday at lunch, all employees gather to eat lunch together at the long dining table. Whenever a staff member goes on vacation, they will leave treats for everyone to enjoy. There’s always someone’s birthday and everyone stops working to eat cake, or we play bizarre and hilarious games on the roof for Independence Day.”
Traveling through Asia
Motivated by a desire to travel, Eli’s decision to do his co-op in Asia allowed him to explore neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
“Flights within Asia are relatively inexpensive and quick, my visit to Taiwan for example was during a long weekend I had from my work. I spent two weeks in Japan and tried to visit as many cities as I could within that time period. Every new place I went to, I had to try their regional ramen.
The varied cuisine in Asia was definitely one of my favourite things about my trip. Food quality in general is much higher than in Canada, from one dollar sandwiches in Hanoi, to BBQ pork buns in Hong Kong, and dollar sushi in Tokyo. I rarely had a meal I didn’t enjoy.”
“A close friend of mine and I rented motorcycles and embarked on a four day 400+ km drive through the mountains of Ha Giang, Northern Vietnam. This trip was planned somewhat on a whim and I can’t stress enough how beautiful an experience it was. One of the coolest things I have ever done in my life, a highlight of the whole trip and my #1 recommendation for travellers in Vietnam/Southeast Asia.”
Why he chose UVic
Jake’s motivation to pursue an international co-op opportunity purposefully aligned with his decision to choose UVic.
“UVic has incredible co-op and exchange programs, and I wanted to mix travelling abroad with my education. I was lucky enough to find this opportunity through the Center for Asian Pacific Institute (CAPI) Internship Program on campus. I had never been to South East Asia before, heck, I had never been to Asia before. I just couldn’t miss this opportunity.”
Working in Indonesia
“The people of Indonesia are the kindest, most hospitable group of people I have ever met. I was heading to Toraja Regency in Sulawesi and started chatting with people at the airport (this happens a lot in Indonesia!).
From our conversations, one gentleman who was also headed to Toraja invited me to drive up with him and his family after we landed. It was a 12-hour drive. One of the ladies I met at the airport even contacted her brother to be my tour guide for the few days I was there.”
“Other notable activities were climbing Mt. Rinjani (taller than Mt. Baker), seeing Komodo dragons, swimming with Manta Rays, going Gadung Padang ancient site (arguably one of the oldest in history), watching the Kacak Fire Dance, and representing Indonesia in the Australian Rules Football All Asian Championship. Needless to say, my time in Indonesia was eclectic.”
Advice for other students
Jake’s advice for students planning to go on an international co-op is, “Don’t worry so much about your “future”, at least not at the expense of taking an opportunity like this. Don’t be in such a rush to “get on with your life” because employers will appreciate that you have taken the time to explore outside your own norms.”