Hi! I’m Anisa Uddin from New Jersey, USA. I recently graduated high school and am currently on a gap year before starting college at Princeton University. As part of my gap year program, I had the opportunity to live and volunteer in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, for several months. One of the main components of the program was an internship placement at a local non-profit and that’s how I found my way to Rise Foundation.

When my program first introduced us to several NGOs in Yogyakarta, we were given the chance to visit each one and get to know their work. The moment I stepped into Rise Foundation, I sensed something different. The environment felt warm, collaborative, and full of energy. But more than that, I was immediately drawn to their Girls4Change initiative, an empowering program that focuses on female leadership and menstrual health education.

I knew I wanted my internship experience to be more than just a resume booster. I wanted to feel connected to the cause, to grow personally and professionally, and to contribute meaningfully. Rise offered exactly that. For seven months, I became part of the communications team at Rise Foundation. Most of my tasks revolved around writing something I enjoy but hadn’t previously explored in a professional context. I created a series of articles and drafted social media content, often linked to the Girls4Change program. I also dabbled in graphic design and had the exciting experience of co-hosting two Instagram Live sessions.

What I loved most was how flexible and open the team was. Even though there were biweekly content themes, I had the freedom to propose ideas or dive deeper into topics I cared about. For example, when I worked on menstrual education content, I was encouraged to explore the subject thoroughly. That piece became one of my proudest contributions during the internship. I found myself thinking, “I wish I had something like this when I was younger.”

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Despite how fulfilling the work was, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. The most obvious one? Language. Coming into an Indonesian-speaking environment with very basic skills in Bahasa Indonesia was definitely intimidating. At first, I felt isolated, especially during casual office conversations or when jokes flew around the table and I couldn’t keep up. I could have stuck with English. Many people in the office understood it, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to truly immerse myself.

So I made a commitment to myself: use English only when absolutely necessary. The rest of the time, I pushed myself to communicate in Indonesian. Slowly, I picked up words, phrases, and confidence. My coworkers were incredibly patient and supportive; they never made me feel out of place, and instead helped me practice daily. By the end of my internship, I could hold conversations, contribute to meetings, and even write short captions in Bahasa. It was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

A Culture of Openness and Nongkrong

If I had to sum up the work environment at Rise Foundation in one word, it would be open both literally and figuratively. The office layout had everyone, from interns to staff across different departments, working at one big table. This setup naturally led to spontaneous conversations, shared ideas, and a strong sense of community.

What stood out to me the most was the balance between productivity and relaxation. Yes, we had deadlines and responsibilities, but there was always room to laugh, share snacks, or just nongkrong (hang out). It wasn’t uncommon for deep conversations about gender equality to sit side-by-side with lighthearted office banter. This culture made every workday feel both engaging and human.

Throughout my internship, I developed a range of skills that I know will benefit me far beyond this chapter. On the technical side, I practiced research, professional writing, and content creation for digital platforms. I also gained first-hand experience writing in a second language and understanding how to tailor content for different audiences.

But the soft skills were just as important if not more. I learned how to manage my time, especially in a flexible work setting. I got better at team communication, especially when navigating cultural and language differences. And I learned how to maintain a sense of purpose and motivation while still making space for fun and rest.

Even though I plan to pursue a STEM field in college, this experience reminded me that being socially aware and empathetic are just as vital as technical knowledge. Reading and discussing articles written by fellow interns opened my eyes to social issues I hadn’t deeply considered before. In that way, Rise didn’t just teach me how to work, it taught me how to think.

The Power of Youth Led Change

One of the things I admire most about Rise Foundation is its commitment to making big ideas accessible. Whether through games, articles, videos, or community projects, Rise knows how to meet youth where they are. They make topics like gender equity, food security, and environmental awareness not only understandable, but relatable.

Programs like Girls4Change and Urban Futures show that youth empowerment isn’t just about giving young people a voice, it’s about giving them the tools and confidence to use it. Being part of that process, even in a small way, was a privilege I won’t forget.

If you’re considering an internship at Rise Foundation, my biggest piece of advice is: come with intention. Think about what you’re passionate about and what you want to explore. The team at Rise is open and supportive, and if you bring your curiosity and ideas, they’ll welcome them.

Also don’t worry if you don’t speak perfect Indonesian. You’ll learn, just like I did. And the effort you put into engaging with the language and culture will make your experience so much richer.

Looking back, my internship at Rise Foundation wasn’t just about learning how to write articles or host live sessions. It was about becoming part of a community, stepping outside my comfort zone, and discovering new perspectives. Whether it was laughing over lunch, planning a campaign, or navigating my first office in a foreign country every moment was a step toward growth. If you’re looking for an internship that will challenge you, support you, and inspire you to think deeper, Rise Foundation is a beautiful place to start.