About Us
Internships Down Under, registered under ABN 60144896971, adopted its current name in 2013, previously Sydney Internships. Established in 2004, our initial goal was to facilitate internships for international students in Sydney. Since then, our services have expanded to encompass major cities across Australia.
Internships Down Under partners with respected student service providers, universities, and colleges worldwide to source internship opportunities and related services for their participants.
From our central Sydney location, we provide a professional and efficient service to agents, universities, interns, and host companies.
Mission
Intern
Facilitate beneficial internship experiences aligning with an intern’s learning objectives, offering practical skills and training in their respective industries. Provide comprehensive support and guidance to ensure interns enjoy a culturally enriching educational experience.
Host Company
Provide motivated interns to enhance the cultural diversity of a company’s office environment.
Agent/Universities
Deliver a reliable, professional and efficient service that is cost-effective, enabling them to effectively promote the program and confidently atttract and engage participants.
History
Since its establishment in 2004, Sydney Internships, now operating under the name Internships Down Under (ABN 60144896971), has grown from a modest service to a prominent organisation facilitating internship experiences for international participants throughout Australia. Initially rooted in placing students from a single Sydney-based business school, our operations were based from a home office. The following year, in 2005, a second Sydney-based business school engaged Sydney Internships’ services, along with a fast-growing international agency based in Europe. The year 2006 saw us outgrow our home office and transition to a dedicated space in Bondi Junction, marking a significant milestone in our growth journey. In 2007, a surge in collaborations with agencies worldwide, specifically Europe, cemented our position as a trusted partner in arranging internships. In 2010 we joined the Australian Internship Industry Association, further strengthening our commitment to excellence. Responding to demand, 2011 marked our successful expansion into internship placements in all major Australian cities. The year 2012 was a cause for celebration as we reached the milestone of placing 3000 students in beneficial internships throughout Australia. In 2013, we participated in the Global Internship Conference in Singapore and rebranded as Internships Down Under, highlighting our service across the entire country. Over the years, we have continued to thrive, attending global conferences, including hosting the World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC) in our home city of Sydney in 2013, followed by attending the Global Internship Conference in Detroit (2018) and Auckland (2019), and regularly participating in the annual ICEF conferences in Berlin. In 2017, we marked our 8000th intern placement, a testament to our dedication. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrated adaptability and innovation by introducing virtual internships, ensuring an uninterrupted service. 2022 we celebrated our 10,000th intern placement. Throughout the challenges posed by the pandemic, we have remained steadfast, showcasing our resilience and commitment to continued operation. With a proven track record of excellence and an eye towards the future, Internships Down Under stands strong in providing invaluable intercultural educational experiences through internships in Australia.
Directors
Linda Sekel
Linda Sekel brings over 40 years of experience in the education industry to Internships Down Under. Her journey began in Australian High Schools and transitioned to Adult Colleges, specialising in English for International students. Linda’s teaching expertise spans from Elementary to Advanced levels, including exam classes for IELTS and Cambridge First Certificate, Advanced, and Proficiency.
In 2004, recognising an opportunity in the internship placement sector, Linda established Sydney Internships (now Internships Down Under) while still actively involved in International Colleges and education. Her focus now lies in specialised internship placements and student welfare. Linda has curated an impressive portfolio of successful internship placements and maintains strong relationships with numerous satisfied host organisations.
Robbie Sekel
Robbie moved into the internship industry after spending a number of years in the Fitness Sector. He spent two years living in the UK and returned to his hometown of Sydney to join Sydney Internships (Internships Down Under). Robbie’s ongoing role is to liaise with host companies, arrange beneficial internship positions and continually seek opportunities to increase the range of services Internships Down Under offers to their clients. He is always open to new ideas which could grow and develop Sydney Internships (Internships Down Under).
Memberships, Conferences & Associates
