Editor’s note: People of UW is a human interest series produced by The Badger Herald staff members. The series aims to highlight a student or student group at the University of Wisconsin making an impact on the campus community. These Q&As are lightly edited for clarity and style.
Tell me about your internship in Indonesia? What was the program, and how did you get involved?
The program was called Green Moluccas, and I got involved through the UW Signature Internships program. It’s a nonprofit organization based on Ambon Island in the Maluku region of Indonesia. I spent 10 weeks there working on mangrove restoration projects, teaching younger generations about climate change, and helping to build a sense of urgency around protecting Ambon’s coastlines and ecosystems.
I was there with a program called Green Moluccas, a nonprofit org based in Ambon Island, in the Maluku region of Indonesia. I spent 10 weeks working on mangrove restoration, teaching local children about climate change, and building a sense of urgency around protecting Ambon’s coastlines and ecosystems.
Where did you live during your time there, and who did you live with?
I lived in a neighborhood called Passo with a local host family, and halfway I moved in with another host family for the remainder of the program! Living with locals was a blessing in many ways—we got to try authentic cuisine, learn bits of the language, and really connect with our neighbors in the village.
What kind of work were you doing during your internship? How did it compare to what you expected going in?
One of our biggest responsibilities was running the Green Education program for children in the neighborhood. We taught them about climate change and environmental stewardship in creative ways, because of the language barrier. I also helped with data analysis on how their “waste bank” could operate more sustainably in the future. On top of that, we did hands-on restoration work like mangrove cleanups, beach cleanups, and planting new vegetation.
Something I didn’t expect going in was the emphasis on community dialogue. We attended several conferences exploring the relationship between religion, and environmentalism. Those conversations highlighted how central education is, not just for kids, but for the entire community.
What was your biggest takeaway from your summer in Indonesia?
The biggest thing was seeing the environmental challenges up close. After a big storm, we did a mangrove cleanup and the beach was covered in plastic bottles and wrappers. Working alongside local kids made me realize how directly climate change affects their daily lives.
I also learned a lot about cross-cultural communication. Even when we didn’t share a language, we found ways to connect. Sometimes through hand gestures or even drawing in the sand. It showed me that you don’t need perfect words to have meaningful conversations.
What’s your favorite memory from your time there?
Definitely scuba diving. I’ve always loved to swim, so being surrounded by that clear blue water became part of my daily routine. Most mornings I’d slip into the ocean before the day started, just to swim through the reefs. It was such a peaceful way to start the day, and it made me feel connected to the place in a way that’s hard to put into words. Experiencing an untouched ecosystem like that felt like a once in a lifetime experience, because of the constantly changing status of our environment.
What’s one thing you missed from home while you were in Indonesia—and one thing you miss about Indonesia now that you’re back?
While I was there, I definitely missed staples from home, like toilet paper, showers, and Trader Joes. Now that I’m back, I miss the natural beauty the most, especially being able to swim in the ocean almost every day and explore reefs that felt so alive.
Do you think more UW–Madison students should consider interning abroad? Why or why not?
Absolutely. It’s such an incredible opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a new culture. You not only meet amazing people and experience the beauty of another country, but you also get to think about your future career in a new light. Interning abroad is both challenging and rewarding. It’s something I think every student should at least consider.
