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Interview with Bamboo Architecture Interns: Shonali and Jules
Two young talents from distant corners of the globe went on a transformative journey in Bali that would not only broaden their horizons but also fuel their professional ambitions. Shonali, a 22-year-old recent graduate from Munich, Germany, and Jules, a civil engineer hailing from France, found themselves united by a shared passion for bamboo construction. They joined an international bamboo construction company through the Bali Internship program, and in this article, we delve into Shonali and Jules' stories as they recount their remarkable sojourn in the 'Island of the Gods.'
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Shonali's Experience
"To be honest, my expectations were exceeded. The experience was not only interesting but also highly relevant to my future career."
Hello, I'm Shonali, and I'm 22 years old from Munich, Germany. This past summer, I completed my Bachelor's degree in Architecture. While my initial plan was to study in Bali for a month last year, the pandemic forced me to reconsider. After some online research, I stumbled upon the Bali Internship program. Instead of studying, I decided to do an eight-week internship at an international bamboo construction company, and it turned out to be a fantastic decision.
My internship was a fulfilling blend of personal and professional growth. To be honest, my expectations were exceeded. The experience was not only interesting but also highly relevant to my future career. I had flexible working hours - from 9 to 5 on weekdays, but with the option for remote work. I even got a week off during Balinese holidays. It was a relaxed and supportive environment. My most enjoyable task was planning a restaurant on one of Indonesia's islands. From drawing floor plans and sections to creating structure drawings and small-scale models, I was fully engaged. I loved every aspect of my work.
The most significant takeaway was my newfound knowledge of bamboo in architecture. I learned how to work with bamboo, connect it, and differentiate between various bamboo types. This experience solidified my desire to incorporate bamboo in my future architectural projects, although I do recognize that it's not always a suitable material. I felt safe in Bali, even as a young girl traveling alone during the pandemic. The local safety measures, including mask-wearing, were reassuring. My internship also offered numerous benefits, from learning about a new culture to improving my English skills and, of course, escaping the German winter. I wholeheartedly recommend the Bali Internship program. They provided excellent support, from handling my visa and accommodation to helping with transportation and even minor issues like SIM card troubles. Their assistance made a significant difference in my experience.
To describe Bali in three words: hot, fun, and paradise. The island's tropical climate, the sheer enjoyment of my internship, and the sheer beauty of Bali make these words apt.
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Jules Experience
"My internship was a vital part of my career journey. I aimed to learn as much as I could about bamboo construction, with the goal of eventually contributing to the growth of bamboo construction in Europe."
Hi, I'm Jules, a civil engineer from France. I graduated from Polytechnic, and my passion for bamboo construction led me to Bali for a six-month internship at an international bamboo construction company. I've always been fascinated by bamboo, and my time in Bali was a dream come true. I was initially working in wood construction in France, but my heart was set on exploring the potential of bamboo in design and construction.
My internship was a vital part of my career journey. I aimed to learn as much as I could about bamboo construction, with the goal of eventually contributing to the growth of bamboo construction in Europe. It was a challenging but fulfilling journey. My role as an intern involved studying the structure of bamboo construction. I created small-scale models with bamboo sticks, calculated structures, and quantified components. My favorite part was building tangible models with my hands. It was a satisfying experience. The most challenging aspect was quantifying the structure, especially since I had limited experience with bamboo. However, I saw this as a tremendous opportunity for growth.
I also expanded my software skills and deepened my understanding of bamboo's assembly techniques and applications in the construction industry. Looking ahead, I believe this internship will be a significant step in my career. It allowed me to compare wood and bamboo construction, providing me with a more comprehensive view of the building world. My aim is to apply this knowledge and promote bamboo construction in Europe as an environmentally friendly and structurally sound design option.
I felt secure in Bali, thanks to the well-prepared safety measures, even during the pandemic. Bali offered the perfect blend of work and leisure. Surfing was a big draw for me, and the island's tropical climate allowed me to celebrate Christmas under the sun. I wholeheartedly recommend the Bali Internship program. They took care of everything, from visas and accommodations to transportation and even scooter rentals, making our transition to a foreign country smooth.
In three words, I'd describe Bali as surf, bamboo, and nasi (rice).
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In conclusion, Jules and Shonali's shared experiences in Bali were enriching both professionally and personally. Their passion for bamboo construction brought them to a place where they could thrive in their chosen field while experiencing Bali's enchanting culture. Bali Internship played a crucial role in making both global student internship experiences unforgettable. They returned home armed with new skills, invaluable insights, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of Bali.
By Billy Bagus
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