Jakarta, 21 November 2025 – For students seeking to launch a global career in biomedicine, securing an international internship program is crucial. Mario Lawrence Wirawan, a dedicated biomedicine student from i3L’s 2021 cohort, recently completed a highly productive research internship at a top South Korean institution. His journey offers priceless tips for navigating competitive applications and thriving in a world-class research environment. 

Mario didn’t just get an internship; he secured a coveted spot at the Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS) and juggled five major research projects.

Meet the Researcher

His name is Mario Lawrence Wirawan, usually known as Mario from the Biomedicine cohort of 2021 with Tumor Biology Streaming. He had completed 3 non-credited on-campus internships and 2 international internship program placements. His latest internship placement was at the Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Cheonan, South Korea, under Professor Hyog Young Kwon, Ph.D., as a research intern.

Life as an Intern at SIMS

At SIMS, Mario immersed himself in a high-intensity, multi-faceted research environment. He wasn’t just observing; he was actively contributing to significant scientific inquiries.

Key Projects: He was assigned to diverse projects, including:

• Kidney Injury Research
• Muscle Degradation Research
• Age-related Disease Research
• Leukemia Research (His thesis project)

His core responsibilities spanned the full research cycle, from proposing new research ideas and paper writing to executing the crucial laboratory work. “I was very fortunate to be given all of those responsibilities, because I learned many things, not only laboratory skills but also other soft skills that I think are important in my line of work,” Mario shared.

The Application Blueprint: Securing the SIMS Internship

Mario’s placement began with a structured process, starting internally at i3L before moving to the competitive selection phase with the host professor.

• Internal Application: Submission of a comprehensive CV, a detailed motivation letter, and a list of professor preferences.
• The Interview: Shortlisted candidates proceeded to an interview with the respective professor. This interview covered everything from theoretical knowledge to general questions, ensuring the applicant was a good fit for the lab’s culture and research goals.
• Preparation: Once selected, the focus shifted to securing all necessary paperwork: MoUs, health declarations, letters of acceptance, and, finally, the visa.

The i3L Advantage: Building a Research-Ready Profile

Mario strongly believes that the education and opportunities at i3L were vital preparation for his demanding international internship program.

• Hard Skills Foundation: “The extensive exposure to laboratory work and the comprehensive theory classes… equipped me with the relevant and necessary skills needed for the internship program.”
• Soft Skills & Confidence: He emphasized i3L’s “nurturing and limitless opportunities” to train soft skills, which “have shaped me into who I am today” and gave him a clear advantage in pursuing his career goals.

Mario’s Masterclass: Tips for Landing Your Dream International Internship Program

For younger students aspiring to global research opportunities, Mario offers three critical pieces of advice:

1. Define Your Goal Early

Realize what you hope to achieve. Mario’s goal was to remain in academia and secure a potential scholarship for further study. This focus guided him toward research-heavy international internship program opportunities tailored to his ambition.

2. Be Persistent (and Start Early!)

Finding internships abroad requires a systematic approach. Mario sent over 50 cold emails, receiving only 10–15 replies and about five interview offers. Mario’s Advice: Rejections should not discourage you. Start your search early—around 6 months before your target internship duration—and be relentlessly persistent in your applications.

3. Build a Robust CV

Your CV is your most important asset. Mario suggests joining as many non-credited internships and relevant projects as possible during your university years. A broader skill set and a demonstrated alignment with your desired research field will give you a significant edge over other applicants.