Esmée in Curaçao

Participant

Esmée

Programme

Internship

Country

🇨🇼 Curaçao

Duration

6 weeks

Short bio

My name is Esmée, I’m 19 years old and I’m studying at CIOS Haarlem (level 4). I’m currently in my final year and following the fitness pathway. Sport and health play a big part in my life, so in my free time you’ll often find me at the gym, and I also love going for a run.

Alongside my studies I’ve gained several years of work experience, which has helped me develop into a sociable, independent and motivated person. During my internship in Curaçao I gained lots of new experiences and was able to develop further, both personally and professionally.

How satisfied were you with the support from Holland?

I found the support back in Holland clear and pleasant. I was very happy with the help I received and always felt there was someone I could turn to whenever I needed help.

My story

“You notice that you can make a difference for others, while you also grow enormously as a person yourself.”

Esmée · internship in Curaçao

My internship in Curaçao was truly an experience I will never forget. I spent 6 weeks there doing my internship at various projects, such as primary schools, after-school care, gymnastics, athletics, football and an addiction clinic. Because you work with so many different groups, every day stays varied, educational and fun. No two days felt the same, so the time really flew by.

What makes this internship so special is that it’s so much more than just an internship. Your days are packed with fun and educational projects, but you also have plenty of free time to explore the island. Heading to the beach after a day at work, enjoying the view together, or exploring new places in Curaçao at the weekend really makes this experience unique. You combine gaining work experience with an adventure you’d never normally have.

The bond you build with the other interns/volunteers also makes it extra special. Because you live together and go through so much together, you grow close really quickly. You’re basically together all the time: during projects, on the road, at the beach or just at home in the evening. That’s how really lovely friendships and memories are made that you’ll carry with you for a long time. At the same time there’s also plenty of room to take some time for yourself now and then when you need it.

For me personally, the best part was the connection with the children. You can really tell they’re happy to see you and get excited when you turn up at a project again. That feeling is hard to explain, but it gives you so much energy and satisfaction. You notice that you can make a difference for others, while also growing enormously as a person yourself.

I would really recommend this internship to everyone. You don’t just develop professionally, but personally too. You become more independent, learn to deal with new situations and make memories that will stay with you for life. After a while Curaçao really feels like a second home, and before you know it you’re back on the plane home, even though you don’t want to leave at all.

What advice would you like to give future interns and volunteers?

Take the chance to do an internship abroad while you can. Go even if you’re going alone, because that’s exactly what you learn the most from. Take the plunge and enjoy every moment of it!