INTERNSHIP IN CURAÇAO
Curaçao is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In the lively streets of Willemstad, the colourful capital, pastel coloured buildings dance like paintings against the sky. The culture is a unique mix of European, African and Caribbean influences, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. As a student you will quickly feel at home here.
At the same time, Curaçao also faces socio economic challenges. For many kids on the island, organised sport is not yet within reach. Many children and young people lack structural sporting opportunities, while this is so important for their development. That is what we work for.
Curaçao
WHO IS THIS INTERNSHIP SUITABLE FOR?
Your goal as an intern is not to train Curaçao’s next international, although of course that could always happen. So you don’t need to be a seasoned coach or hold certificates. A basic knowledge of the sport you coach is useful. But the most important thing is that you show enthusiasm when giving your sessions.
Students with an interest in special needs education and/or adapted physical activity are very welcome. Our programme also visits institutions such as:
- boarding homes
- youth detention centres
- three special needs schools
- addiction clinics
This internship is ideal for sport related courses, but also for courses in event and leisure management, social work, marketing, education and culture. It is important to know that you will always be deployed as a sports coach. In Curaçao you can choose to spend some days in the office working on your university or internship assignments. Some fun examples of internship assignments are: setting up a large sports event, adding your own sport to the curriculum, carrying out research or organising a fundraising event.
We can always set up a tailor made internship for you through a personal conversation.
We offer you a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a sporty, tropical setting, where you work alongside local coaches with young people on the island.
For university students
Are you at university and would you like to complete your internship or module in Curaçao? You can! If you need to do a dissertation or final research project, we offer options for that too. In consultation with the coordinator on the island, you choose a suitable topic that fits your course and interests.
During your internship you:
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Give PE lessons at primary and secondary schools, both during and outside school hours.Work with other interns and volunteers to prepare and deliver lessons.
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May (depending on the schedule) be asked to help with evening training sessions.
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Help organise sports days for schools, either supporting or setting up a sports day yourself.
Please note: sports equipment is limited and lessons usually take place outdoors, for example on artificial grass, tarmac, in the street or on a grass or sand pitch.
For college students
Are you at college and would you like to do your internship in Curaçao? We have great opportunities for you too!
As a college intern you:
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Give sports lessons at after school clubs.
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Run training sessions at local football, rugby or hockey clubs, depending on your sporting background.
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Help organise sports days at schools, either assisting or helping to organise them.
For you too: the equipment available is limited and lessons often take place outdoors on a variety of surfaces.
In short:
Whether you are at college or university, you will be fully involved in the sporting fieldwork in Curaçao. You develop yourself professionally and personally in an environment where your commitment really makes a difference.
WHY THE POWER OF SPORTS
- No registration fee and a no-obligation introductory call.
- The project E Poder di Deporte Curaçao (The Power of Sports in Papiamentu) was set up by ourselves.
- We try to make the internship as affordable as possible (sadly Curaçao is an expensive island). We offer a fair price, and when you see everything you get in return, we think we have succeeded.
- As an organisation that focuses entirely on social sport.
- We tell you an honest story and assess whether you are suited to the project.
- Our programmes are run responsibly and have a proven positive impact.
- All our staff know our programmes abroad well.
- We offer good personal support, both in the UK and abroad.
- We are founders and part of the ‘Volunteer Aware’ quality mark. With this we want to stress that our projects are rooted in a sincere commitment to a worthy cause.
ARRIVAL days
We recommend arriving at a weekend. Many volunteers and interns arrive at the same time then, so you meet the other participants straight away and get an introduction to the projects. A great, informative start to your time with The Power of Sports! If it is much cheaper to arrive on a weekday, for example, we understand that too, but the weekend is preferred.
I am vegetarian. Will my dietary needs be taken into account?
In Curaçao only breakfast is included, and vegetarians are catered for.
What do I need to think about before going abroad?
After our no obligation conversation, in which we already go through the main points, we also send you the ‘welcome pack’, which sets out in detail everything you need to bear in mind: what to bring, which plug sockets they use, visa, flights and so on.
Can I arrive earlier or later than an arrival weekend?
This is possible but strongly discouraged, because you would miss the introduction and orientation on the island. We fully understand that if a flight is much cheaper, for example, you would rather arrive on a different day. Let us know in advance and we will find a good solution.
How many other people will I be doing my internship with?
There are always other interns and volunteers at the accommodation in Curaçao. The group size varies, but there will generally be around 12 people, which also means our accommodation is full. Curaçao is a popular destination. You can contact us to ask how many others will be there during your stay. We also set up a group chat with the others travelling in the same period, so you can get to know each other beforehand.
Can I get Turing or Erasmus+ funding for my internship in Curaçao?
That depends on your university or college. Curaçao is outside Europe, and institutions set their own rules for funding placements outside Europe. Ask your international office whether your internship qualifies.
Sport in Curaçao
There are several popular sports played by local people in Curaçao. Here are some of the most popular:
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Baseball: baseball is by far the most popular sport in Curaçao. The island has a strong baseball tradition and has produced many talented players who have achieved international success. Many young Curaçao players are also spotted by Major League Baseball teams in the United States.
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Football: football is also a very popular sport in Curaçao. The Curaçao national football team has performed well in regional competitions such as the Caribbean Cup in recent years. Local football clubs also have a strong following, and there are several football pitches and facilities on the island.
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Basketball: basketball is growing in popularity in Curaçao. There are several basketball clubs and leagues on the island, and the national basketball teams have gained some international recognition. Basketball courts can be found in various communities and schools in Curaçao.
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Volleyball: volleyball is another popular sport on the island, at both recreational and competitive level. There are volleyball clubs and leagues in which both men and women take part. The Curaçao national volleyball team has also taken part in regional tournaments.
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Athletics: athletics is a popular individual sport in Curaçao. There are several athletics clubs and training facilities where people can take part in different disciplines, such as sprinting, long jump, high jump and throwing. Local athletics competitions and events are organised regularly.
Besides these sports, other activities are also popular in Curaçao, such as windsurfing, diving, sailing and cycling, thanks to the island’s favourable location and beautiful natural surroundings. The sporting landscape in Curaçao keeps developing, and there are always new sports initiatives and events taking place on the island.
Turing Scheme
Through the Turing Scheme, UK universities, colleges and schools can fund students who take part in a study or internship abroad, including outside Europe. The funding is applied for by your institution, not by you directly.
Ask your study abroad or international office whether your institution takes part and whether our programme qualifies. Visit the Turing Scheme website for the conditions. Make sure you do this well in advance, as institutions work with strict deadlines and gathering the required documents can take a while. A good, timely application also increases your chance of success.
Koninkrijksbeurs
The Koninkrijksbeurs is a grant for students enrolled within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, so it is not available to students at UK universities and colleges. As a UK student, ask your international office about Turing Scheme or Erasmus+ funding and other travel bursaries for your internship in Curaçao.
Erasmus+
Other grants
Many universities, colleges and sports bodies offer their own travel grants or bursaries for students who want to spend part of their studies or internship abroad. Availability differs per institution and course.
So always check with your course, personal tutor or international office whether your participation in our project qualifies for such a grant. They can also tell you about the conditions, the application procedure and the amount. It is well worth looking into early, as a grant can make a nice contribution to the cost of your experience abroad.
Willemstad, Curaçao
4 week internship
€ 980
No registration fee
- Each extra week € 190
- 10 weeks € 2,120
Then € 150 per extra week - 16 weeks € 3,020
Then € 100 per extra week
What’s included
Stay
- Beautiful accommodation
- Dinner together once a week
- Mountain bike
Support
- Dedicated coordinator at your project
- Meet your coordinator before you go
- Visa advice and support.
Arrival
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Introduction and guided tour
Extra
- Group chat with everyone travelling at the same time as you
- Social activities with other volunteers and interns
- Free The Power of Sports shirt and socks
Ready to go? Book a free, no-obligation intake call and we’ll help you plan.
About Curaçao
Curaçao is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With its rich history, diverse culture and breathtaking natural beauty, Curaçao attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The history of Curaçao began with the indigenous Arawak people, followed by the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century. Later the island became a Dutch colony and an important centre of the slave trade. The influences of this history are still visible in the island’s architecture, cuisine and culture.
Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its colourful Dutch colonial architecture. The Handelskade, with its brightly coloured buildings along the water, is an iconic sight. The island also has a lively mix of cultures: Papiamentu is the official language, but many people also speak English, Spanish and Dutch.
Curaçao’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the world, with azure water and white sand. Snorkelling and diving are popular activities thanks to the clear water and rich underwater world, including the famous Mushroom Forest dive site.
Besides its natural beauty, Curaçao also offers a lively local cuisine with influences from different cultures. Local dishes such as karni stoba (meat stew) and keshi yena (stuffed cheese) are favourites with residents and tourists alike.
Curaçao has a warm climate and friendly people, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you enjoy the historic charm of Willemstad, relax on the beautiful beaches or discover the lively local culture, Curaçao offers an unforgettable experience at the crossroads of European, African and Caribbean influences.
Accommodation
During your stay in Curaçao you live at Villa Bon Bini, a spacious and characterful bright blue villa in the quiet neighbourhood of Mon Repos on the Uteweg. The accommodation consists of two fully furnished homes on a large plot, with room for around 20 residents in total. This creates a friendly, international atmosphere in which you live together with other volunteers or students.
Both floors have an almost identical layout, with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious living room and an open kitchen. The villa has every convenience, including a hot water system, security, its own well and an emergency generator. Upstairs you will also find a cosy TV corner, a balcony and a roof terrace with a lovely view.
Outside you can enjoy a tropical garden with a cosy palapa and lounge set, the perfect place to relax after an active day. You share a room with up to four people, with boys and girls sleeping separately.
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