Ashwin during his internship in Bangkok, Thailand

Where are you working and what is your function?

I’m working at a partner of Google for Work and Salesforce. We are developing our own products on online solutions. I’m working in the HRM department, or better said: I AM the HRM department. I’ve been called HR manager instead of HR intern a few times already, not bad!

What is the first thing you thought when you got off the plane?

OK, it’s kinda hot.

We can imagine. What is the biggest difference between the Netherlands and Thailand? And the most fun thing about Bangkok?

It’s definitely the culture. Not only daily life culture, working culture is completely different too. It’s all going a bit differently (read: slower) than we’re used to in the Netherlands. I think the most fun part of living in Bangkok is the culture: the mix of Western and Eastern culture, but completely different from its neighbouring countries! Unique, really. And yes, I can’t complain about the weather!

Are you homesick often? If yes, how do you cope with it?

I am not feeling homesick at aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall! I think I’ll be feeling homesick for Thailand when I return to the Netherlands though.

Do you feel at home in Bangkok? Would you be able to live there?

Like I think is obvious from the answers above, I feel completely at home here. The only thing that would stop me from moving here is the cockroaches. Blegh.

Ew. So can you describe a regular working day?

Our day starts at 8:30, so that means that we’re trying to all crowd ourselves into the Skytrain at 8am and travel to the office cheek by jowl. Normally the real working day doesn’t start until 9, after everything has started up and everyone’s read the news. During the day I’m mostly answering emails, doing recruitment, researching processes, writing reports, attending meetings and being a general point of contact for personnel and managers. Oh yes, and I try to work on my school assignment.

I heard a story about tinderfame and got very curious. Could you tell us a bit more? 

Hmm yes, Western boys/men are super popular with the locals. I’m not sure why, but I guess this is because many Thai men are really feminine OR super dominant, and the locals like our skin and hair colour, I think. When you’re walking down the street, especially in the suburbs, everyone usually stares at you. The first times that happened to me I found myself checking my teeth for leftover food.

Please give us tips about who to befriend when living abroad. The Russians? The Irish? The Chileans? (Honestly, we want to know some gossip about other internationals you’ve met.)

Gossip, hmm! Really you have to befriend everybody, of course. Up until now I’ve only made Dutch and Thai friends, to be fair. I even found a girlfriend here! Love everyone’s tinderstories, but you have to be at other people for those!

Ok ok, we’ll try. Can you describe the inhabitants of Bangkok in 3 words?

Mostly friendly, small and dutiful.

What did you learn from your experience abroad? Was it the loving community you liked? The cheap cocktails? The overwhelming nature? Food heaven? Or was the experience less helpful than expected? Details, we want details!

I’ve learned so much it’s impossible to name everything! I’ve learned lots on the practicalities of working for a business, how that business works, what Thailand is like and also some truths about myself. I would definitely recommend going abroad to anyone that has the chance to do this. A 1000000%. It’s just amazing; the food is delicious, the drinks are fantastic and even if you’re on a budget you can do whatever you like here.

Because the King has just died, it’s been a bit of a strange period here (and it still is) but also super impressive to see all those grieving people wearing black, grey or white for 30 days. Most of the people still wear those colours now. The King was loved so much and isn’t called Father for nothing, many Thai actually saw him as a father figure and he’s done many good things. Very interesting period to be here!