Kiki during her internship on Curacao

Hey! Where do you come from? Where do you study/live/work?

Hello everyone! I am Kiki and I study forensic lab research at the Avans college in Breda. I am also currently doing my internship at a marine research station on Curacao.

What was your first thought when you arrived on Curacao?

I need to change clothes, quickly! In the stormy and rainy Netherlands, it seemed like a good idea to put on a thick and warm sweater, but then you step of the plane and find that it's suddenly 30 degrees outside!

What is the most shocking difference between the Netherlands and Curacao?

The culture of Curacao is completely different from that of the Netherlands. In the Netherlands everything and everyone is always in a hurry but here the tempo of things is ten times more relaxing. Everyone does everything at ease and with the least amount of effort possible. Everybody here knows how to optimally enjoy the island. Every day you have nice weather, beautiful beaches, cocktails and parties.

What does you daily work day look like?

I usually start around 10 o’clock in the morning. Then I get to hear from my internship guide what is on the program for today. This can be working in the lab, processing information for the sake of further research, reporting or something else. At the end of the day I go to look for my internship guide again and then I get to hear if I get to go home or if she still has work for me.

How is the working mood at your company?

The working mood is very nice. Everyone is always super friendly and cheerful. The people here are polite, kind and helpful!

Have you ever been homesick? How did you handle this?

No, on this stunning and beautiful island it is difficult to become homesick :).

Do you feel at home in Curacao? Why (not)?

I sure do feel at home here! The environment is simply beautiful and the people around me are fantastic. There is always something fun to do or experience on the island. You just don’t run out of things to see here!

Give us some hints on who to befriend abroad. The Russians? The Irish? The Chilean?

Most of the people on this island are just Dutch. If you go to a grocery store you are also greeted and spoken to in Dutch. The island is full of Dutch interns or vacationers who are always down for a nice day-trip or a lovely drink!

Describe the citizens of Curacao in three words

Tranquilo, tranquilo, tranquilo....

What have you learned from your experience abroad? Was it the lovely community that you liked? The cheap cocktails? The lovely nature? Or was your experience less than you expected? Details, we want details!

The beautiful beaches!!! Everywhere on Curacao you will find nice and quiet beaches where you can nicely lay down, do some snorkeling or go swimming. Yet every beach is just a little different and because of this you never feel like you are laying on just the same beach. At the one beach you have a lot of turtles swimming around, at the other you can jump of a cliff into the lovely water, another has a  happy hour and other beaches on the other hand are very quiet. I’m still enjoying my time here to the fullest!