Consultant Lynn about her time at Abroad Internships

What do you find more important: seeing many different places or really getting to know one place well?

There are still millions of places on my to-visit list, like the Bahamas (because swimming with pigs), but also Canada (nature), Australia (even more nature!), and South America (world wonders). However, when I look back at my own internship period in Oxford, that was truly an unforgettable time I still look back on with love. So I think I’d choose the latter: really getting to know one place well. Because then you become truly aware of the place, the people, and everything happening around you.

If you were to write a book, what would it be about?

I would want to create a beautiful coffee table book with photos and stories collected during my travels, something like One Year on a Bike. Ideally, I’d want to inspire everyone to go on a foreign adventure, whether that’s an internship, a trip, or a holiday. Being abroad (and stepping out of your comfort zone) brings you so much! And afterwards, it’s so nice to come home again—you appreciate our little country even more!

If you could choose, would you rather do a raft journey from Peru to Polynesia like Thor Heyerdahl, or a world trip by hot air balloon à la Piccard and Jones? And why?

A world trip by hot air balloon! Not only because it looks so amazing from the ground (Bagan in Myanmar or Cappadocia in Turkey), but also because you can see EVERYTHING and look into the far distance. Sailing on a raft sounds super cool too, but I have zero seaman skills and see myself just going around in circles on the water, haha.

What was the most memorable moment during your time at Abroad Internships?

It’s hard to choose just one! The student who stuck with me the most was one of the first I helped. She really wanted to go to England, but because her English skills weren’t strong enough yet, it was almost impossible to find a company offering an internship. In the final week before the deadline, a company finally gave her a chance. She had an amazing time there (at least from her stories), so that was definitely a big yay moment!

A second yay moment was when I got to guide our own intern here at the office. He also helped several students find internships! Consultant in the making ;-)

Which student whose internship you arranged are you most jealous of, and why?

There have been so many great students who went to amazing places! Maybe I’m most jealous of the student who started her internship in Oxford last September, because that’s really my town. But also Iris, who flew to Toronto in February 2018, Luca who went to China in May 2018, and the girls I visited in New York in September 2017. Imagine being able to intern there!

When you go on your trip soon, what are you most looking forward to: nature or culture?

A bit of both. I’m traveling to Asia and from my previous travel experience, I know there’s really beautiful nature to see, but also the locals are incredibly hospitable. And of course, the people you meet on the road come from all over. Ultimately, I choose culture, because I always enjoy seeing how things are so different in other countries compared to the Netherlands.

Soon you’ll be sipping cocktails on white sand beaches on some far-away tropical island. While sitting there, what are you gonna miss most about your time at Abroad Internships?

The best colleagues of all time! But seriously, I’m going to miss you guys.

Which top three items do you need to take along on every journey/trip?

A (video) camera, a dose of curiosity, and a jar of Nutella (just in case).

Since you enjoy music and festivals so much, what songs/type of music do you listen to whilst traveling?

Really everything! During long bus/plane/train rides, I often listen to a coffeehouse playlist. It depends on my mood and what’s popular at the location at the time (songs that keep playing and you eventually appreciate). I associate almost every country I’ve been to with a song that reminds me of that trip, so who knows what will be on my playlist soon!

If the sky is the limit, what is the craziest thing you would like to do in the future?

Drop everything, buy a tuk-tuk, adopt a dog, and then tour ALL the countries. I came across a similar story in a Vespa museum in Italy and thought it was SO cool!

You have helped hundreds of students find their dream internship abroad. How do you look back at your time at Abroad Internships?

I’m really incredibly grateful that in two years I’ve been able to learn and experience so much at such a fun and varied workplace. I’ve had tons of contact with students, companies, and schools, attended fairs, gave presentations, joined information evenings… Also, I planned several company visits to London where I got to see firsthand what I was really helping students with. And of course, not to forget that the Abroad Internships office is right in the heart of Utrecht, only 10 minutes by bike from my house :-)

What are you most proud of achieving here at Abroad Internships?

Definitely that I’ve helped so many students embark on an adventure like the one I had myself. It’s amazing to see and experience how students become aware of their growth. Last year I also gathered several blogs, and you can really read how good it is to push your boundaries. I think it’s really cool that I’ve been able to contribute to that.

Where don’t you mind waiting?

At the airport! Schiphol is my favorite place, even if I’m not flying anywhere. I always love watching what and who comes and goes.

What is the stupidest thing you’ve done on your own free will?

Quitting my job at Abroad Internships! THANK YOU GUYS!