Demi during her internship in New York

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

Hi! I’m Demi and I’m from Arnhem (NL). I study Fashion Business at TMO and right now I’m a sales intern in New York.

What was the first thing you thought when you arrived in New York?

Honey, I’m home haha! I’ve actually been to NY twice recently on vacation, so it felt a bit like coming home. Especially knowing I’d be here for another 5 months.

What was the most shocking difference between the Netherlands and New York?

The time difference. At first, I didn’t really realize I was actually living and working in New York, but when you’re texting with people back home and suddenly realize it’s 6 hours later there, you really grasp that you’re on the other side of the world!

What does your typical workday look like?

It differs every day. During market week, lots of retailers come to the showroom to shop for FALL18. Then I’m mainly busy welcoming customers and showing the new collection. Sometimes I join when my colleagues give training to store staff, like at Bergdorf and Goodman. Then I get to watch and learn. Very educational! But of course, there are also days when I just work at the office all day.

How is the working atmosphere at your internship company?

The atmosphere at the office is very nice and open. It’s a mix of formal and informal. All departments work in the same space. The advantage is you can always ask anyone anything directly, and that’s totally allowed! Everyone works very hard here but there’s always room for some fun too.

Have you ever felt homesick? How did you deal with it?

Not yet, but I’ve only been here 5 weeks. It also helps that my parents and a friend will come visit me during my stay, and a friend has already been here, which is really nice! Plus, I can always Facetime and WhatsApp with people back home.

Do you feel at home in New York? Why (not)?

Yes, I do feel at home in NY. I also lived in the city in the Netherlands, and I love living in a city. There’s always something to do. Also, New York has so many beautiful places and neighborhoods. You can visit the hustle and bustle of Times Square, take a nice walk in Central Park, or spend a day strolling through SOHO. And all that in one city!

Is there a typical local dish you really can’t eat (or actually really like)?

There are still so many things on my food list. You can eat so many different things here, and I definitely plan to try as much as possible. What I have already tried is a cheesecake from Junior’s. They really are the best!

Give us tips on who you should befriend abroad. The Russians? The Irish? The Chileans?

Everyone! I’m currently staying at The Webster Apartments, and there are many girls here from all over the world who all work or intern. Even though I’ve only been here 5 weeks, I’ve already met a lot of great girls! This is really a recommendation if you’re going to live in NY for a longer time!

Describe the people of New York in three words.

Open-minded, friendly, and social. People here are so different from in the Netherlands. They’re always up for a chat and always willing to help. This can be on the street or just in the subway. Also, in stores for example, you’re always greeted and asked how you’re doing right away.

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

Of course, I’ve only been here a short time, but what I’ve definitely learned is to enjoy every moment because time flies by! I’m also very happy with all the fun and sweet girls I’ve already met here! Every day when I walk home with a view of the Empire State Building, I really realize again how lucky I am to live in this beautiful city! I can’t wait to see even more of the city!