Jordy during his internship in Berlin

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

I’m from Landgraaf. I study People and Business Management in Sittard and I am currently living and working in Berlin for my internship.

What was the first thing you thought when you arrived in Berlin?

The first thing I thought was, "What an immensely large city with so many construction sites!"

What was the most shocking difference between the Netherlands and Germany?

The biggest difference for me is that people here are not as friendly as I’m used to. Saying hello to someone on the street is very normal for me, but here it’s an exception. Although I think that has more to do with the big city vibe than with Germany itself.

What does your typical workday look like?

My typical workday starts at 9 am and ends at 6 pm. I spend the whole day dealing with finances and acquiring new clients.

How is the working atmosphere at your internship company?

The atmosphere within our company is very open and relaxed. We’re still a startup, and I find the way of working very pleasant.

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

No, I have never felt homesick.

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

Yes, I do feel at home in Berlin now. I like having the hustle and bustle and the big city around me. However, I do think that the way people interact here might annoy me in the long run.

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

Berlin is really known for having the best doner kebab, and that is definitely true. What I don’t like to eat is Waldorf salad because I think fruit doesn’t belong in something savory.

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

The most important thing is to become friends with the original residents. They know much more about the city than you could ever find on the internet.

Describe the inhabitants of Berlin in three words.

Reserved
Very diverse
Multicultural

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!

My experience so far has been very good. I’ve learned a lot about the real working life but also about living on my own, and that was my biggest goal to achieve here.