Kiki during her internship in Curaçao!

Hey! Where are you from? Where do you study/live/work?
Hi everyone! I’m Kiki and I study Forensic Laboratory Research at Avans in Breda. I’m currently doing an internship at a marine research station in Curaçao.

What was the first thing you thought when you arrived in Curaçao?
Quick, change clothes! In rainy Netherlands, it seemed like a good idea to wear a thick sweater, but then you step off the plane and it’s suddenly 30 degrees.

What was the most shocking difference between the Netherlands and Curaçao?
The culture in Curaçao is completely different from that in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands everything is rushed, and here the pace is ten times slower. Everyone does things in a relaxed way, putting in as little effort as possible. People here really know how to enjoy the island—great weather every day, beautiful beaches, cocktails, and parties.

What does your typical workday look like?
I usually start around 10 a.m. Then my internship supervisor tells me what’s on the schedule for the day. That could be working in the lab, processing information for ongoing research, writing reports, or something else. At the end of the day, I check back in with my supervisor to see if I can head home or if there’s anything else to do.

What’s the work atmosphere like at your internship company?
The work atmosphere is really pleasant. Everyone is super friendly and cheerful. People are very helpful here.

Have you ever felt homesick? How did you deal with it?
It’s hard to feel homesick on this island :).

Do you feel at home in Curaçao? Why (not)?
I definitely feel at home here. The surroundings are super beautiful and the people around me are fantastic. There’s always something to do on the island. You don’t get bored here quickly.

Give us tips on who you should befriend abroad. The Russians? The Irish? The Chileans?
Most people on this island just speak Dutch. If you go to the supermarket, they’ll speak to you in Dutch as well. The island is full of Dutch-speaking interns or vacationers who are always up for a day out or a drink.

Describe the inhabitants of Curaçao in three words.
Tranquilo, tranquilo, tranquilo...

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!
The beautiful beaches!!! All over Curaçao, you find beautiful quiet beaches where you can relax, snorkel, or swim. Yet each beach is a bit different, so you never feel like you’re always in the same place. At one beach, there are lots of turtles swimming; at another, you can jump off a cliff; another has happy hour, and yet another is very peaceful. I’m still fully enjoying my time here!