Thijs during his internship in Miami, USA!

Hey! Where are you from? Where do you study/live/work?
My name is Thijs. I’m from Etten-Leur and I’m an International Business and Management student at Avans Breda. Right now, I’m doing my internship in Miami, Florida, at an entertainment management group that provides entertainment services like DJs, lighting, and dancers/artists for luxury events. I work with the sales and operations teams to make sure the client has an unforgettable event.

What was the first thing you thought when you stepped off the plane?
When I stepped off the plane, it hadn’t really hit me yet that I would be spending the next six months in Miami. But of course, the first thing I noticed was how amazing the weather is here!

What was the most shocking difference between the Netherlands and the USA?
Since there aren’t many big differences between the US and the Netherlands, there wasn’t anything really shocking. It’s mostly the small things you need to get used to, like the date format (mm/dd/yyyy instead of dd/mm/yyyy), the time format (AM and PM), and of course the use of imperial units.

What does your typical workday look like?
My usual day: I wake up at 7:30 am and go to the gym for cardio. After that, I have breakfast. I’m at the office by 10 am with a to-do list that changes every day. Around 1 pm we go out for lunch, and we finish work at 5 pm. Then I go back to the gym for strength training. When I get home, I either work on school assignments or relax by the pool.

How is the work atmosphere at your internship company?
The work atmosphere is very relaxed. We see each other more like family than actual colleagues. Everyone knows what to expect from each other, and we try to help one another as much as possible, both professionally and personally.

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

When I’m busy all day, I don’t really feel homesick. It usually hits when you do something fun that you wish you could share with your family and friends. For example: my 15-year-old sister was selected to play for the Dutch national softball team under 16, and she started her season in the highest league as the youngest player. I had to miss all of that, which can be tough. But luckily, we have great technology that allows me to video chat. Regular contact with friends and family keeps me going.

Do you feel at home in the US? Why (not)?

Yes, I do feel at home in the US. Mostly because I have amazing colleagues and I live on a university campus, which makes socializing easier. I also like how people live here in Miami. Everyone works hard but is also relaxed. They have the perfect balance of work and pleasure (at least the people I’ve met so far!).

Who do you recommend making friends with abroad? Russians? Irish? Chileans? (We want the gossip about other internationals you’ve met!)

Most people living in Miami come from Latin America, and they’re super nice. Very kind, take care of you, and most importantly, they’re fun to hang out with! They invite you to dinner, a BBQ, or drinks without hesitation.

Describe the people of Miami in three words.

Positive, welcoming, relaxed.

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!

I’ve already learned a few things. I’ve become more independent and responsible by living on my own. I’ve also learned what kind of work I can do after graduation. And last but not least, I’ve learned a lot about entrepreneurship from my boss. He’s a fantastic mentor!