Interning in Curaçao: Roos’s Experience

It actually started very simply. During a conversation at school in September, I heard that fellow students were going abroad for their internships. “Would that be something for me too?” I thought. That idea never went away. And before I knew it, I was certain: I wanted to go to Curaçao.

From idea to reality

I had never been there before, but the island immediately appealed to me. The fact that Dutch is widely spoken here was also a factor. My English is not that strong, so it was reassuring to know that.

In October, I got started. Through Bo Curaçao, an agency that helps interns find placements, accommodation, transportation and an internship permit, everything quickly became concrete. That is how I got in touch with Marvelous Media & Communications, and my first conversation with Marlous immediately felt right. There was energy, a warm welcome and a genuine connection. When Marlous wanted to hire me, I was overjoyed.

Travelling alone to an unfamiliar island

At the end of January 2026, I left. Completely alone, heading to an environment I did not know and people I had never met. It was very exciting, but I received a warm welcome straight away. Both on the island and in my student house, where I lived with around forty people. Despite the large group, there was a great atmosphere and I quickly felt at home. It was also my first time living in a student house, so that was new too, but it immediately felt right.

Growing within Team Marvelous

After 21 weeks of working with Team Marvelous, I can say that I have learned an incredible amount. No two days were the same. I worked on social media for various clients, joined shoots, created content and contributed to strategy. What I value most is that I now truly understand how different types of content are created for different industries. From hospitality clients to business service providers: every industry requires a different approach, and that continues to bring new energy every time.

A recurring highlight was the Tuesday team meeting. A moment to catch up, discuss the current status and look ahead at what was on the schedule. I was able to share my ideas and contribute to the direction. Those meetings made me feel like a real part of the team.

Team Marvelous also stepped in front of the camera for a shoot. Normally, we are the ones behind it, so that was something different. It was a lot of fun and even resulted in a great new photo for my LinkedIn.

Lynn, the other intern, had a ten-week internship and set up Marvelous’ TikTok account during that time. When she left, I continued working on it. Building on something new and helping grow a channel that was still very much in development was something I really enjoyed.

Challenges that help you move forward

Besides the day-to-day work, there were also moments that truly pushed me out of my comfort zone, and those are exactly the moments that taught me the most.

For example, I gave a presentation to a client. It was exciting, because presenting to an actual client is different from a school assignment. But it was a valuable learning experience, and I am glad I took that step.

I also made quite a few phone calls for a client, something that was a bit of an adjustment for a true Gen Z’er like me. Calling comes much more naturally to me now, and I had not expected that beforehand. Sometimes, you just have to do it.

Working together, enjoying and growing

Working with Marlous, Quinty and Lynn made my internship complete. Quinty guided me as a marketing executive in a way that truly impressed me, especially considering it was her first time supervising interns. She did an amazing job. Lynn and I also had a great connection: we always went to our internship together and, coincidentally, lived on the same street, so we immediately clicked.

Marlous supported me throughout the entire internship period, not only in my work but beyond it as well. She contributed to my growth as a person, not just as an intern. I truly appreciate that.

And, of course, there was Curaçao itself beyond the internship. Working during the week and enjoying the beach, sunshine and atmosphere during the weekends. That combination fully lived up to my expectations of doing an internship abroad.

Five months I will never forget

When I look back on the past five months, I feel proud and grateful. I left as someone who had never taken such a big step alone before, travelling to an unfamiliar country, an unfamiliar environment and people I had not yet met. I am returning with work experience, new knowledge and friends for life.

Marvelous gave me the space to truly contribute, make mistakes and grow, and that is exactly what I was looking for in an internship.

Marlous, Quinty and Lynn: thank you for everything. I will carry this time with me forever.