Meet Claire in Michigan!

"I think you learn so much, especially about yourself. You feel emotions you never expect to feel, because when are you really ever completely by yourself for an extended period of time?"

Why did you choose to go abroad?
It’s an obligatory part of my study program. But I initially chose the study program to experience different cultures and to spend a longer period of time in other countries.

How do you feel about your internship so far?
It’s good! Though I have figured out that this is not the field for me, I do feel that my work is important to the company, and I can see results of my help.

How does the American culture differ from your culture and what has impressed you the most?
The unhealthy life style! The amount of sugar/fat/preservatives/etc. in food, and that people are convinced it is not that bad.

Could you take us through a day? What is your routine?
I wake up (a bit on the late side), and within 30-40 min I am in the office (on time). At the office, I start with my emails. When that is done, I track the incoming PO’s. After that is done, I spend most of my time working in Best Practice, a form of BPM. I interview the employees of the operations department to be able to write the draft for their work instructions. The last two hours of the day, I spend on my thesis about the BPM Maturity of the company. After the work day is done, I usually go to the climbing gym and meet up with friends.

What is your housing situation? Do you live in an apartment? Roommates? Housemates?
I live in an apartment with three other girls in downtown Grand Rapids. But we do not see each other much, because we are all gone from home a lot.

Have you made any trips so far? (Or have you trips planned/in mind?
I have made several trips:
-        Upper Peninsula (Michigan)
-        Traverse City (Michigan)
-        Red River Gorge (Kentucky)
-        Devil’s Lake (Wisconsin)
-        Tettegouche State Park (Minnesota)
-        I have a cross country trip planned after my internship is done, for a month together with my sister.

What are your future plans?
Graduate! After that, I’ll see what comes my way. Perhaps I’ll just buy a one-way ticket to a place.

How has this experience abroad helped you grow both professionally and personally?
I think it is always a challenge to go abroad, both personally and professionally. Professionally, you start in a work environment you know about only through text book. And even then, it could very well differ per company. I find it interesting (but also a little bit nerve wracking) getting to know a new professional culture.
As for personal, it’s challenging as well. You come to a new country all by yourself, and you need to continuously step out of your comfort zone in order to #1 meet new people, and #2 to become friends with them.

Why would you recommend others to do their internship/traineeship abroad?
I think you learn so much, especially about yourself. You feel emotions you never expect to feel, because when are you really ever completely by yourself for an extended period of time? Every time I go abroad, I feel as if I have aged 3 years emotionally in the six months I have been away from home. You are forced to step out of your comfort zone, and in doing so, you might find you can accomplish more than you expect.

If you could express your internship experience in three words, what would these be?
Experiences, learning, reports