The Preperations - English

Great! The idea is there, now for the execution...

Step 1:

I immediately reached out to the Bureau for Internships Abroad at Hanze. I had an introductory meeting where I discussed my preferences in terms of countries and the type of internship I wanted. I was interested in event management and eventually decided to look for an internship in Bali. I wrote a professional CV in both Dutch and English, which the contact person I was assigned to, through Hanze sent to a company in Bali that arranges internships and minors for students who want to spend a semester in Bali. This company is called YPI Asia; they apply on your behalf, arrange your visa, and take care of your accommodation. In short, it saves a lot of work! A real tip if you’re also considering going to Bali.😉

It sounds complicated, and it is. There are a lot of contacts involved, but the many connections that Hanze has make finding an internship much easier. Please also know that this my not be the case for every country, but don't worry Google is your best friend!

Eventually, I ended up with a wedding planner.

Step 2:

Money. What do you need to get, and how expensive is it?💸💸💸

• (Countries outside of the EU) Visa = approximately €450
• (If you choose Bali) Service fees for YPI = €500
• (Some countries outside the EU) International driver’s license = €35
• (Depending on the country) Vaccinations = Varies, I personally spent between €400 and €550.

Tip: If you’re traveling far, start getting your vaccinations 3 months in advance.

• Rent = Varies, I pay €200 per month.
• (Depending on the country) Plane tickets within Europe are much cheaper; I paid €400 for a one-way ticket from Amsterdam to Bali.

How do I earn money?💰💰💰

• Sublet your student room!!!
• Public transport reimbursement: You can deactivate your student public transport card if you’re not using it, and you’ll receive a monthly reimbursement from Duo. This is in 2024 €114,92.

Tip: Apply for this in time, as it can sometimes take up to 9 weeks!

• Study scholarship:

  • Outside Europe: NL Scholarship
  • Within Europe: Erasmus Grant

Note! Not everyone is always selected for the scholarship, as only a limited number are available. Check if this applies to your scholarship or grant.

Step 3:

Organize, Organize, Organize😒

It’s a lot to arrange, but you’re doing it for a good reason.  That is what I kept telling myself during this process.

The most important points:

• Sublet your room and find a new one
• Arrange bank cards that work internationally (Tip: Revolut or Wise)
• Stock up on medications (possibly with documentation from your doctor so you can take your medications with you, such as a medical passport or an English-language statement from your GP).
• Submit your internship plan to school on time and discuss with your internship company what kind of assignment fits your program. Besides doing your internship, you also need to conduct a research assignment. Make sure you and the company are on the same page.
• Make agreements with your internship company about your hours, tasks, and the practical assignment you need to complete for your studies. When do you do your internship, and when do you work on schoolwork? Make sure to discuss this!

Step 4:

Check, check, double-check.

Have I really done everything?

Then you can finally let everything go.

I completely underestimated how much preparation an internship abroad requires. My head was full, and I realized that some things really can’t be arranged last minute. This mainly concerns the public transport reimbursement and vaccinations.

Tip:

Use your agenda or notes for a clear To Do and To Buy list!

Then you’ll be fully prepared for your journey!🎉🎉🎉