Meet Marc in New York!

In the Netherlands Marc is studying Tourism Management, which gave him the chance to go abroad. And that is why he is doing a 10 month internship at the moment. Read more about what it is like to be an intern at a tourism organization in New York!

Why did you choose to go abroad?
For me, it was always a dream to go and study, work or even go to America. So finally, when I could do this really easy with my study I took my chance. For me, it’s the culture what is different, and I wanted to experience that myself.

How did you find your internship?
I found my internship through my school. They had a folder with all the different internships students once did. It was quite hard to find something since a lot of companies first didn’t respond to my emails. But if you want to accomplish your dream you are willing to do something for it. So, in the end, I ended up at the company where I am currently doing my internship.

How do you feel about your internship so far?
It is really interesting, I learn a lot about how to sell tours and how to cope with customers. In the beginning, it was a lot of new information, but after a few weeks, it got better. Still learning every day, not one day is the same.

How does the American culture differ from your culture and what has impressed you the most?
Well, what I experience at the moment is a lot. However, everyone is really open, they ask you how you are doing just walking across the street. Also, when going out or going to a sports game you can easily end up talking to a total stranger and have the time of your life. That would never happen in the Netherlands. Furthermore, eating is also a bit different. Everything is just a bit big bigger and more fat. I find it hard to find “normal” food.

Could you take us through a day? What is your routine?
I wake up around 7:15 do my things and leave the house around 8. Take the subway to work and start my workday around 9. The morning is busy right away because our company has all of their tours in the morning. So I make sure all the tours are starting at the right times, answer questions of people calling and solve problems if they occur. In the afternoon I’m working on projects and answer emails + calls from new customers. Then I’m done at 6 and go back home to eat and watch some series. Finally, I go to sleep around 10 / 10:30. During the weekend, which is for me Friday and Saturday, I’m enjoying and exploring the city!

What is your housing situation? Do you live in an apartment? Roommates? Housemates?
I live in an apartment with two other roommates. I have my own room, it is not really big but everything is there, so I don’t complain.

Have you made any trips so far?
Well, every weekend exploring the city and I want to go to LA to visit a friend who is doing her internship as well! But for now, not really any plans planned. I am just starting my second month here, all the time in the world.

What are your future plans?
At the moment I just want to finish my final year and graduate. After that, I’m thinking of doing a master, because I’m still not sure what I want to do in life.

How has this experience abroad helped you grow both professionally and personally?
I think because you're completely on your own, so no parents or friends. You will have to step out of your comfort zone. Further, learning and working in a different environment than your own country lets you see how things can be done differently. So it learns you to adapt to different settings. Which is really important.

Why would you recommend others to do their internship/traineeship abroad?
It is the best experience of your life! You will meet new people, enjoy a city abroad which is different then you used to. If you like a challenge than an internship abroad is definitely to think about. But most of all if you like to do things differently, then I would do it!

If you could express your internship experience in three words, what would these be?
New experiences every day.