Why did you choose Thailand?
I chose Thailand because I had always dreamed of experiencing the country and its culture for myself. When the opportunity arose to do my internship abroad, I knew immediately that I wanted to go to Thailand – because there I would gain an authentic perspective on tourism by working directly on site.
Did you receive financial support for your internship abroad?
Yes, I received support from Erasmus. In total, I received around €4,000. This covered my flights, excursions, food and much more. I didn't have to pay for accommodation as this was covered by my internship.
Where did you live and what was that like for you?
I lived alone in a hotel/apartment. I only had a five-minute walk to work and the beach, shops and markets were right nearby. I felt very safe. Even though there aren't masses of tourists in Hua Hin (the city in Thailand where I lived and worked) and you come into contact with the locals a lot, I quickly felt welcome and at home.
How did you organise your stay abroad in advance?
I took care of everything myself. The internship wasn't officially advertised, but I found the organisation "Xplore Asia" online, which actually offers volunteering programmes. I liked the organisation and the programme so much that I immediately applied for an internship. It was no problem at all, and the place was quickly secured. The contact with Xplore Asia in advance was very helpful and helped me a lot to prepare for the coming period and the work.
What was a typical week like during your stay abroad?
I worked Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. My main tasks were project coordination and marketing for the organisation. After work, I usually went to the night market or played billiards. I always had weekends off — but occasionally it was also part of my job to go on excursions and look after customers.
Would you recommend other students to go abroad during their studies?
Absolutely. I learned an incredible amount during my time abroad — not only in Thailand, but also during my semester abroad in Barcelona in my fifth semester. Whether it's an internship or studying abroad, you gain so much experience, learn about different cultures, ways of life and ways of thinking, and you also grow personally. It's a unique opportunity that you should definitely take advantage of.
Do you have any tips for students who are still planning their semester or internship abroad?
First of all, you should think carefully about what you want to do and where you want to go – and apply early. Also, don't set yourself any limits: any country is possible! There are so many opportunities for financial support, so don't let aspects like that stop you from taking advantage of this opportunity.
Was the experience of staying abroad helpful for you in your job search?
Employers really like it when applicants have experience abroad. Through my semester in Barcelona and my internship in Thailand, I made lots of contacts and now have several points of contact. This has opened many doors for me.
How would you summarise your internship abroad in three words?
Impressive, inspiring and unforgettable.
Emily, 20, studies Tourism & Event Management at Dresden University of Applied Sciences.
