Femke Slurink
Sun, sea, weddings and a whole lot of personal growth. That pretty much sums up my internship on Aruba as a Hospitality Management student. I’m a wedding planner at Divi Tamarijn, organising some of the most important days in people’s lives. Not exactly your average placement. “One thing I knew for sure: if I’m going on an internship, it has to be abroad!”
Why Leeuwarden?
“Because they truly encourage international internships. That was the dealbreaker for me.” During my minors, I travelled to Bali (Business Consultancy) and South Africa (Wildlife Management). “So when it was time to start my internship, I thought: I’m going for it again!”
Wedding planning in the tropics
Through my network, I ended up at Divi Tamarijn in Aruba – a tropical paradise and a top-tier internship. I started as an assistant, soon began leading weddings myself, and now I even mentor new interns. No two days are the same: writing proposals, creating timelines, steaming dresses, guiding guests, setting up venues, and of course making sure everything runs smoothly on the big day. “From eight in the morning until late in the evening, I’m fully involved. Every wedding is different – some are big and traditional, others small and intimate. Here, you really learn what it means to be responsible.”
Ten months of real-life learning
My internship lasts ten months, much longer than the standard five-month placement at most hotel schools. And I’m glad about that. “You really get to know the company. You grow with it, take on more responsibility, and figure out what suits you. I even got the opportunity to work as a coordinator. That wouldn’t have happened in just five months.”
Culture shock? More like a wake-up call
Working on Aruba means collaborating with colleagues from all over: the Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela and beyond. “The work mentality is so different. At first, it was difficult, but I’ve learned to be flexible and communicate clearly. You really learn what international teamwork is all about.”
A dissertation that makes a difference
I’m also doing my final thesis project in Aruba. My topic? Digitising work processes. “They still rely heavily on printed documents here. Such a waste! I want to make processes more efficient and more sustainable. My plan fits the real-life context and is being taken seriously. There’s a good chance it’ll actually be implemented.”
And after the internship?
After my internship, I’ll stay on Aruba for a few more months to work. My dissertation will be finished by February, and in September I’ll start a Master’s programme. “I’ve already got two job applications in the pipeline. But for now: I’m making the most of every moment here.”
My tip for other students:
“Go abroad! It’s a bit scary at first, but you learn so much – about yourself, about working with others, and about what you really want. Don’t overthink it. Just go for it.”
More info?
To find out more about the programme, check out the Hospitality Management programme page or request the programme brochure. Or check out the different international opportunities NHL Stenden offers.