Mark Borodi
I’m studying Hospitality Management and doing an internship on the revenue department at Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort, a five-star resort where there’s always something going on. Here’s what it’s like being an international student and what working in practice really means.
From kitchen to office
I always planned to become a chef and didn’t intend to do a degree. But when a friend of my dad mentioned his son had studied Hospitality Management, I thought: why not give it a try? I chose the fast-track programme, completing the first two years in one year. I’m now in my final year.
How the internship came about
Finding my internship was quite a journey. At first, I applied in the Middle East because of the good conditions like housing and meals. After months without a response, I contacted NHL Stenden’s Caribbean coordinator, Femke Beeren. She helped improve my CV and reached out to potential placements. Within three weeks, everything was arranged.
Working on the Revenue department
On the revenue department, I prepare reports, analyse financial data, and help develop pricing strategies. I’m really drawn to the financial side. I have dyslexia and dysgraphia, so languages were never my strong suit, yet I speak five languages! Numbers are more my thing. Maths and analytical thinking are my strengths.
Life and culture in Curaçao
Life on Curaçao is really welcoming. People are open and friendly, and when I speak English or try a few words in Spanish, it’s greatly appreciated. I live in a house with fourteen students and I’m the only international student. The Dutch people living here are open-minded, which makes it easy to meet people.
Finding accommodation was tricky at first. My first place didn’t meet my expectations, but after two weeks I found a new house near Jan Thiel. It’s a lovely neighbourhood with a beautiful view, and I really feel at home here.
One thing that stands out is how people greet each other on the street. That’s not something you see in my hometown of nearly a million people. “If I did that in Romania, my jaw muscles would complain after a few hours,” I laugh. Here, I try to adapt – sometimes I say ‘hello’, sometimes I just nod.
Theory versus practice
School taught me problem-solving, but my internship shows how it works in real life. On campus, you learn skills, but here I do the real work: reports, data analysis, and strategy development. Both are important, but hands-on experience teaches you so much more.
Free time and social life
Outside work, I really enjoy the island. I make friends easily, often with locals too. Curaçao has so much to offer: street food at Otra Banda, nights out at Mambo Beach, abseiling, or skydiving. You’ll never be bored here.
Future plans
I’m still figuring out my future. I’m interested in hospitality, finance, and the automotive industry. My dad owns a car dealership, so I literally grew up around cars. Maybe I’ll combine these fields later.
Why an international internship?
An international internship is more than just work experience. It’s about navigating a new culture, meeting people, and challenging yourself. Curaçao gives you exactly that. My advice to other students: don’t overthink it, just go! You never know what to expect – I know I was completely surprised.
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.