Regina Visser
From the quiet town of Dokkum to the Caribbean coast: I took a big leap for my internship, heading to Bed & Bike in Curaçao. For me, it’s more than just work; it’s an adventure full of independence, challenges, and discovering what it truly means to follow my passion.
Internship at Bed & Bike
I chose to study Hospitality Management at the Hotel Management School in Leeuwarden. “I didn’t know exactly what I wanted. Events, marketing, social media… I found almost everything inte-resting. That’s why a broad programme seemed like the best choice.” For my internship, I went to Bed & Bike, a unique mix of hostel and hotel with locations in Pietermaai, Jan Thiel and Westpunt. I started at the front office, welcoming guests and helping with check-in and check-out. Every day I learn something new, and step by step I take on more responsibilities, with the goal of eventually growing into an assistant manager role.
Adapting to unexpected situations
No day is the same. I help guests, rent out cars, work with housekeeping and solve problems. Sometimes these situations are unexpected. “After a heavy thunderstorm, someone received a minor electric shock in the pool. The guests stayed calm, just sitting in the water, but I had to immediately arrange help while reassuring everyone. In such situations, I learn to think and act quickly.”
Internship assignment
Alongside my daily tasks, I work on my internship assignment. Initially, I explored the possibility of organising an event in collaboration with Playa Beach Club. The plan was for guests to stay at Bed & Bike and then attend an event at the beach club. Eventually, my manager and I decided not to go ahead with this plan, and my internship assignment is now focused on the restaurant at Bed & Bike in Jan Thiel.
Passion for DJing
Organising events fits perfectly with my passion. Since the age of fourteen, I’ve been DJing at parties and festivals. This hobby even took me to Thailand, where I performed for thousands of people at a full moon party. “DJing teaches me how to present myself, network, and entertain people. These skills are also useful during my internship.”
Advice for other students
For students who are unsure about doing an internship abroad, I have one simple piece of advice: “Just go for it. You learn an incredible amount and really grow from the experience.”
More info?
To find out more about the programme, check out the Hospitality Management programme page or request the programme brochure. You can also explore the different international opportunities offered by NHL Stenden.