What inspired you to travel abroad?
As a visual artist it is always good to expand beyond where I’m from. The history of art and how artists today work interests me most. So interning abroad was a great option for me to explore these avenues. Also, travelling alone is a great way to grow as a person and live a different lifestyle. Berlin was amazing for me on so many levels.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Something that I connect with on many levels. Going somewhere for a specific reason, such as an internship, is the type of travel the can be the most meaningful.
Why did you choose ArtBound Initiative (ABI) for your internship abroad?
We connected through social media and I was attracted to the internship program ABI offered. The program was beyond and above any other internships i have read about. The fact that they help you with your CV and giving advice on your website is something a young art student needs.
What was your favorite part about Berlin?
Berlin is such a great city for the creative arts. ABI suggested it as the best option for me in terms of the type of internship I was interested in doing; they were totally right about that. I never ran out of galleries and museums to visit.
Working alongside a full time artist was a real eye opener.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
Great! I felt at home as soon as I arrived and if I had any issues I knew who to contact!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Wake up and make some breakfast. Hop on my bike and ride to Erik Schmidt’s studio. Spend the day organising his archives and talking about everything art and industry related. On weekends, I would explore Berlin and go to galleries!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
Going to galleries or markets to buy my food, visiting museums, and travelling around Berlin by bike. I also visited places outside of the city, such as Potsdam, which was out of this world gorgeous.
What was your accommodation like?
I had an apartment with one of the girls who was also interning with ArtBound. It was a lovely apartment with plenty of space and a good sized kitchen.
Do you have any advice for future participants who want to intern with ArtBound Initiative?
Go in head first, take initiative, and make the most out of your experience! The more you put into it the more you will get back.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Being part of a group of students from different parts of the world and sharing an experience. Everyone having different internships and reflecting on the experience with them.
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
100%, and I have already! There is so much growing you can do as a person and you learn so much more about the real world. It’s something universities can’t teach you; you have to experience it!
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Very much so! I take more initiative and am driven to go the extra mile. I am now working in a gallery, curating shows, and have two residencies next year! With the help from ABI, I have the confidence to apply for things and get the ball rolling even before I graduated.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Self growth and discovery.
