Alumni Interview with Marjolein Klaverkamp

What inspired you to go abroad?

This is my third time going abroad to do an internship or work. I think that while being abroad you learn a lot about yourself and the world. You can read about things and you see a lot of things through social media these days, but experiencing and seeing a place yourself, there is just something magical about it. Also, you’ll meet a lot of great people along the way and some of they might even stay in your life forever. Who doesn’t want that? 

The reason for my first time going abroad to do an internship was because I liked the challenge. I never left Europe before, never been on a plane, and never been on my own like that. In the end, it was the greatest learning experience and one of the best summers I had in my entire life (I am 24 now). 

I always tell people “once you go abroad, you keep going.” You could say that it is some sort of an addiction. It doesn’t really matter where I go, I just want to go. So, second time going abroad, I didn’t have any money, but I just wanted to go abroad again. There was no special reason for it.

Third time the same thing sort of happened. I currently am studying for a bachelor’s degree in tourism management and I had to do an internship. So why not go abroad again? Every time I go abroad it just gives me the best feeling ever. I’ll have the best time, meet a lot of people, learn about the world, cultures, and myself.

Why did you choose Australian Wildlife Adventures?

I choose to do an internship with Australian Wildlife Adventures because I thought I would be able to learn a lot more within this company, than if I would do an internship with a different company. Australian Wildlife Adventures is a small company, so I knew I would be able to do more than only, for example, answer emails and pick up the phone. Also, the company is based in a remote area and I never really experienced that before. Again, I was in for a challenge and chose to go for it!

What was your favorite part about Australia?

My favorite part about Australia was living in and really becoming part of an Australian family. The company I did my internship for is operated from the house I lived in. This meant that I needed to live with the family who owns Australian Wildlife Adventures, and they basically adopted me for a couple of months.

What made your experience abroad unique?

I think all of the above. The family I lived with, the remote area we were located, the things I learned, and all the people I have met. 

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

Get out of bed, shower, breakfast, go to the office, and do some work. After that, have lunch together with everyone, drink a cup of tea, and back to the office again. When the working day is done, I just relax, have dinner, watch some tv, or play a game with everyone. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

Go to our private beach and just chill.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

It was a 3000-acre property, but I liked the private beach best. I had my own room in the house.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

They were the best. Whenever I needed something, they were there for me.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

It is a remote area. This means: no phone service, no shops, limited internet access, and short showers because everything is rain water.

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?

I become a better/greater person. I value the little things way more then before. 

Would you recommend your program to others? Why?

Yes I would. This was the best experience ever with some of the best people in the world.