We spoke with Stefano Huismans about his internship abroad. Stefano has been doing an internship in Ibiza since January 2024 for six months. In this blog, you’ll read about how he found his internship, prepared for it, and how he’s experiencing his internship and Ibiza.

Why Did You Want to Do an Internship in Spain, and Particularly in Ibiza?

I had been on vacation in Ibiza several times before and wanted to experience life here. Although I thought it would remain just a dream. When I heard that I had to do an internship abroad for my HBO degree in International Business at Avans University of Applied Sciences, the choice was quickly made; I wanted to go to Ibiza!

How Did You Find your Internship?

When I started searching, I focused on real estate agents, which seemed like a promising sector to me. But finding an internship there turned out to be more difficult than I thought. On one hand, the real estate agencies didn’t always meet my school’s requirements, and on the other hand, my applications often went unanswered. I had almost given up hope on Ibiza, so I started looking at Valencia, Barcelona, and even France. But that didn’t feel right, after all, Ibiza was my dream! So I went back to basics, focusing on Ibiza, and started looking online for other opportunities. That’s how I found the Dutch company 24NANNIES, who were looking for an intern. I applied, and soon received an invitation for an online introduction.

What are your Duties as an Intern?

Together with a fellow intern, I manage the social media accounts of 24NANNIES. We create content for TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Additionally, I maintain contact with the nannies and answer questions from both clients and nannies. Currently, I’m also learning how to screen nannies. Because candidates who want to work for 24NANNIES are thoroughly screened.

What Does your Work Week Look like?

From Monday to Friday, I work from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. After work, I walk home, do some grocery shopping on the way, and then cook and eat at my leisure at home. In the evening, I often go into town to have a drink on a terrace. Even though it’s March now, it’s already pleasantly warm here. Even during the week outside of the season, it’s quite lively in Ibiza Town. On weekends, I’m free. I do some household chores and enjoy long lunches on the terrace, enjoy the beach, or visit some bars. I often do this with my colleagues. I haven’t experienced the nightlife that Ibiza is famous for yet, as the clubs don’t open until April. I meet a lot of locals in the bars here, and I often chat with them. I hear all sorts of things, and it’s very fun and interesting to hear their stories. I try to have conversations in Spanish as much as possible. I don’t speak it well, but I try. I use the Duolingo app daily to improve, and it really helps!

How are your Relationships with Colleagues and other Interns?

Good, there was a connection from the start. We had already been in contact before I left. I was picked up at the airport and warmly welcomed, which was great! I’m also well-supported and guided. On weekends, we often do things together. Sometimes we’re allowed to use our manager’s car to go somewhere. And now I’m even allowed to house-sit for my manager temporarily!

What are Notable Differences for You between Spain and the Netherlands?

People eat very late, around 9 PM. The roads are pleasantly quiet, very different from the Netherlands. I find the atmosphere here more fun and relaxed; people easily make contact with you, a conversation quickly starts when I’m in a bar, for example. People do their work at a leisurely pace; with a long queue at the checkout, the cashier doesn’t stress, and neither do the people in line. In the store, for instance, people quickly strike up a conversation with you.

How Did You Find Accommodation?

I searched through the Idealista website and saw a property that was offered through a real estate agent. What struck me was that I had previously applied for a job with this agent, which made it easier to make contact. After an email and contact via WhatsApp, it was arranged quite quickly. It’s an apartment that I have to myself. It’s fully furnished, and I pay 5000 euros for six months.

How are You Managing Financially During your Internship? Is your Internship Allowance Sufficient?

Since I was eligible for a basic grant, I set it aside in a savings account with the goal of being able to pay for an internship abroad. After all, I had known for a long time that I wanted this and that it would cost money. Because I’m now living away from home, I receive a non-resident grant, and I also receive an internship allowance. It turned out that I could have also applied for an Erasmus+ grant, but unfortunately, my school informed me too late about this, so it was no longer possible.

What Has Positively Surprised You or Exceeded your Expectations?

Without a doubt, the content of my internship. I also did an internship in the Netherlands, and there I learned very little, having to do chores like assembling IKEA cabinets. Here, I’m really learning something and developing myself. They listen to me, ask for my input, and I get help when I need it. I’m just well-guided during this internship. And if there are problems, even outside working hours, I can call my supervisor. What has disappointed you? Actually, nothing at all, I haven’t discovered any disappointments yet. What is your advice for students considering an internship in Ibiza? Persevere and don’t give up! Keep emailing and push your boundaries. I had focused on real estate, but apparently, my opportunities weren’t there. So be open to something else, and you’ll see that you can have a great time and learn a lot there too!