Raquel Cruz | Stage-Global Alumni Interview

Raquel CruzParticipated in 2021Intern Abroad | Netherlands

Raquel was born in Guimarães, Portugal. She is passionate about creating unique and memorable experiences. Raquel came to The Netherlands to have her first international experience and to continue to focus on supporting students and promoting international exchanges.

What inspired you to travel abroad?

I have always been interested in going abroad to develop myself and also to be in contact with different cultures. Being abroad and leaving your comfort zone is definitely a rewarding experience. It is a journey measured in friends, personal growth, and opening horizons. This personal growth and the acquisition of new experiences has been my inspiration.

A collage of Rachel’s travels

Why did you choose ?

Stage-Global is committed to finding suitable professional experiences, supporting and enhancing the experience of going abroad, and creating memorable and unique experiences for interns. Also, the fact that I can share my passion for international relations on a daily basis, promote International exchange programs, meet students' preferences, and support their needs and concerns when going abroad, was the reason I chose this organization.

What was your favorite part about Amsterdam or the Netherlands?

Choosing the Netherlands to do this traineeship was definitely a great choice. Amsterdam has this small village feel, easy to get around. With a relentless beauty, you just can't get enough of it. In addition to that, and perhaps what I enjoy the most in regard to living in this country compared to Portugal, is the fact that you immerse yourself in a liberal and open attitude, where there is tolerance of different behaviors, pride in equal rights, and the acceptance of new cultures and ideas.

What made your experience abroad extraordinary?

I believe that for your experience abroad to be extraordinary, you have to make it extraordinary. You must put yourself out there, meet people, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the culture you are experiencing. By doing this, you will be creating memories, and those memories will make your experience abroad extraordinary.

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?

During my program everyone supported me, helping me with any questions I might have or any situation I wasn't sure how to overcome (e.g. applying for a social security number, moving house, opening a bank account, or even how to increase my social life). I am grateful to everyone who supported me during my program abroad.

Raquel on a bridge in the Netherlands

Did Stage-Global provide specific pre-departure Covid support? If yes, please tell us what kind of support you received.

When I started my program in Amsterdam, the covid regulations were lifted. Therefore, I did not need to receive covid support prior to departure. However, Stage-Global provided me with some information regarding the flight from Portugal to Amsterdam (at the time of covid), and also helped me to apply for the vaccination once in the Netherlands.

How did your provider help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?

Stage-Global was very supportive when it came to my well-being, as they were always checking up on me, asking if I was enjoying it or what they could do to improve my experience in Amsterdam. I felt super safe and secure, as I knew that even though I was alone abroad, there were people concerned about me and my health.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?

This is a difficult question for me to answer, because what I believe I did wrong, I see as learning experiences. However, maybe the fact that in the beginning I was always comparing my culture to the Dutch culture and it is harder to adapt. If you are starting a program abroad, don't forget to take some time to walk around your new neighborhood and enjoy your destination!

A collage of the Netherlands

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.

A day with the Stage-Global team is anything but dull! From boat rides, Friday drinks, lunch breaks, Christmas dinner, it was great fun and a fantastic environment to grow and be in. Also, being in contact with candidates from all over the world, sharing the same desire to be an intern abroad, was very rewarding.

As an intern in Amsterdam, sitting on the canals, picnics in the parks, or meeting up with internationals were common to enjoy my free time. During weekends, I always tried to experience more of the Dutch culture by visiting & discovering new cities in the Netherlands. Utrecht, Delft, and Den Haag stood out for their beauty, but I still have a lot to visit in this country.

Also, it's worth mentioning that this city has the best sunsets, Amsterdam Bos (Amsterdam's biggest park) is the perfect place to relax on Sunday. If you visit the Netherlands in April, don't miss the tulip fields, and Kings day.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?

During my free time, I always tried to explore more of the city. I believe it is important to walk around and experience new places whenever we have the opportunity when we are abroad, as it will help to increase social networks and also help to easily adapt to the city and culture.

I enjoyed exploring international cafes or pubs as these were the best places to socialize and meet internationals. I also applied for events that took place in the city, so expats can meet and explore more of the city together.

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?

During my program abroad, I changed accommodation twice. In the first accommodation option, I was living with the landlord, so the experience was not the best. However, the correlation between price/location was very good. In Amsterdam, finding suitable accommodation can be difficult due to the limited options available. I found my accommodation options through a website that Stage-Global provides in their accommodation guide called Kamernet.

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

My time abroad has only had a positive impact on my life! After finishing a program abroad and returning to your home country, you are no longer the person you were before you got on that plane. After being in contact with different cultures, you will change your way of thinking and be more open to everything.

Amsterdam along the river

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?

If you are reluctant to start a program abroad, I advise you to focus only on the advantages of doing so, as they are immense. Once you have taken the first step, which is deciding on the destination, everything that comes after will just be life experiences. Stage-Global will help you in every step and if you have any concerns during your program they will be happy to help you!

Would you recommend to others? Why?

I highly recommend Stage-Global as they focus on giving you the best experience abroad! Their main focus is your satisfaction as they are aware of how difficult it can be to organize a program in Europe on your own. In case you don't know how to start, I recommend you to contact them and they will listen to your needs and try to help you in the best possible way, taking into consideration your interests.

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?

I just finished a 12-month traineeship in Amsterdam at Stage-Global, and I remember how easy the act of coming was, and how good it was, because suddenly my world was rich in possibilities, new learning and opportunities. I was looking for this feeling, which you can only find when you venture into a new culture when you go abroad. When you change the language, you change your thinking! This for me is the best benefit, personal growth!

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

For me, a meaningful trip is when you change for the better, when you grow from this experience in some way. It means you have immersed yourself in this experience and lived it to the fullest.

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