Name: Naomi Bruil
Age: 22 – 23
Nationality: Dutch
Degree: Bachelor of Social Educational Care
Internship period: August 2015 – June 2016

“If it’s both terrifying and amazing then you should definitely pursue it.” – Erada.

As someone who hadn’t been away from home for more than a week, who hadn’t been on a flight, I can honestly say it was the most courageous thing I have ever done. To pack my bags and fly to New Zealand for ten months as part of my third-year internship of my Bachelor degree in Social Educational Care, is something I have never imagined I would do. But I have never regretted it!

After a warm welcome from Mia and fellow students from Denmark, I started my internship a few weeks later at a respite home for children and youth with intellectual disabilities. I learned a lot from my fellow colleagues at the respite house, with regards to different support approaches, including the person-centred approach. The service that the respite home offers includes fun and educational activities in a safe environment. The children attend the centre on a regular basis and some more than others.

Mia’s support during my internship has contributed to my personal, professional and intellectual growth. Our “mamma Mia” would offer educational and professional supervision, and she was always available for whatever, whenever and that has inspired me in many ways. She has definitely contributed to making my stay in New Zealand a great experience.

My internship could be planned in a way so there were possibilities to travel around the Islands with my fellow students and roommates in between workdays. I have made friends for life in New Zealand who I am so grateful for. We have visited beautiful landscapes, went on hikes together and of course went on numerous road trips. New Zealand nature is absolutely stunning and leaves me in awe whenever I think about it.

I have learned lessons for life in New Zealand and I know I will be back to visit my second home!