Name: Frans van den Dungen
Age: 21/22 years old
Nationality: Dutch
Degree: Bachelor in Social Work
Internship Period: 28^th of August 2019 – 18^th of April 2020 (Originally 10^th of July, repatriation flight due to COVID-19)

“Do you even realise that you will be on the other side of the world, a few days from now?” was something my mother said, on the night before my journey to New Zealand. The realisation slowly started to come when I boarded the first airplane.

Although I was on the other side of the world, it did not always feel like this. The country is a home to people from all over the world, with their own cultures, perspectives and believes. I do not think I have ever met a warmer and more welcoming society before.

I completed my internship at a residential home in Spectrum Care where I supported people with intellectual disabilities. Working with four young men with an intellectual disability has made my perspective on the healthcare wider. I have become part of a very welcoming and heart-warming group of people that provided guidance and support for these four energetic and happy young men. Therefore, it was such a shame I had to leave my internship earlier than expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the contact is still there and we may see each other again one day!

I lived with six Danish students and two Dutch students in one of the intern homes provided by White Cloud Internships. Living there has been a joy from the start and it made it even more special to live with fellow students, with each of them following their own internship and studies. Coming home after a day of working and sharing stories and experiences with each other (with one or two bottles of Tui-beer, of course!) was very valuable. Whenever I wanted a chat or wanted to enjoy some company, my housemates and fellow students were always around.

Being part of a big group of students from Denmark, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and even Greenland and Norway has been fantastic. It led to developing new friendships and to going on holidays together. Seeing the most beautiful sceneries the country has to offer is even better with good company.

If someone would ask me if I would recommend doing this adventure, I would definitely say yes! For me, it has led to new perspectives, discovering new parts of the world but most important, meeting new people and friends. I would like to thank Mia and Cecilie from White Cloud Internships for offering the chance to be part of something so valuable.