What’s your personal situation like during this pandemic?

At first it was very stressful. I live in a shared house, and although I felt and feel safe in Australia, a lot of people – include some in my house – went back to their home countries at the start of the pandemic. Initially Australia said they might close the borders for a whole year, and although I knew I really wanted to stay, that was still very scary. However, I now have an agreement with another Dutch girl who is still here, that we’ll stick together during this pandemic, and help each other get through it.

As to the situation in Australia: at first the rules were very strict. You were only allowed to go outside for groceries, exercise or if you were an essential worker. There were large fines for people not adhering to these rules. This was a bit scary; of course I don’t want to break the rules while I’m in a foreign country! However, around the end of April the rules were loosened a bit, including opening the beaches again – though only for sports and exercise! I’m now learning to surf; this was one of my goals when I went to Australia, and being allowed to surf again – since it counts as exercise – is helping me reach that goal and cope with the stress of this situation.

What has your experience with the university and at your internship been like so far?

My internship is at a company called MYLAPS, which sells products at a lot of sports events. These events are now obviously cancelled, but thankfully I can still work – from home! I work in the logistics department, and am doing an assignment with a colleague in Malaysia who also happens to be Dutch.

I’ve been working from home since the 17th of March. The office has a roster so that all staff come into the office once a week; I was supposed to come in on Thursdays. However, I have to travel to the office with public transport, and where I live was – in March – the epicentre of the coronavirus in Sydney, so I was exempted from coming into the office.

Since I live in a shared house and have a roommate, and a lot of the people in my house are currently unemployed and very stressed, working from home was a real challenge. I overcame that by making rosters and to-do-lists for myself: I gave myself tasks to accomplish each day. I also have twice-weekly meetings with the team, and a weekly meeting with the manager I’m doing my assignment for, which helps to stay connected and motivated.

Why did you decide to stay, and when do you think you will return to the Netherlands?

I never booked a return flight to begin with, because I came here with the intention to travel after my internship ended. When the pandemic began and things felt really stressful, I weighed all my options and made my decision. I felt and feel safe here, the healthcare system in Australia is very good, and my health insurance is also good, so I don’t want to leave until I’ve been able to travel and see more of this country. My parents and friends worried about me, of course, and some of my friends told me to return to the Netherlands, but thankfully my parents never pressured me.

Right now I’m planning to stay after my internship has ended, and travel – if travelling within the country is possible again by then. I have the option to continue working at the place where I’m now doing my internship, and if I travel, there are also a lot of places in Australia such as farms that hire backpackers for temporary labour. I have the right visa for that, and I could get a new visa if I work at one of those farms for three months. I’ve also made arrangements with some of my teachers to follow their courses online after the summer, so I can even continue my studies remotely. Theoretically, I could stay here indefinitely!

What was or is the biggest challenge you are facing because of the pandemic, and what is the most positive experience you’ve had because of it?

It was really difficult for me to accept that all the travel within Australia that I had planned had to be cancelled, and I did not know when I would be able to again. I had a lot of city trips planned each weekend, and big plans for this summer, but at the moment this is all impossible.

However, a positive outcome of all this is that I now appreciate the smaller things a lot more. I can focus more on small enjoyments, such as surfing at the beach, and regularly seeing dolphins there!

What would you like to say to other students who are preparing for an international experience?

Just go, even if it is scary (especially now!) and even if you have no friends to go with! You can go by yourself, and you will learn so much about yourself. It is also much easier, when travelling solo, to meet other people and make new friends. Just do it!

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