Culture Shocks, Impressions, and Lessons: My Internship Experience in the Philippines

Coming to the Philippines for my internship was an exciting step, but living here turned out to be a much deeper experience than I expected. Beyond work, this journey confronted me with cultural differences, new routines, and moments of reflection. From small everyday surprises to bigger realizations, my time in the Philippines has taught me lessons that go far beyond my internship.

First Impressions of the Philippines

My first impression of the Philippines was how intense and lively daily life feels. The cities are busy, the streets are full of movement, and traffic is a constant presence. Everything seems to happen at the same time. At first, this felt overwhelming, but over time I began to appreciate the energy and spontaneity that define everyday life here.

What stood out immediately was the kindness of the people. Filipinos are incredibly welcoming, friendly, and patient. Simple gestures, smiles, short conversations, or someone offering help, made me feel at ease in an unfamiliar place.

Figure 1: Evening city life in Metro Manila, highlighting the vibrant urban atmosphere

Cultural Shocks: Everyday Differences

One of the biggest cultural shocks for me was food. Coming from the Netherlands, I was genuinely surprised to see how common it is to eat rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the Netherlands, breakfast often means bread, cereal, or something light. Here, a full meal with rice in the morning is completely normal. It took time to adjust, but it also made me more open to different eating habits and traditions.

Another noticeable difference is the way time is experienced. Compared to the Netherlands, where schedules are often strict and punctuality is important, time in the Philippines feels more flexible. Plans change easily, and things do not always follow a fixed timeline. At first, this was difficult for me, but eventually I learned to be more patient and adaptable.

I also noticed differences in communication and daily interactions. People tend to be polite and indirect, avoiding confrontation whenever possible. Respect and harmony are highly valued, which is reflected in both personal and professional situations. This made me more aware of how culture influences the way people express themselves.

Expectations vs. Reality

Before coming to the Philippines, I had many plans. I hoped to travel more and visit several islands during my stay. However, reality turned out to be different. Due to inconsistent weather conditions, many of my travel plans had to be postponed or cancelled. As a result, I ended up doing less traveling than I had originally hoped for.

Although this was disappointing at times, it also taught me an important lesson: not every experience goes exactly as planned. Learning to accept this and make the most of the situation became part of my personal growth during this internship.

What I Learned From This Experience

Living and interning abroad taught me flexibility, independence, and resilience. I learned to adjust my expectations, to be open to differences, and to appreciate experiences as they come. Being away from home made me more aware of my own habits and values, especially after coming from a country like the Netherlands, where structure and predictability play a big role.

Figure 2: International Bazaar event in Manila

This experience also showed me that growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Cultural shocks, small frustrations, and unexpected changes all contributed to my development—both personally and professionally.

Looking Ahead

As my internship continues, I carry these lessons with me. The Philippines has challenged my perspective and broadened my understanding of different ways of living and thinking. While I may not have done everything I initially planned, the experience itself has been richer and more meaningful than I expected.

This internship has shown me that living abroad is not just about what you do, but about what you learn along the way.