Finding Clarity Far From Home: A Journey of Growth, Friendship and What Truly Matters

14 January 2026

Some journeys do not just take you to a new country. They quietly change the way you see yourself. This internship in the Philippines was one of those journeys. What began as an adventure abroad slowly turned into something deeper: a period of reflection, resilience, and personal clarity.

Not everything went smoothly. Some moments were chaotic, uncomfortable, and unexpected, but those moments shaped the experience the most.

Living in the Philippines: A Country Full of Contrast

Living in the Philippines has been a genuinely interesting and enriching experience. It is a country full of contrasts. Busy cities exist next to quiet neighborhoods, modern buildings stand alongside everyday simplicity, and a fast pace of life is balanced by moments of warmth and patience.

Compared to the Netherlands, daily life feels very different. Things are less structured, plans are more flexible, and time is experienced in a softer way. At first, this difference was challenging. Over time, I began to appreciate it. The Philippines taught me to slow down, to be more present, and to accept that not everything needs to be planned or controlled.

What I appreciated most about the country is the openness of the people. Despite differences in background or language, there is a strong sense of kindness and approachability that made settling in easier and more meaningful.

When Reality Hits Hard (and Sometimes Steals a Wallet)

Living abroad has a way of testing you when you least expect it. There were days filled with excitement, discovery, and laughter, and days when reality hit a little harder. Like the moment my friend’s wallet was stolen, reminding me that living in a new country also means learning to be alert, adaptable, and calm under pressure.

Then there were the health scares. The kind you do not plan for. Getting sick far from home, navigating hospitals, and realizing how vulnerable you are without familiar systems around you. Moments like these forced me to slow down and reflect on what truly matters.

Oddly enough, these experiences did not break me. They strengthened me.

Lessons Hidden in the Chaos

This trip was not just about work or completing an internship. It became a mirror. Being away from home stripped away distractions and expectations, creating space to think and reflect on identity, values, and direction.

Somewhere between daily routines, unexpected setbacks, and long conversations, I began to understand myself better. This journey helped me reconnect with who I am and what is truly important to me. Not what is expected and not what looks impressive, but what genuinely matters.

That kind of clarity does not come easily. It comes through discomfort, distance, and reflection.

From Rice Every Day to Finding Balance Again

Food became its own cultural lesson. Eating rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner quickly became the norm. At first, it felt strange. Eventually, it became routine. Now, as I prepare to return to the Netherlands, I already know I will be embracing a more multicultural plate again. This is something I did not realize I would miss this much.

These small, everyday differences became symbols of a much bigger experience. Adapting, accepting, and finding balance between cultures.

The Power of Shared Experience

Going through this journey alongside others made all the difference. Sharing challenges, supporting each other during difficult moments, and finding humor when things went wrong turned setbacks into stories worth remembering.

There is something powerful about growing in an unfamiliar place. You learn not just about the world, but about yourself through shared experiences and honest reflection.

What This Journey Leaves Behind

This internship did not give me all the answers, but it asked the right questions. It taught me resilience, perspective, and the importance of slowing down. It showed me that sometimes you have to travel far to understand what truly belongs close to you.

As this chapter closes, one thing is clear. This journey was never just about an internship. It was about growth, clarity, and learning to appreciate differences between countries, cultures, and within myself.

And that lesson will stay with me long after this chapter ends.