Halfway Through My Internship in the Philippines: Learning Beyond the Office

16 December 2025

When I arrived in the Philippines for my internship, I knew this experience would be about more than just work. Moving to a new country meant stepping into a completely different environment — culturally, socially and personally. Now that I am halfway through my internship and looking ahead to the final months until January, it feels like the right moment to reflect on how much this journey has shaped me so far.

What began as an exciting opportunity has turned into a meaningful learning experience, both inside and outside the workplace.

Adjusting to Life in a New Country

The first weeks in the Philippines were a period of constant adjustment. Almost everything felt unfamiliar — the tropical climate, the busy streets, the traffic, the food and even the smallest daily routines. Simple tasks that once felt automatic suddenly required extra thought and effort. Living in a new country made me realize how much comfort there is in familiarity, and how challenging it can be to let go of that.

Life in the Philippines also moves at a different pace. Plans often change, schedules are flexible and not everything follows a strict structure. At first, this was difficult to get used to. I was used to planning ahead and having a clear sense of control. Over time, however, I learned that this way of living encourages adaptability and patience.

Gradually, this shift became one of the most valuable lessons of my stay. I learned to slow down, to accept uncertainty and to embrace a different rhythm of life. What once felt overwhelming began to feel natural, and in many ways, comforting. This adjustment didn't just change how I experienced the Philippines — it also changed how I approach daily life and challenges in general.

Learning Inside and Outside the Internship

While my internship is an important part of my stay, some of the most valuable lessons happened beyond the office. Living and working abroad requires clear communication, openness, and cultural awareness. I learned how different backgrounds influence perspectives and how collaboration goes far beyond language.

At the same time, everyday life in the Philippines pushed me to become more independent. Navigating the city, creating new routines and building a life away from home taught me practical skills that cannot be learned in a classroom. These experiences have made me more confident in unfamiliar situations and more comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone.

Personal Growth Beyond a CV

This internship experience has contributed significantly to my personal growth. Being away from family and familiar surroundings has challenged me to rely on myself, make decisions independently and adapt quickly to new situations.

Since September, I have noticed a clear change in how I approach challenges. I feel more confident, more flexible, and more aware of my own strengths. These are qualities that do not always appear on a CV, but they strongly influence how you work, communicate and grow as a person.

Looking Ahead to the Final Months

As my internship continues until January, I feel motivated to make the most of the time ahead. I want to continue learning, growing, and fully appreciating this unique experience of living and working in the Philippines.

This journey has shown me that an internship abroad is not just about gaining professional experience—it is about perspective. About understanding different ways of living and working, discovering your own resilience and developing skills that will stay with you long after the internship ends.

As I move into the final months of this chapter, I am grateful for everything I have learned so far and excited to see what the rest of this experience still has to offer.