My First Month as an Intern at BedandGo: A Journey from Amsterdam to Makati

October 8, 2025

When I boarded my flight from Amsterdam to Manila, I knew I was about to begin an unforgettable chapter of my life.My name is Josip, and I'm currently studying at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. I've always had the desire to explore the world and experience new cultures, which is why I decided to do my internship abroad. That journey brought me to Makati, Philippines, where I began my internship with BedandGo, a company that specializes in real estate leasing, property management, and investment services.

This blog is a reflection on my first month at BedandGo - a mix of cultural discoveries, professional learning experiences, and personal growth. If you've ever considered doing an internship in Makati, I hope my story gives you a glimpse of what to expect.

Stepping into the World of Real Estate in Makati

Before starting this internship, my knowledge of real estate was mostly theoretical. In the Netherlands, the market is structured, regulated, and often quite formal. Arriving in Makati, I quickly realized that the real estate scene here is incredibly dynamic, fast, relationship-driven, and full of opportunities. BedandGo operates in some of the most exciting districts in Metro Manila, including Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Ortigas, and Pasay, where modern condominiums are in high demand among both locals and expats.

During my first few weeks, my main focus was on the Leasing and Sales Department. This is one of BedandGo's core divisions, connecting property owners with clients looking to rent or purchase units. My daily tasks included:

•  Uploading and updating condo listings on platforms such as Berenta.ph.

•  Assisting with tenant inquiries — responding to questions from potential clients, scheduling viewings, and providing property details.

•  Supporting viewing arrangements by preparing information sheets and occasionally joining visits.

•  Learning how to use CRM tools and spreadsheets to keep track of leads, inquiries, and unit status.

  
  

These tasks gave me a clear picture of how marketing, communication, and negotiation come together in the leasing process. It's fast-paced, hands-on, and incredibly rewarding to see how quickly a unit can be matched with the right tenant.

A Warm Welcome and a Family-Like Atmosphere

One of the first things that struck me was how warm and welcoming the BedandGo team is. From my first day, I was greeted with genuine smiles and open arms. Everyone, from the marketing team to the property managers and documentation specialists, made sure I felt at home.

Coming from the Netherlands, where workplaces can sometimes feel more individualistic, this was a refreshing change. In Makati, there is a strong sense of community and family, even in professional settings. Team lunches, shared stories, and collaborative problem-solving are part of daily life here. I wasn't treated as“just an intern'', I was treated as a valued member of the team.

This support gave me the confidence to ask questions, share ideas, and learn at my own pace. Whenever I wasn't sure about something, whether it was understanding a lease contract or responding to a client, someone was always ready to help.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

As a Commercial Economics student, I've studied topics like market research, customer behavior, and sales strategies in class. But applying those concepts in a real business environment abroad has been transformative.

For example, I learned how tenant preferences in Makati differ from those in Amsterdam. Many tenants here are expats, BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) employees, or digital nomads. Location, amenities, and budget flexibility are key decision factors. I also noticed how online marketing plays a huge role in property leasing, platforms like Facebook, Viber, and online marketplaces are essential.

I also quickly learned how important speed and responsiveness are. In Makati’s competitive market, units can be leased out within days or even hours. Watching the leasing team handle multiple inquiries at once, while staying organized and professional was incredibly inspiring.

Experiencing Makati Outside of Work

Of course, my experience wasn't limited to the office. This is my first time in the Philippines, and every day feels like an adventure. Makati is a vibrant area full of contrasts: modern skyscrapers next to historic landmarks, busy streets balanced by quiet cafés, and a unique blend of cultures.

One of my first weekends, I explored places like Bonifacio High Street, Luneta Park, and Makati's business district. I've tried local dishes like adobo, buko pandan, and halo-halo, and I've even started learning a few basic Filipino phrases like:''Salamat po (Thank you)''. All these experiences helped me understand not just the real estate market, but the culture and lifestyle that shape it.

Contributing to BedandGo's Growth

Even as an intern, I've been encouraged to think about how my work supports BedandGo's larger goals. The company is focused on strengthening its online presence, especially through SEO and digital marketing. By uploading accurate property details, optimizing listing descriptions, and engaging with leads efficiently, I know I'm playing a small but meaningful role in improving the company's visibility.

I've also shared ideas on how to make listings more appealing to international clients, drawing from my perspective as a European student. This cross-cultural exchange is one of the things I appreciate most. It's not just me learning from BedandGo, I also get to bring something of my own to the table.

Personal Growth: Adapting to a New Culture

Perhaps the most profound part of this experience so far has been personal growth. Moving from Amsterdam to Makati for several months isn't a small step. There were moments of culture shock: adjusting to the traffic, the tropical weather, and even small things like local business etiquette.

I've also had moments where I miss my family deeply. Being far from home is both exciting and challenging, and it has taught me to be emotionally resilient and independent.

Every challenge has made me more adaptable and open-minded. I've learned how to communicate with people from different backgrounds, stay flexible in a fast-changing environment, and navigate a culture that values relationships and hospitality.

Looking Ahead

As I move into my second month at BedandGo, I'm excited to explore more areas such as marketing, property management, and content creation. I want to keep learning, contribute new ideas, and build lasting connections with the amazing people I've met here.

To anyone considering an internship abroad, I highly recommend taking the leap. Working in a company like BedandGo in the heart of Makati gives you the perfect balance of professional development and cultural immersion. Whether you're interested in real estate, marketing or international business, this is an environment where you can grow in multiple directions.

Final Thoughts

My first month at BedandGo has been more than just an internship, it has truly been a life-changing experience. When I first arrived in Makati, I didn't know exactly what to expect. I was entering a new country, a new culture, and a completely different working environment. Looking back, I'm amazed at how much I've learned in just a few weeks.

I've gained practical skills in leasing and sales, improved my communication abilities, and experienced how real estate operates in one of the most vibrant business districts in the Philippines. But more than the technical skills, this internship has given me something far more meaningful, a new perspective on how people work, connect, and support each other in a professional setting.

What stands out the most to me is the sense of belonging I've felt here. Despite being thousands of kilometers away from home, I've been welcomed like family. The kindness of my colleagues, the warmth of the culture, and the energy of Makati have made this transition not just smooth, but genuinely fulfilling.

I know there will be many more lessons to learn in the coming months, but this first chapter has already shaped me in ways I couldn't have imagined. I feel more confident, more curious, and more motivated than ever to keep growing, both professionally and personally.

If you're thinking about doing an internship abroad, especially in a dynamic environment like Makati, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. It's not just about gaining work experience; it's about opening yourself up to new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities that can truly broaden your horizon. BedandGo has been the perfect place to begin this journey, and I can't wait to see what the next months will bring.