Mr Guido Rojer, Jr, Recipient 2008
University of the Netherlands Antilles, The Netherlands Antilles
Internschip, Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Miami


After finalizing a Carnival period in Curacao, I flew to Miami to embark on yet another journey in my life; the international internship. I was placed at the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Miami; working under supervision of the Consul for Antillean Affairs, Mr. Xavier Prens. It was not my first visit to Miami; however, it will always remain in my mind as a benchmark for future experiences. I started out by working on a project analyzing trade possibilities between Florida and the Netherlands Antilles, which turned out to be very useful to the Consulate and the Netherlands Antilles. Amongst my work I also worked on my graduation thesis, analyzing the feasibility and efficiency of market entrance for an Antillean company. It was very pleasant to work at the consulate as they were only 14 individuals, which was easy to build a quasi-personal relationship with each. At my previous internship the department alone comprised of 35 individuals, an interesting contrast which taught me a lot.

At first the city was very difficult to adapt to as I had to understand the network of public transportation and also to get used to the availability of certain customs. Starbucks, P.F. Chang and others were amongst my top favorites. I experienced the “Festival de la Calle 8”, a Hispanic Block party as it was adjacent to where I moved to; it was very cool to be there in person and really experience what everybody prepared me for.

Afterwards it became very predictable as the life was exactly like it was pictured in any typical American movie, even with the ice cream truck and all. South Beach, Coconut Grove and uptown were places I visited with my neighborhood friends of “The Roads” (my neighborhood). Adrian, Robert, Eric and Nick were a few of the friends I met there.

Life was by far faster in the USA, anybody could provide you with a well thought answer or suggestion in the least amount of time, showing a cultural speed which is unmatched. Luxuries are also available to an extent which is very noticeable, as Audi’s, Mercedes and all the upscale brands drive diligently in the city. Groceries were a little bit of a downfall for me as a lot of these foods tasted too artificial compared to what I know in Curacao.

Even so this experience taught me a lot and enabled me to view things from many other angles that I did before. To my opinion this project should continue into infinity. With the work of people like the Netherlands Florida Scholarship Foundation, Consul General, Ms. Lucita Moenir Alam and Mr. Prens, surely it will continue. Many thanks!