In the vibrant world of stained glass, student Mirte Keijzer has found her passion. She is currently doing an internship in Spain at Bonette Vittrals, a leading stained-glass company that fits perfectly with her study Creative glass craftsman at SintLucas. With great enthusiasm, Mirte shares her experiences and challenges of her student life abroad and working in another country.
Mirte says: “Looking for an internship abroad was not complicated. We were given a list of different countries to choose from and I decided to look in Spain because it suits me well.” After a tough but instructive internship in Tilburg at GBB, Mirte was determined to go one step further. “I wanted to go abroad to challenge myself and get new experiences,” she says.
The new workplace
The first impression of Bonette Vittrals was overwhelming for Mirthe. “It was very big! In the Netherlands, I am used to a smaller studio, so this really took some getting used to,” Mirte laughs. Fortunately, she quickly felt at home. “The day really took some getting used to and I had to get used to my new working rhythm. But from the second day, this went a lot better and I had already found my niche.”
Internship work
Mirte’s engaged in a variety of work during her internship. “I work on restorations, create new stained glass windows and design for clients,” she says. “My focus during the internship is mainly on restoration of stained glass. For instance, I go along to churches to replace or paint windows. I find the whole process of restoration from start to finish fascinating. Stained glass restoration is really where my passion lies.”
Challenges and learning moments
The biggest challenge for Mirte is being away from home. “The work is similar to working in the Netherlands, but it’s the little things that make it difficult. You can’t just go home to tell your story, you are really on your own,” she says. This experience teaches her a lot about independence. “I am used to my parents arranging a lot for me, but here I have to do everything myself. That is sometimes difficult, but also very instructive.”
Communication can also be a challenge at times. “Most colleagues only speak Catalan, while I only know a few words,” Mirte explains. Fortunately, her supervisor speaks English, which helps a lot. “It is sometimes hand and foot work, but everyone is very friendly and helpful.”
Advice for future trainees
Mirte advises other students to think carefully before considering an internship abroad. “It is not a holiday. You have to work hard and take the company seriously,” she stresses. “But it is also a great experience. I have made friends here and do fun things at weekends, like going to the beach or shopping. It’s important to find a balance between work and leisure.”
Mirte’s adventure at Bonette Vittrals is an inspiring example of how an internship abroad can not only strengthen professional skills, but also allow students to grow on a personal level. Do you study at SintLucas and want to know more about the possibilities of an internship abroad? Then take a look at the information on MyLucas.