Internship in Curaçao – and at Cura Explore

A practical guide for (future) interns

Curaçao is a great place to gain work experience: international, multilingual and super hospitable. You will learn to work independently, interact with different cultures and build service and hospitality skills that will come in handy everywhere. Below is everything you need to know about internships on the island – including what to expect at Cura Explore Car Rentals.

Why Curaçao?

Curaçao combines Caribbean atmosphere with Dutch roots. Papiamentu is the official language, but Dutch and English are heard daily. You can arrange a lot yourself, people are approachable and the island is safe as long as you pay logical attention (like everywhere else).

Before you leave: arrange & bring

• Documents: valid passport, (international) health insurance with foreign coverage, liability insurance, possibly travel insurance.
• School papers: internship agreement, learning objectives and contact information for your school supervisor.
• Formal requirements: internship permit is required for students of Dutch nationality, but always check the current rules for length of stay. This permit can be applied for online at immigrationcur.org/dep/study-internship/. Here is also indicated which papers are required for the application, think of birth certificate (municipality or via website municipality with DigiD), VOG (municipality or online via vog-aanvraag.n/visum). So be on time with applications. Both documents should not be older than 6 months.
• Arranging housing: signing lease, paying deposit
• Booking airline tickets: always make sure you have a return ticket.
• DUO: make sure you apply for OV reimbursement. Put study funding on out-of-resident.
• Money: debit card on world coverage, (credit) card for any room or car deposit.
• Phone & data: local prepaid SIM or eSIM is usually the cheapest. See if you can freeze your Dutch subscription.
• Hand luggage: make sure you have all your important documents such as, internship contract, internship permit, return tickets etc. in your hand luggage. They will ask for this at immigration.
• Driving: driver’s license + willingness to drive; in Curaçao, a rental car is practically necessary. It is also an idea to share the rental car with a colleague/roommate.
• ED card: Complete online before departure.

Living & living

• Housing: popular student neighborhoods include Jan Thiel, Salina, Mahaai, Otrobanda and Pietermaai. Preferably choose a room with gated parking and air conditioning. Student housing is recommended. Make lots of friends so quickly for a great time.
• Transportation: public transport is limited and irregular; cabs are expensive. A (shared) car gives you freedom and safety, especially at night.
• Cost indication (per month, rough guideline): a room is on average between 400 and 600 euros, internship car (if you rent alone) on average between 400 and 600 euros. Many workplaces give a small internship allowance.
• Safety: do not leave items visible in the car, park lighted and locked, drive quietly (including through speed bumps and potholes), always lock your door and do not leave valuables outside.

Work & culture

• Working language: Dutch/English; learning Papiamentu is greatly appreciated by clients. If you work in the tourism industry, you will find that Spanish is also widely spoken.
• Work attitude: arriving on time is very important, communicate clearly via WhatsApp/phone, confirm appointments briefly, actively solicit feedback. Show initiative and make sure you can work independently in a company.
• Service mindset: When working with customers/guests, always start with a friendly greeting, neat language, summarize what you are going to do, and feedback if something takes longer.

Internship at Cura Explore Car Rentals

We are a growing, customer-oriented car rental company. As an intern you will really get involved in the operation and learn to communicate in a smart and professional way.

What will you do?

• Front-of-house & communications: WhatsApp and email contact, scheduling reservations, answering customer questions, coordinating pick-up/returns.
• Check-in/check-out: car drop-off and intake, photos/inspection, fuel and mileage records, explain contracts.
• Service & aftersales: customer updates, explaining assurance process, damage procedure (understanding Forensys reporting), review follow-up.
• Content & info: short socials, useful customer info (e.g., “driving in Curacao” or “payment tips”).
• Optional (interest/training): process improvement, data reviews, small projects (templates, FAQ, manuals).

What do you learn?

• Level customer service: fast, friendly and clear communication.
• Time management: planning, prioritizing, shifting gears when busy.
• Responsibilities: independently complete trips and deliveries, provide feedback, Open and close.
• Island knowledge: routes, beach tips, parking and practical locals’ tips.

Working hours & supervision

• Duration: preferably 4-6 months.
• Hours: 40 hours per week, sometimes weekend or evening shift.
• Supervision: regular practice supervisor, short day start, 1-on-1 for progress and learning goals.
• Language: Dutch/English; basic Spanish is a plus, not a must.

What do we expect from you?

• Punctuality: on time = on time; keeping appointments.
• Communication: neat “you” to customers, updates proactive, good explanations.
• Driving: confident and safe driving; respect for car and traffic rules.
• Documenting: always take pictures on entry and exit, clear notes in the system.
• Team spirit: thinking along, showing initiative, wanting to learn.

What do we offer?

• A learning place with real responsibility, not just watching.
• Training on the job with clear scripts and checklists.
• Flexible pick-up/return experience – you see a lot of the island.
• Opportunity for your own mini-project that makes your portfolio stronger.
• Local tips: living, shopping, routes, beach, happy hours.
• Lunch

Practical checklist for your internship in Curacao

• Learning objectives and school deadlines in one document.
• Summary of insurance and emergency numbers.
• Downloading offline Google maps.
• Basic phrases Papiamentu: Bon dia, Bon tardi, Danki, Aub(por fabor).

Applying for a job at Cura Explore – here’s how it works

1. Send your resume + brief motivation (who are you, desired time period, learning objectives) to info@cura-explore.com.
2. Brief WhatsApp or video intake with the rental manager.
3. Possibly a mini-assignment (client email or WhatsApp reply).
4. Final confirmation + internship agreement with school.

In conclusion

An internship on Curaçao is intensely educational and unforgettable. You build self-confidence, learn to communicate professionally and discover the island as the locals do. Does this way of working suit you? Then we would like to talk to you.
Contact (Cura Explore Car Rentals): send us a message with your internship period, number of hours and school requirements – we’ll respond quickly and honestly to see if there’s room.