Emotional rollercoaster- Interview with Intern stuck in Malaysia due to COVID-19
On 15 Dec 2019, Rubal Thakur, a hospitality management student, left India to pursue his internship in Malaysia along with many others. But due to the unfortunate pandemic and the resultant lockdown, he was stuck there unable to come back home mid-internship. After approx.1 month of quarantine, he and the other students were finally able to return back.
Why did you choose to intern abroad?
The opportunity to work and learn in the real world, applying practical actions to theoretical knowledge, in itself, is a gratifying and humbling experience. And I couldn’t miss it. Besides this obvious gain, such an affordable internship, particularly in an advanced country like Malaysia, is the perfect boost you need to start off your career expedition with an impressive profile and résumé, even before you have graduated.
Such an internship is an opportunity to meet different managers, with diverse leadership styles and that gives you experience on how to work your boss.
What was the best part of the internship?
Even though my internship was cut short, I spent 4 months training in The Danna Langkawi. There are many things I loved about my internship – the experience & knowledge I’ve gained, the work-life balance environment, my manager and team members, and even the group of individuals I worked-out with on my lunch breaks.
But, if I had to put it on one thing, what I like most is ultimately the fact that this opportunity really opened the door into my career
What have been the particular challenges you have encountered during your internship?
The initial adjusting into a new country, a new culture is a little hard. But the team that welcomed us there was very helpful and supportive
The first day of training is kind of stressful. You wake up early, dress formally and carefully, in your best professional attire, because you know first impression matters. You try to start early from your home. And panic if you’re being late. You’re excited but you’re nervous too. It sure takes time to understand the department culture.
How has the internship helped you?
The internship was paid which helped me to take care of all my expenses, I also saved a bit. These savings helped me a lot during the quarantine when my expenses had increased. The workload was satisfactory, not too stressful. An effort was definitely made to make this training a good learning experience for me as I was able to develop professional communication and interpersonal skills. I wish I could Stay for more time there.
What provisions did the hotel make in order to ensure your safe stay amid COVID-19?
Health and safety was highly prioritized in the hotel to keep both workers and guests safe. They made a hotel health and safety checklist as a reference guide to perform checks quickly and efficiently. They provided us with private rooms with food, water and all other essential services for which I am extremely grateful. I felt quite safe as any problem that I faced was addressed immediately. Regular guidance was provided by the international relations office at Chandigarh University.
How did you keep yourself occupied during quarantine?
With the belief that nothing should stop your creative side; if anything it should provoke you to create more art pieces, I started drawing a lot. For ideas or inspiration, I took to Pinterest. Time passes a lot quicker when you’re working on art. Sometimes when the day felt long and lonely, I would call my mother & my friends. It got hard but you learn to live in the new reality with a hope that it will all get better soon.
How has the pandemic changed you?
I feel like the pandemic has turned me more appreciative in regards to all that I possess- family and friends who love me, the mental and financial stability, the continuous support from India and Malaysia, and the very fact that I am healthy. I have also started giving importance to hygiene and sanitation.
How do you feel finally getting a flight to come back home from Malaysia?
It was such a big relief when the Malaysian team finally booked our tickets and helped us fly back home. I know the struggle that the team had to go through to ensure our safety and the arrangement they made for our travel. I am so grateful to the Indian Government for allowing travel to India for those stuck in other countries
After being quarantined for 1 month in Malaysia and 14 day compulsory quarantine in India on flying back, I am at home with my family- healthy and happy. I couldn’t ask god for more.
