"By working as a team, we were able to develop more ideas, make more things happen and try more things."

Laura Nordhoop is 27, lives in Wiesbaden, Germany, and is a trained cook and restaurant manager. Her Team works! internship took her to Lycée de Ruhango Ikiezi, a vocational school in Ruhango. Working with Andreas Nommels, a former vocational school teacher, she planned and delivered training for the “food and beverage” teachers. Laura talked to us about her time in Rwanda.

Das Interview

Hi Laura! Could you tell us a little bit about what you did during your internship in Rwanda?

I was at a vocational school in Ruhango, where I planned and delivered training for the teaching staff from the “food and beverage” department. The training had two elements to it: the food trade and teaching methods. The important thing was to develop methods that were actually viable for the teachers there. Once we’d developed them, we always explained the educational purpose of each method and then we discussed with the teachers whether they could be incorporate, adjust or use the methods and in which classroom situation.

Side view of a classroom during a role-play scene.
Role-play in class: guests arriving.

What did you learn during your internship - be it from your colleagues, line managers or on your own? And what skills were you able to pass on?

Although I didn’t learn much in terms of the subject matter, I was able to gain considerable teaching experience. I also came away with lots of impressions, particularly of the local culture and people’s behaviour towards one another. I was really impressed by the respect they showed each other, especially in view of the awful events of the past [particularly the genocide in Rwanda , ed.], and by the solidarity and their will to drive the country’s progress.

Some situations made the differences clear with regard to hygiene, health, economic and infrastructural standards as compared to back home in Germany. That increases your appreciation for the things you’re used to at home. So getting a different perspective and venturing into a different setting was an important experience.

Laura talking to the teachers about how to make coffee. She is holding a portafilter in her hand.
Making coffee requires concentration.

“The internship in Rwanda was a perfect match!”

Why did you choose Team works! and the AGYO?

I love my job at the restaurant, I love travelling and I love the new direction I’m currently embarking on - to become a vocational college teacher. So the internship in Rwanda was a perfect match with my passions, interests and the fact that I wanted to do volunteer outside of Germany too and grow in the process.

What surprised you most?

I was completely surprised by the people there. Because of my past travels, I what status tourists have in various countries. In Rwanda, I was very much treated like a guest. I was able to move around freely, go shopping at the market and I always felt safe. Everyone I met was respectful but also open, inquisitive and warm-hearted. Everyone! I’ve not come across many societies that are so pleasant to be in.

“Travelling is one thing but spending several weeks in a country, working, learning and living with the locals is an entirely different experience!”

A group selfie of Laura and SES expert Andreas Nommels with the teaching staff at a cocktail workshop.
Laura and SES expert Andreas Nommels with the teaching staff at a cocktail workshop.

What are the advantages of being in a tandem team with an SES expert?

Primarily, working in a tandem team gave me a feeling of security. When you first arrive in a new country, you don’t know what to expect, how people will behave towards you and whether you’ll feel comfortable. But because I knew there was someone with me there, I automatically felt better about things and it boosted my confidence and ultimately my efficiency at work. By working as a team, we were able to develop more ideas, make more things happen and try more things. In particular, as the internship was only for three weeks, it was really good that we were there as a tandem team.

An idyllic lake scene: Laura, Andreas Nommels and three of their colleagues are sitting at a laid table at Lake Kivu.
On a trip to Lake Kivu.

What would be your advice for other young people interested in an internship abroad?

Travelling is one thing but spending several weeks in a country, working, learning and living with the locals is an entirely different experience! Before I went, I’d never have thought that that would make the experience a totally new one. I was able to tet to know a country and the people who live there, to laugh with them and share stories and emotions with them. I wouldn’t have had that chance otherwise. For me, it was a very valuable and intensive opportunity to broaden my horizons. So do it!

Laura is dancing with a young man.
Enjoying a dance after all the hard work!

Name three things you’ve taken away from your internship.

  1. It’s possible to work through the recent past together as a society and create something good.

  2. Hospitality can make a strange place a home.

  3. Education is the key to developing a country.

     

A blackboard with the words “I love my country Rwanda” written on it.
A declaration of love for Rwanda.

What will you never forget?

One weekend, the students at the school organised their own party. For one whole day, there was singing, dancing, a fashion show, poetry, etc. I’ve rarely seen young people supporting each other so much. 1,000 students celebrated, supported, cheered for and showed their recognition of each other. I’d never experienced anything like it. I’ll never forget the magical atmosphere!

A group of young people presenting their outfits.
Striking a pose at the fashion show.

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