Some people collect souvenirs when they travel. Others collect stories, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime. Meet Michelle, our international recruiter who belongs to the second group! Originally from the Netherlands, her journey has taken her across continents, from the vibrant streets of New York to the beautiful beaches of Barcelona, where she now calls home.

Michelle's adventure began with six months of studying abroad in South Africa and Thailand. What started as an opportunity to study somewhere new quickly turned into a passion for discovering different cultures, meeting people from around the world, and experiencing life beyond familiar surroundings. But her adventure was only just beginning!

Next stop? New York City! What was supposed to be an internship turned into an unforgettable five-year chapter. Michelle fell in love with the city and decided to stay, building a life filled with new experiences, friendships, and memories. After five incredible years in the Big Apple, she felt it was time to move a little closer to home. And what better place to start her next chapter than sunny Barcelona?

Today, Michelle enjoys life in Spain, where she finds happiness in the simple things. Whether it's watching the sunset at the beach, looking up at the stars, or enjoying a long dinner with friends, she believes that some of life's best moments are the little ones. She also loves spending time outdoors, going camping, hiking, and exploring new places. And when she's feeling creative? She's recently taken up calligraphy, adding yet another skill to her collection of interests!

In September 2026, Michelle joined Job Squad as an international recruiter, turning her own love for living abroad into an opportunity to inspire others. Having experienced life in different parts of the world, she knows that moving abroad isn't just about changing your address. It's about discovering new perspectives, building friendships, and growing in ways you never expected.

What Michelle loves most about recruitment is helping others experience the same excitement that has shaped her own life. She understands that taking the first step can feel intimidating, but she also knows firsthand how rewarding it can be. For her, every candidate represents someone who might be about to experience their own life-changing adventure.

And here's a fun fact you probably wouldn't expect: her years in New York turned her into a huge Halloween enthusiast! Forget Christmas or any other celebration. Halloween officially takes first place on Michelle's holiday calendar. Add a good horror movie, and she's in her element!

With so many adventures behind her, what's the one thing Michelle would tell someone considering moving abroad?

Keep an open mind, stay positive, and embrace the unknown! Life abroad won't always be predictable, but that's part of what makes it exciting. New countries introduce you to different ways of living, unexpected friendships, and opportunities you might never have imagined.

And if there's one thing Michelle's journey from the Netherlands to South Africa, Thailand, New York, and Barcelona has shown her, it's that the most unforgettable chapters often begin when you have the courage to try something new.

After all, the best stories aren't always the ones you plan. They're the ones you dare to live.