EXPERIENCED BY HANNA SCHEERS

Living my slow life in Khao Lak.

Hi, my name is Hanna, I’m a 20-year-old student from Belgium, studying International Business Management, specialising in Global Business. In the third year of our bachelor’s program, we get the chance to go on an internship abroad, as it’s a mandatory part of our curriculum.

The best part of this program is that we can find our own internships. This meant I could choose any company I wanted, anywhere in the world. Knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I aimed to find a cool company in a beautiful location to make the most of it!

I got lucky! It didn't take long to find the perfect fit. I searched for “surf” internships, and “TBF” popped up! After diving into extensive research and reading all the amazing experiences from previous interns (which I’m now writing myself—how cool is that!?), I knew this was the place for me. It felt like a dream come true when I got accepted!

From the moment I arrived at the board factory, I was warmly welcomed by all my co-workers. Since then, we’ve been inseparable—surfing before and after work, dining together, and exploring breathtaking islands on our days off. The community in Khao Lak is incredibly special. Growing up in a city, I found the slow-paced, friendly vibe here refreshing. The people made me feel right at home, and it’s been inspiring to hang out with such a cool and supportive group.

Now, about my role at the company. I was part of the manufacturing project, focusing on streamlining the production process. This involved analysing each step of the surfboard creation process to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement. I worked closely with the team to develop and implement a more efficient system. Additionally, I helped in designing and setting up a new system to track progress and manage inventory more effectively. This hands-on experience was incredibly valuable, as I learned a lot about project management and operational efficiency. I also got to work with Filemaker, Sketch, and brushed up on my Excel skills. Learning about the entire surfboard production process, from start to finish, was fascinating. The passion the workers put into crafting the perfect board is truly inspiring. It’s an incredible feeling to witness the creation of surfboards and then ride the waves on them! 

The atmosphere at the company was amazing, and I looked forward to coming to work every day. The internship has been such a positive experience. I’m returning to Belgium with a wealth of knowledge and unforgettable memories. 

The Board Factory, Khao Lak, its strong community and waves will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ll definitely be back soon! 

Thank you, beautiful people! <3