A taste of the professional life that awaits me in the future

"I had the opportunity to have fantastic experiences that were unknown to me at the start. During my internship I got a taste of the professional life that awaits me in the future." 

An internship overseas in a beautiful five star hotel. Truly an experience I was looking forward to at the beginning of my study at the Hotel School. Once I passed my first year, the time came to leave for one of the many possible countries and hotels provided by school. 

Internship in London, UK

As it was my preference for years, I chose to do a six-month internship in the UK, at the Royal Lancaster London. From being on the underground early in the morning to sitting in the pub with colleagues having a pint after work, I had the opportunity to have fantastic experiences that were unknown to me at the start. During my internship I got a taste of the professional life that awaits me in the future. I have learned so much about myself and I have really grown as a person. These are lessons that will stay with me forever. 

A personal achievement

I am not the only one who thinks this way. In the past six months, I have spoken to several former students at the online alumni platform about how they experienced their lives at and after the Hotel School. What was nice to hear is that the internship abroad was something that is still etched in the memory for many. Thinking back to the moment you were on your way to your internship country and the excitement that came with it. Then thinking back to the moment when your internship was completed and you were back again in the old familiar Maastricht. Overwhelmed by the joy of being back and seeing your friends again, you almost forget to think about what you've accomplished in the past six months. Being able to find your own way in a foreign country, learning to deal with cultural differences and standing your ground in a five-star hotel. What an achievement, but also what a fantastic opportunity you've been given by the Hotel School!

Catching up in the future

It's been three years since I completed my internship and had to say goodbye to all the people I met there. I still hope that one day, when the corona measures allow it again, I can return to the Royal Lancaster London to see all those faces again and catch up with everyone over a pint in a real English pub!