Our first Turing Scheme funded internships have come to a successful end!
During the month of April, two groups of students studying Travel and Tourism had the life-changing upskilling opportunity to complete an all-expenses paid one month traineeship in renowned 5-star hotels in Turkey and Italy.
The Project
Global Hospitality Exchange is a Turing Scheme funded project designed to give opportunities for students studying Hospitality or Travel and Tourism to carry out valuable work experience abroad to boost their employability. Our organisation partnered with 5 Star hotels in Portugal, Italy, and Turkey to allow participants to work for 4 to 8 weeks fully funded through the scheme. The departments included Reservations, Reception, Guest Relations, Food and Beverage, Sales and Marketing.
The Mobility
The placements started on April 1st for a duration of 4 weeks, with 7 interns placed in Istanbul (Turkey) and 4 in Rome (Italy).
As the placement provider, we carried out the selection and preparation of eligible interns, matching the successful students with the 5-star hotels. They attended preparation and pre-departure meetings as well as undertook Italian and Turkish language lessons in the lead-up to the start of their placements.
We provided weekly support to both students and host hotels to ensure a quality experience for all involved. The students were thrilled at the chance to experience new cultures first-hand, taking the opportunity to visit many of the city’s cultural sites and try local cuisines during their free time.
Work Experience in Turkey
7 students from South London had the once in a lifetime experience to fly to Istanbul on the 29th March 2022 to start their international traineeships with the Hilton Group.
Working within the Front Office (Reception and Guest Relations), Back Office (Reservations, Sales and Marketing) and Food and Beverage (Restaurant Hosts) departments, the first week was focused on training to become acquainted with the workplace and the hotel environment. The interns mainly shadowed their supervisors and colleagues to better understand the working method and routines of the hotel departments.
“Turkey for me has been really lovely! I’ve become more confident and I’ve met loads of amazing people that I’d like to keep in touch with. Without the Turing Scheme it would’ve taken me years to find an opportunity like this”. _Maya
In the second week, the students undertook both supervised and independent tasks specific to their chosen departments. Both students and hotel managers reported their satisfaction with the placements! The interns had the opportunity to gain an insight into the high-end hotel sector as well as broaden their skills and acquire valuable experience.
“This is a lifetime opportunity because I know that I can use these skills and this experience in the future” _Tanveer.
Work Experience in Italy
4 students full of excitement arrived in Rome on the 29th March 2022 and started their international internship in two 5-star hotels in Rome (Rocco Forte and A.Roma Lifestyle Hotels).
” It gave me the experience that was really new to me and it was a wonderful experience.” _Angeline
From day one, the interns were involved in activities and tasks related to their departments, shadowing experienced staff and building good working relationships their colleagues. In the later weeks they played a more active role in their positions and carried out specific duties related to their positions.
“I was able to view how each department contributes to the hotel’s success. All the departments are completely different and it is fascinating to discover how each one succeeds.” _Gregory
The placement had a huge impact on the students as they had the opportunity to learn how to interact with hotel guests and to directly experience the working routine and methods at a high-quality and international hotel. While the hosts gained resourceful team members, interns also expanded their networks, and increased their confidence.
This placement exceeded my expectations. This experience has given me a better understanding of how a hotel is run. _Lucy
What’s Next?
Through our ‘Global Hospitality Exchange’ project this year, we have more Turing Scheme funded internships starting in the following months in Italy, Turkey and Portugal!
If you missed this opportunity, don’t worry! We have plenty of Turing Scheme funded opportunities throughout the year in exciting destinations, so keep an eye out on our website, and don’t be afraid to get in touch!