Valentina Vergara Carranza

As my study abroad trip in London is ending, I can’t help but look back with a deep sense of gratitude. These past days have been some of the most inspiring weeks have been some of the most enriching and inspiring of my academic journey. I have grown as a student, but most importantly, as a person. Being in a different country, with other people who share my passion for hospitality and are also so passionate about life in general, has helped me build confidence, independence, and a stronger understanding of what it means to work in global hospitality.

From the first days, exploring places like Buckingham Palace and enjoying Afternoon Tea, to the later visits to The Savoy, Borough Market, and the Fuller’s Griffin Brewery, each experience taught me something new about how hospitality functions in a cultural context. One of the lessons that most impacted me was how much emphasis is placed on storytelling, whether it’s through food, architecture, or service. In the castles and palaces, for example, using audio guides to walk through the rooms, made me feel like part of the story.  At the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, the storytelling behind the gin production turned the drink into something meaningful and memorable. These moments have shown me that great hospitality isn’t just about offering a service, but creating an emotional connection with the guests.

Being an international student myself, I found it very interesting to observe how British hospitality differs from what I’ve seen in the U.S. It’s more reserved, more intentional, and rooted in tradition. What surprised me most was how polite and structured service interactions are, especially in high-end places. At The Savoy, for example, the professionalism of the staff and the pride they take in their roles showed me that true luxury comes from consistency, respect, and attention to every detail, which guests do not always see. 

I have also grown culturally, in my ability to talk and connect with people from different backgrounds. Whether it was interacting with market vendors in Camden Market or speaking with staff at various locations, I learned how to adapt, listen more carefully, and be more open to unfamiliar practices. It reminded me that in hospitality, cultural competence is just as important as technical skills. Knowing how to make someone feel welcome, no matter where they’re from, is key in hospitality. 

Professionally, this trip has reshaped my vision of the hospitality leader I want to become. I want to combine the warmth and creativity I’ve always shown with the intentionality and storytelling I saw in London. I’ve realized that successful destinations don’t just serve guests, they tell a story and invite others into it. That’s the kind of experience I want to create, whether I work in hotels, events, or even cruise tourism in the future.

Looking forward, I know this is just the beginning. I want to keep growing globally, maybe by applying for international internships, taking more courses focused on cultural intelligence, or even planning my own hospitality project that brings together tradition and innovation. London has reminded me why I chose this field in the first place: to help people feel something, remember something, and carry it with them long after they leave.

As the trip is coming to an end, I’ve been reflecting a lot about everything I have learned and experienced, and how each place has helped me shape my understanding of hospitality. We did more activities like visiting the Fuller’s Griffin Brewery, Camden Market, but the best day for me was my free day, where I choose what to do. This has shown me how culture, tradition, and personal connection all play a role in creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Our visit to Fuller’s Griffin Brewery was really interesting because it gave us a behind-the-scenes look at beverage tourism. I had never been to a brewery before, so seeing how beer is made and learning about its history was completely new to me. The guide walked us through the whole brewing process and explained how some of the methods have been used for hundreds of years. The brewery has a rich history, and they’ve kept many original practices, but they also know how to appeal to a global audience. The tour wasn’t just about the product, but making us feel connected to the brand’s heritage. That emotional connection is something I really want to bring into my own hospitality career.

Later, walking through Camden Market was such a fun and colorful experience. The market was full of vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, local art, and so many kinds of food. I could feel how alive the local culture was in every corner. Small business owners were sharing their crafts, and you could tell that each stall had a story. It made me realize how important entrepreneurship is to the guest experience, because when you talk to the person who made the product, it feels more personal and authentic. Unlike big chain stores, markets like Camden show the personality of a city and the creativity of its people. I think this is a perfect example of how hospitality can also be about creating spaces for local talent to grow and share their art and for visitors to feel truly connected to a place.

On my free day, I decided to do something that really reflects who I am. I went to see The Lion King musical with a friend. I’ve always loved musicals, and this was something I had been looking forward to for a long time. The entire experience was magical, from the lights, the costumes, and the music, to the energy in the theatre. I was smiling the whole time and even had goosebumps during some scenes. It was definitely one of my favorite moments of the entire trip. It reminded me how powerful emotional experiences can be in hospitality. Whether it’s a show, a meal, or a conversation, those feelings are what stay with people long after the moment ends.

This day helped me understand that creating memorable guest experiences isn’t just about offering services, it’s about offering stories, emotions, and connection. As a future hospitality professional, I want to design experiences that feel local, personal, and full of heart, just like London has felt for me.

The visit to The Savoy Hotel and the Victoria & Albert Museum gave me a whole new understanding of luxury hospitality because they were built not just on a beautiful space but on legacy, storytelling, and systems working perfectly behind the scenes. 

The tour of The Savoy was unforgettable. I had always imagined luxury hotels as places with elegant decorations and excellent service, but this experience changed my understanding of the real meaning of service behind luxury. We visited several parts of the hotel, including the ballrooms and bars. Our guide explained that many celebrities had stayed there over the years, like Marilyn Monroe, who even has a suite named after her now, and showed us pictures of them framed on a wall. He also explained how everyone on the team is a family, and the values of the hotel, which made it clear that The Savoy is more than just a place to stay, but a brand built on legacy, discretion, and personalized service. 

What impressed me most was how smooth everything felt, even though running a hotel like that must be extremely complex. The level of coordination between departments, the attention to every detail, and the pride that the staff showed in their roles made me realize the importance of everything happening behind the scenes. Guests see perfection, and it’s made possible by careful planning, strong communication, and high standards across every team. This made me realize the importance of internal culture and employee satisfaction, because to deliver that kind of service, your team needs to feel empowered and respected. 

The visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum helped me connect these ideas to the bigger picture of culture and design in hospitality. The museum was full of art, fashion, and historical objects that reflected the cultural evolution. On this visit, I walked with my friends, reading the descriptions of each object and sculpture we passed through, and sharing with them ideas. I understood how the organization of art and spaces can change the way guests experience the museum; they don’t have to be completely focused to find the meaning of each object they like. This leaves a positive impact on the way people feel, how they move, and how they connect with the brand or environment around them. Luxury hospitality uses this same idea; they create a story through spaces, colors, and service, to make every moment feel intentional. 

As a future hospitality professional, this week inspired me to think more about emotional connection in hospitality. It’s not just about offering services, but about creating moments that feel rare and personal. From how a suite is named to how a bar is lit, every element matters. 

These days have been the most immersive and inspiring parts of the program for me. Visiting Windsor Castle, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, the Queen’s House, and places like the Tate Modern Gallery and the Thames River Cruise have shown me the power of storytelling and creative design to elevate the guest experience. Each place had its own way of creating a connection through history, art, and even gin. I’ve realized the importance of sensory and emotional engagement to any hospitality experience; it goes way beyond just service.  

At Windsor Castle, one thing that stood out was how storytelling on the audio guides was used to make the visit feel personal. They explained the history of each hallway and room, sharing stories about the people who lived there and the events that took place. This transformed the experience from just looking at pretty rooms into something meaningful and memorable. I think one of the most effective marketing strategies in places like this is making the guest feel part of the story. They don’t just advertise the place as a building, but as a journey into British royal heritage. The Queen’s House did something similar; it was not just about the art or the architecture, but how it showed centuries of British culture. Everything was set with a message in mind, even in the gift shop, you could find bags with all the kings and queens throughout the years. 

The Bombay Sapphire Distillery was also such a different and fun experience. It was my first time at a beverage tourism place, and I didn’t know how much storytelling could be part of a drink. The way the tour was structured, showing the history of gin, every detail for its preparation, the ingredients, and even drinking a custom cocktail in the end, made the experience authentic. They focused on not just selling a product but helping us understand it and connect with it. This taught me how beverage tourism can combine education, branding, and guest engagement all in one experience. 

The Thames River Cruise and the Tate Modern offered a different type of storytelling. The cruise allowed us to see some of the most iconic sights of London while sharing with friends, drinking and eating snacks, which made it both relaxing and fun. The Tate Modern was more abstract with interpretative and random sculptures and zones, but equally powerful. The way the museum uses space and design to let the art speak made me think about how hospitality doesn’t always have to be loud or obvious. Sometimes it’s about letting the guest create their own interpretation.

As a future hospitality professional, these experiences taught me that what truly creates memorable moments is the emotional connection guests form through stories, design, and the atmosphere. Whether it’s a luxury castle, a gin factory, or a river cruise tour, what matters is how people feel when they leave and how long that feeling will stay with them. 

After a week full of visits, I’ve started to see London differently, not just as a visitor, but as someone getting ready for a career in hospitality. Going to places like the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace showed me how closely hospitality and history can be connected. These places aren’t just old buildings; they welcome huge numbers of people every day while still protecting their stories and culture. What stood out to me was how smoothly everything was run. There were helpful signs, guides, and a clear layout to keep things moving while still making it easy to enjoy and learn. Even with the crowds, it felt organized and respectful.

Borough Market was a totally different experience but just as meaningful. It was loud, full of life, and had amazing smells from all kinds of food. It didn’t feel like it was just for tourists; it felt like a place the locals truly loved. Each food place told a new story with dishes from many parts of the world. The people working there were friendly and proud of what they made. It made me realize that hospitality isn’t just about hotels or fancy restaurants, but it can also be found in small moments like sharing food, having a quick conversation, or offering someone a taste of something new.

The British Museum helped me understand the power of sharing culture in a way that makes sense to everyone. The exhibits were easy to follow, and it felt like the museum was trying to welcome people from all backgrounds. The audio guides helped everyone understand the story behind every room. Later, I went on the London Eye, which was a very different kind of experience. It wasn’t about facts, it was about how it made you feel. Seeing the whole city from above was exciting and emotional, and it reminded me that great experiences are also about the connection of a person to a place.

These visits have changed how I think about hospitality. It’s not just about doing things well it’s about making people feel something. Whether a place is old and full of history or brand new and exciting, good hospitality finds a way to balance tradition with new ideas. I hope to bring that mindset into my own career to stay true to the culture, welcome people from everywhere, and help create experiences that feel real and unforgettable.

Coming to London felt like walking into a picture. From the moment I landed, everything felt different, not just the buildings or the accents, but how people treat you. The way people welcome guests here is quiet and polite, but still very warm. At my hotel, the staff at the front desk were calm and professional. They weren’t super friendly, but they were kind and really helpful.

At first, I was surprised that people didn’t make much small talk, especially in restaurants. In Miami, servers often check on you a lot and start conversations. In London, they were more reserved; they only ask if the food is good, or if we need anything constantly, but they don’t try to talk to you. They give you space to enjoy your meal, and I’ve come to see that as a respectful way of serving.

One of the best experiences so far was going to Afternoon Tea. I’d heard about it before, but being there in person made it feel special. Everything, the little sandwiches, the sweets, and the way you strain tea before drinking it, made it seem like a movie. It’s not just about tea, it’s about taking time to relax and enjoy the moment. What stood out most was how locals see it as a real tradition, not just something for tourists. It showed me how food and customs can really make people feel welcome.

Visiting places like Kensington Palace and seeing the Changing of the Guard was also really interesting. These places aren’t just for photos, they’re designed to teach you something and make you feel part of the experience. The way everything is organized, from the signs to the staff, shows a lot of thought. Especially in the Kensington Palace, where they gave us an audio guide, I had never used one before, and hearing it while going through the palace and analyzing the rooms made me feel as if I were Queen Victoria living in the castle years ago. London does a great job of respecting history while still making things easy and enjoyable for visitors.

These first few days have changed how I think about hospitality. It’s not just about being friendly it’s about making people feel comfortable and respected. I used to think good service meant always being around and full of energy. Now I see that being calm, thoughtful, and true to the culture can be just as welcoming. I hope to use what I’ve learned here in my own work someday, creating experiences that are not only fun but also meaningful.

Before going on this study abroad program to London, I didn’t realize how much I would learn even before getting on the plane. The pre-departure module we’ve been working on showed me a different perspective on British hospitality, leadership styles, and cultural expectations that helped me prepare for what I’m going to experience in London. I always assumed British hospitality would be very similar to what I’ve experienced in the U.S., but I was shown that there are a few but important differences in how people communicate and serve others.

One of the things that surprised me the most was how formal and reserved the British service culture can be. In the U.S., especially in hospitality, we’re often very casual and enthusiastic when serving guests. We smile a lot, make small talk, and try to create a friendly atmosphere right away. British hospitality, from what I learned in the Zoom lecture and readings, focuses more on professionalism and politeness. This doesn’t mean they’re not friendly; it just makes it seem different. It made me question the fact that good service meant always being energetic or overly warm with people, which is what I always try to be.

In terms of leadership, I was shown that the UK uses a quieter, team-focused leadership style. American staff are usually more direct, while British staff seem to be more likely to support customers from behind the scenes, while they base on cultural values to shape the behaviour of the staff and company. As someone who is used to the American style, I now know that I should be more observant and patient when abroad. 

I plan to adapt by listening more carefully, speaking with respect, as well as understanding the different tones of different people. I’ll do this by reading the room, being more open-minded and flexible, in this experience. 

One thing i’m most excited about noticing is how different cultures will be shown in my day-to-day interactions, this being in the hotel, restaurants, or during the tours. I am preparing myself mentally for this by reviewing what I’ve learnt until now from classes, but also, as mentioned before, having an open mind.

Hi! My name is Valentina Vergara, and im a junior at Florida International University studying Hospitality Management. I’m originally from Peru, but I currently live in Miami. I’ve always been drawn to experiences that bring people together, whether that’s through an event or a service. What excites me the most about the hospitality industry is the power it has when creating a memory for groups or individuals, especially when they feel understood and valued. 

When I heard about the study abroad London program, I knew I wanted immediately knew I wanted to be part of it, not only because its one of the world’s top destinations for tourism and hospitality, but also because London is a city that seemed so different to Miami in a good way, and I wanted to experience it and expand my cultural knowledge. London is known for having such a rich history, a global influence, and a mix of traditional and modern service approaches, and I want to learn all of it. 

As I prepare for this experience, I’m very curious to learn about the hospitality and service culture in the UK. I’ve heard that British service can be more formal and reserved compared to the casual style I’m used to in Miami or Peru. There’s a stereotype that I’ve heard about, that says people in London are polite but distant so I’m looking forward to seeing whether that is true and how it’s shown in hospitality settings. I’m also very interested in learning how the diversity London has is reflected in its service. Do businesses adapt to different guest backgrounds? How do they make everyone feel welcome?

I feel that this program will inspire my personal brand as a person and will help me bring it to life, being friendly, professional, open-minded, and curious. I value authenticity and kindness, and I believe those qualities help build meaningful connections with every person, like guests, team members, mentors, and classmates. I plan to reflect my personal brand through the way I participate in the trip, by asking questions, sharing my experiences, and paying attention to every visit. Whether I’m writing about my experience, creating short videos, or just interacting with people we meet, I want to be transparent in how I represent myself.

I also have a few personal goals for this trip. Firstly, I want to understand well how hospitality works in a different big city like London and learn from different service styles and approaches. Secondly, I want to step out of my comfort zone by trying new things, meeting new people, and maybe even discovering a new passion in the industry. And thirdly, I hope this trip gives me more clarity about the kind of hospitality professional I want to become and how I want to apport to the industry. I’m excited to be inspired by what I see and to bring that inspiration back with me, both for school and for my future career.

I can’t wait to explore London and see where this journey takes me both personally and professionally.