Hello! My name is Leia Cadiz. I am currently majoring in Hospitality, specializing in the food and beverage industry. I am fascinated on how hospitality adapts biased on the global location, especially regarding restaurant operations and management. Throughout the globe we are able to observe the cultural differences between how people treat each other. We view their customs and have the ability to compare them to our own, and sometimes adapt them into our business and culture. This is one of the main interests that lead me to studying abroad in London. London is one of the mega-cities of the world. Inside of it contains rich history and cultural influence that make for a melting pot of behaviors and customs in hospitality. Going into this trip, I hope to see the difference of how they operate. Experience their hospitality first hand and compare it to the experiences we learn at the Chaplin School and real life. In this process I wish the gain valuable information that I can apply to my studies and future career development.
To continue, when observing Hospitality in London I believe that there will be a big difference between levels of service and how they operate. In typical European culture, they take the life is slow approach. Meaning that they value their time and try to take things slow when going out to eat or enjoying life. London is a very modern city and had a great mix between traditional lifestyle and the go-go city culture. Depending on the region of the city and the culture of it, I think that this will allow for a very interesting mix of service styles and management. For example, in a town a little bit farther away from the city. They may continue traditional customs such as not working on a Sunday or operating with less hours. On the contrary, when your within the city businesses must operate late to appease the working class as well as the tourists coming in for a late night out. In terms of service I think that slow to life approach will apply here. There is no rush for service, that means when you sit down at a restaurant. You will be treated with a more thoughtful experience as you can sit and enjoy the company and hospitality of the restaurant. In regards to stereotypes there aren’t many that I know of but I would love to experience a typical football night at a local pub.
During this experience, I would like to strengthen my knowledge on UK culture. I feel as if it’s often overlooked as more eastern European cultures such as French and Italian are discussed more. Learning about what makes UK culture and hospitality will not only be interesting but will broaden my education and experiences. During this trip I will reflect my brand through both writing and participation.
My 3 goals for this trip:
1. Visit many restaurants and explore the cuisines of London
2. Further my network between my peers and those I mee
3. Explore myself as an individual and apply those abroad customs to my personal goals/aspirations