This experience has been a real learning journey for me. I got to experience different facets of the hospitality industry, all while learning and enjoying. I am beyond grateful for this study abroad—not only because of the life-long things I’ve learned and the life-long friends I’ve made, but also because it satiated my long-term desire to visit the UK (London in that instance). I enjoyed visiting the museums (I’ve said that 1000 times already). As a history lover, I’m glad to see that history is still a driving aspect of tourism today. Although it was admittedly a much more mature crowd at the museums (unless it was a school group, of course), I was still pleased to encounter people my age who were there deliberately. I hope with all my heart that in the years to come, through my generation and the ones after me, history will continue to be a central force in tourism.
To touch on my ability to communicate across cultures, I was very happy with how natural it felt to interact and understand people throughout the entire trip. Obviously, English was the language I spoke, and I’m fluent, but communication is so much more than just the words we say. It’s body language, tone, listening skills, patience, openness, and respect for other people’s customs. I feel like I excelled in all of those areas during the trip, and that’s something I’m proud of.
I guess the most surprising thing during this trip was just how much British people love their pubs. It’s not like I didn’t know that, it’s just that living it and seeing it firsthand felt different. They’ll absolutely make time in their day to crash at their local pub and enjoy some quality time with family, friends, or colleagues. I love that for them!
Specific takeaways from this trip that will influence my future career in hospitality:
- Making sure my employees and colleagues feel seen and appreciated, because that energy shows in the service they give.
- Embracing every aspect of luxurious hospitality, especially now that luxury travel is more accessible than ever before.
- Inspiring others to travel not just for fun, but to connect with the historical significance of a place.
- Prioritizing authenticity in cultural experiences, because when the service feels real and rooted in place, it becomes way more memorable.
- Creating environments that allow for connection and storytelling, just like the museums and markets did on this trip.
This trip helped me understand how powerful storytelling is in hospitality. Whether it was a museum like the Victoria and Albert, or a hotel like The Savoy, the places that left the biggest impact on me were the ones that told a story. It didn’t have to be through words either, sometimes it was in the design, the way the staff carried themselves, or the way the space honored its history. I’ve come to realize that branding isn’t just logos or slogans, it’s the feeling you get when you walk into a space. That’s what I want to bring into my future: service that tells a story, connects people, and makes them feel like they’re part of something bigger. This trip allowed me to see hospitality from a different lens—a British lens, to be more specific. And I’ll carry everything I’ve learned and experienced with me throughout my journey as a leader, both within and outside the industry.