Looking Back: Personal & Academic Growth
Hospitality in London was more than I could imagine. The only word that can describe this journey is rewarding. I was more than content with what I learned and discovered. I grew as a person and as a student in pursuit of a career.
We visited various landmarks, museums, and castles, and I was in awe of them all. The most impactful thing for me was the visit to Windsor Castle. I was truly amazed and loved everything about it. The history, the architecture, the landscapes, the peacefulness also I could not imagine anything better. However, the one thing that may seem simple but had a massive impact on me was taking a picture of Big Ben. This landmark is a symbol of London, and for me, taking a picture in front of it meant everything. If I had not, I would regret it. It was, for me, a symbol of my long-held dream of finally going to London being fulfilled.
Moreover, walking through old palaces and castles such as Hampton Court and Kensington Palace helped me understand the relationship between tradition, service, and experience. I gained confidence in my abilities to notice, question, and interact with new situations. Academically, I learned how to objectively evaluate environments, looking beyond appearances and questioning why things are done in a certain way. Personally, I learned how to adjust to a new culture and enjoy being outside my comfort zone.
Cultural Competence & Communication
The differences in culture were not a total shock, but in the couple of days I spent, I felt like I was getting used to the culture. It is, in fact, different from the US with its advantages and disadvantages. Language in the UK, for instance, they say, “toilet or lavatory” for the restroom, “lift” for the elevator, and the word “mind” is everywhere: “Mind the gap, mind your step, mind your head,” started thinking the real challenge was remembering what not to mind! The way of life is better, in my opinion. You feel that everyone is living, and work is not the priority in the city, among other things. To adapt, I did what I always do: I observed and remained respectful.
Consequently, the hospitality industry differs as well, with a high level of expertise and attention to detail in British service. Whether it was afternoon tea or a hotel tour, the guests were greeted with quiet elegance. It made me think about the importance of tone, timing, and attentiveness in communication, particularly when serving visitors from different cultural backgrounds.
Industry insights
This trip provided me with valuable perspectives that will help shape my future profession in hospitality. One important insight is the value of storytelling in branding. Every palace, hotel, and market we visited had a distinct story, and the most effective ones consistently expressed it through their decor, service, and uniforms. For example, the Savoy Hotel; not everyone will know, but this hotel has history of itself, and once you have history, it becomes different and more meaningful. The markets play a vital role in London’s cultural diversity. Another example is the beverage tourism experience while visiting Bombay Sapphire and Fuller’s Brewery. They provided us with storytelling and branding, as well as hands-on experience, so we could form our own opinions and gain a deeper understanding.
Looking Forward: My Global Hospitality Vision
This adventure has reaffirmed my desire to become a hospitality leader who is culturally sensitive, inventive, and customer-centered. I want to be able to travel and create experiences that combine everything I learn in London to make guests feel recognized, welcomed, and inspired. This experience taught me also to adapt to new situations.
To continue growing, my next step is to bring opportunities to me and be open to new experiences, taking a leap of faith when necessary. I would like to have more experiences abroad to deepen my knowledge and broaden my views. I will also seek internships and different career roles that will expose me to tourism and traveling.
The Heart of Britain will always be in my heart, and it has given me more memories and experiences than I could have imagined. I hold in my heart and mind the memories and knowledge.