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This study abroad was a tremendous experience! Not only I had fun but also learned a lot about certain departments of the resort operation. I had the pleasure to observe in the kitchen as well as learn about watersports such as the different kinds of regulations and licensure. The staff from Beaches Resort were very friendly, approachable, and helpful. The food was outstanding!

The videos attached are some of the trip highlights. I highly encourage going to Jamaica to study abroad.

Jamaica was an experience like no other! From the minute we arrived to the minute we left it was a family and felt like home. We were welcomed with the managers waiting for us at the front and with Elmo and the characters! We then went on to have a lovely dinner located on the beach that the employees were able to set up and join us while being able to share there stories about themselves, the resort, and the island. Day number two started with a buffet breakfast with a beautiful view of the pool and afterwards we were able tour two beautiful resorts such as the Beaches resort and the Sandals resort which is for adult’s only. both hotel are beautiful in their own ways and give off such amazing and unique vibes like no other. We then went on to learn about the weddings and romance department which was an amazing learning experience and understanding how much goes into planning and making a wedding come to life. We then ended the day with a swim by the pool and beautiful dinner at the resorts restaurants that is over the water called Neptune!

The following day was filled with fun and adventure! We started the day with watching a re tie the knot wedding it was wonderful watching the weddings and romance department put together a magical moment for the lovely couple and to watch them have an amazing and wonderful time retying the love that they have. We then went on to enjoy the watersports that were located on the resort such as the banana boat, sailing, and of course the lovely beach! We then ended with a lovely dinner with a view of the ocean and afterwards headed to a silent white party where you were able to listen to the music through your headphones! It was defiantly an experience like no other!

The day we had all been waiting for the excursion day! we started off by taking a boat with music and food that traveled around the island and stopped in the ocean for us to be able to go snorkeling! It was an amazing experience for us to be able to view the life underneath the water! After that we went over to Duns river falls where we climb a 190 feet water fall which was cold of course but an amazing experience being able to slide down a man made slide and swim in the water! Later on that night we were able to go to Luminous Lagoon which is a bay that you are able to swim in and when you do it turns into a pretty crystal blue water! Fun fact there are only four in the world Jamacia, Puerto Rico, Indonesia, and the Bahamas.

The last two days we were able to shadow the Swim up Bar and there we were able to learn how to set up the bar, how to take down the bar, and of course how to make drinks! It was a great experience and the guests and employees were very patient with us trying to learn how to make the drinks and how to learn to set up the bar. Our final night they had put together a going away dinner where they showed us all of the pictures we took, we were able to share our experience, and share the laughter for one last night! We then ended the night with a pool party at the waterpark!!! Jamaica was an experience like no other and I would definitely recommend this trip for spring break!

My vlogs encompass my experience of the Hospitality in the Caribbean!

During my time shadowing the managers of the two departments that I chose, I got to learn a lot about WOW factors. Wow, Factors creates a service experience that leaves the guest saying,” Wow, that’s cool.”

I experienced a wow factor upon arrival and departure from Beaches, Ocho Rios resort. As I mentioned in another blog, we had a hearty welcome with the music, drinks, and sesame street characters. Although that left smiles on our faces from the beginning, the card we received with a group picture and a message inside left me with,” oh wow.”

I have never visited any hotel or resort that would sing a goodbye song on the departure of their guests.

This was special, and I appreciated it to the point that I placed the card in my foyer. 😆

For some of us, it is a challenge to meet new people; I would have never thought that a group of strangers in the same age group as me would have so much influence over my life. I love meeting new people and learning about the things they are interested in, how they influence how they live their lives, and also some things we have in common.

This study abroad program created bonds and connections I pray never to lose. Having several social relationships can open your heart and mind to many things beyond your wildest dreams!

Thank you, Professor Dodge and Dawn, for being there with us every step of the way, and thank you, my classmates, for showing love and compassion! Your guys are incredible.❤️

I would lie if I said I was not there for the food. An all-inclusive resort with different restaurants you can eat at is in my top two.

From Jamaican cuisine to Mediterranean cuisine and French cuisine, you can not beat that. I sure did eat and drink anything that was accessible to me.

We had breakfast every day to get our days started with a great foundation, but I am not into breakfast as much, but I would always go and get some fresh fruits from the buffet I loved. Later, lunch was provided at the buffet and night dinner, so we ate around the clock!

I was in hog heaven:)