Hello! My name is Addyson Greene. I am currently a Junior majoring in Hospitality Management at FIU. I want to talk a bit about why I chose to participate in this study abroad program in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Learning outside of a traditional classroom is an opportunity that I think should be more easily accessible, not only because it is such a rewarding experience but also because it gives you a chance to learn about other cultures and expand your global knowledge and understanding. Looking back on the wonderful opportunity I experienced, I am reflecting on my choice to accept it and how it will help my future career path in this field.
I chose this program because it gave us a special look at the operations and standards of the Sandals/Beaches brand. Many travelers see these resorts as a vacation destination, somewhere to lay their heads. On this trip, I had to shift my lens to a professional perspective and not only enjoy the experience but also learn from it. Something that stood out to me that I didn’t know before coming was their corporate university program, which showcased how truly dedicated they are to developing hospitality professionals rather than just hiring employees. This program offers a chance to grow in the industry by learning from leaders who manage complex operations.
I also wanted to understand how the staff and professionals at Beaches anticipate needs, which is extremely important in a hospitality setting. Being able to go on vacation and have everything taken care of for you without having to look around or ask is a small detail that can really enhance an experience. I got to observe how the team made this happen while also making it feel completely natural, not forced or inauthentic. It shows that the staff truly care about their guests and want to make meaningful experiences for them. I was also comforted to see that they didn’t treat guests differently based on status. Even having the ‘butler level’ guests, the staff showed the same amount of respect and hospitality to the guests that weren’t butler level, while still giving the butler guests the exclusivity and hospitality that they paid for. It truly felt like a community.
Coming into this trip, I had no specific idea where I wanted to take my career beyond the broad categories of the beverage and travel industries. I came into it with an open mind, eager to see all the working parts and to learn which ones best suit me. Most important was improving my cultural awareness, because the best hospitality leaders know how to cater to people from all cultures and all walks of life. Leaving the resort, I left with more clarity on where I want to take my career. It solidified my interests in the beverage and travel industries, while also adding on entertainment. I realized I hadn’t fully engaged with entertainment sooner, given my lifelong background in performing. Seeing the entertainment team at Beaches reignited my passion for the performing arts and how I can incorporate it into a hospitality setting.
During our time at Beaches, I was excited to meet and connect with the leadership team. One question I would ask is how they can maintain their brand standard while keeping staff morale so high across different locations, with so many cultures both within the staff and across the different islands?
The most difficult part was being professional and not a tourist. With what we were experiencing, it was hard not to take it all in simply. To be professional in a state like this means being on time, wearing the right clothes, and remembering we were there to learn and engage. I’m glad we had the opportunity to represent FIU and Beaches by showing our professionalism and enthusiasm. After this trip, I came home with a more defined professional identity and a better understanding of leadership and how to apply my skills to whichever career path I choose.