Vladyslava Blyzniuk
My internship in Barcelona was a nice experience. I decided to go there because I wanted to know more about Spain, its culture and people. Moreover, it’s one of the oldest hospitality sector in Europe, so it`s closely related to the field of my studies. Hotel, I worked in, is placed in Malgart de Mar. It`s like a province of Barcelona situated in Costa Brava, between Santa Susanna and Blanes, around one hour from the centre of Barcelona by train.
I was picked up directly to the hotel, where I stayed, from Barcelona Airport. Transfer from the airport (and to the one) was organised by Kinga, our supervisor. Kinga helped a lot, answered any questions I had. She works caring for all the Polish interns there so you never feel left alone with your problem. The program includes accommodation, food and salary.
- Accommodation
I stayed in a single room just for me with the TV, big wardrobe, air condition and bathroom. The room was on the top floor of the hotel, and my workmates were interns as well.
- Food was good. I had three main meals daily. All inclusive.
- Salary
Besides Erasmus+ grand I got from the Uni, I was paid 320 euro/month.
What is more, they treated Erasmus students with some free excursions that supported the interns to get to know each other.
About my work duties.
Interns may be placed in main areas of the hotel, such as a bar, a restaurant, an animation area and a reception. The last one was my domain. It wasn’t my decision at the beginning, however, I was convinced to try and to my pleasure it worked well. I wanted to try myself exactly as a receptionist.
Our guests arrived from different countries of the world. Therefore, I had a good opportunity to practice languages. The main tasks of customer service in the hotel reception included:
- Giving information about hotel services and interests about the area. Be prepared- people ask about EVERYTHIG.
- Carrying out administrative tasks at the reception desk, including: answering phone, sending and receiving faxes and e-mails.
- Receiving clients and being in contact with Spanish, Russian and English speaking partners.
I would also like to say that while working there I gained some knowledge and managed to improve many skills (intellectual and practical), such as: team work organizations skills, problem solving, social skills, operating the main departments in the hotel with different guests` nationalities.
In addition, I was the last-year student of UJK. For those who are not convinced about taking the opportunity, the Erasmus programme gives, the answer is Yes. You can participate too. The staff from our UJK Student Exchange Office in the Rectorate will help you, and give you all the information you need.
Erasmus+ internship programme is a chance worth grabbing.
