Name: Lauren

University: London South Bank University

Course: Tourism & Hospitality Management

Heading to: Australia, Whitsundays

For how long: 6-12 months

Starting: July 2010

Programme: Australia Hospitality Internships – Whitsundays

Lauren will be one of the first on our new Australian hospitality Internship programme. She will be arriving in the beautiful tropical islands of the Whitsundays. The average temperature is 27 degrees and the Great Barrier Reef is right on her door step (well past the white sandy beach and beautifully clear  turquoise water).

We asked Lauren to tell us why she applied for the Australian Whitsundays hospitality programme and what she hoped to learn on her internship:

What are you most looking forward to in Australia?

I am mostly looking forward to the all year round sunshine, living on a beautiful Island, with white sands and clear blue sea only a stroll away. Also, meeting lots of new people from all over the world and gaining more work experience.

What do you hope to achieve/ learn on your internship?

I hope to learn what it is like to work for a large resort and how it is run, gain more confidence, experience working full time, learn about the Australian culture and know what is is like to work in such a large team of employees. Also, to gain more customer service skills.

What do you think this internship/ placement will add to your CV?

I think this placement will show that i have independence, motivation and can work as part of a team. It will add that i am more aware of the working environment and once i have graduated it will also give me an advantage, over someone else who hasn’t had international work experience.

Why are you travelling to Australia for your internship?

I am travelling to Australia because it is a beautiful place, with sunshine all year round, the culture is supposed to be more relaxed, there are so many things to do. It’s an amazing opportunity to work the other side of the world and learn about new cultures.

How jealous do you think your friends are going to be?

The first things my friends say when i tell them about this placement is “i’m soooooo jealous,” and half of them want to squish in my suitcase! But i have told them all i will take lots of pictures of me having an amazing time, to make them even MORE envious

If you’re interested in working on an Australian tropical island for your university internship or as a graduate click through to the Australia Whitsundays Hospitality Internships programme for information and to apply.