Internship
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Internship Experience – Hotel Exe Peregrino, Santiago de Compostela
Internship Experience – Hotel Exe Peregrino, Santiago de Compostela
During March–April 2025, I completed an internship at Hotel Exe Peregrino, a four-star hotel in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. I began the experience expecting to learn the technical side of hotel operations such as reception and other hospitality tasks. While I did develop those professional skills, the internship ultimately taught me something deeper: hospitality is fundamentally about human interaction, cultural awareness, and attention to detail.
Front Desk Experience and Customer Service
Front Desk Experience and Customer Service
Much of my work took place at the hotel reception desk, where I assisted guests with check-in and check-out, answered phone calls, and helped visitors navigate the city. Working under the reception manager, Susanna, I learned how to manage room keys, communicate clearly with international guests, and maintain a professional tone in stressful situations.
Cultural Communication
Cultural Communication
The internship also highlighted cultural differences in communication. Coming from a direct, low-context communication style common in the United States, I initially spoke too quickly and concisely. In Spain, however, building rapport and taking time with guests is often more important than efficiency alone. By adjusting my communication towards a less direct, more "catching up" style, I was able to make guests feel more at home.
Behind-the-Scenes Operations
Behind-the-Scenes Operations
I also spent time working in the breakfast service area, preparing tables, maintaining the buffet, and supporting staff during busy service hours. Although the work was repetitive, it revealed how consistency and organization form the backbone of a successful hotel. Guests expect the same level of quality every day, and that reliability comes from careful routines and teamwork behind the scenes.
One particularly challenging experience occurred when the breakfast room was converted into a lunch venue for a corporate event. The staff had to adapt quickly, coordinating service through subtle gestures and nonverbal communication to maintain efficiency. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and teamwork in fast-paced hospitality environments.
To see the full, Spanish language essay, please use the attached link.
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