I caught up with fellow Glioner Ambre Cazaux a couple of weeks ago. She’s currently in her 3rd semester of the Bachelor Degree and I asked her a few questions about her experience in Moorea, French Polynesia, while on internship at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa.
Why did you choose to go to that particular place?
I used to travel a lot with my parents; however, I didn’t visit French Polynesia because it is a long and expensive trip. This island, Moorea, is far away from everything so I wanted to go there, discover a new culture, a new way of thinking and working to develop my adaptability. The first internship is based on knowing the hotel, but most of all it’s about learning about one’s self. At the time, I just wanted to go far away from home, test my limits, live alone for 6 months just facing my problems and facing them alone without help. I wanted to develop my personality and my strengths.
How long did it take you to find the internship?
Less than 1 month. During my holidays I wrote my CV and my motivation letter. Consequently, when the semester started, I searched on the Glion Portal for an internship and I find this one at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa. I sent my CV, the motivation letter and they accepted me!
What were your expectations/feelings the first day you arrived?
It was a 27-hour flight to get to Tahiti: when I arrived there, on December 28th 2016, I was really tired and I went immediately to sleep. On December 29th 2016, I took the ferry to go to Moorea. Moorea is an island close to Papeete and really famous thanks to its beautiful lagoon and aquatic fauna. I really thought about my internship place, how was it? People behaviour, the culture, etc. The Human Resource manager organised a pick up for me at the harbour, when I discover the island for the first time I was flabbergasted!!! Transparent lagoon, coconut trees everywhere, gigantic mountains and especially friendly people. Everyone came to welcome me when I arrived consequently I felt at home directly.
How do you feel after two months on internship?
I feel really comfortable at work, yet every day I am learning something new (I started working in Front Office -reception and guest relation- and then moved to housekeeping). Moreover I know everyone on the island now. There are a lot of trainees on the island so we are having parties together and we are sharing our experience. The island is really beautiful there are a lot of things to do here.
The choice between staying close to home or far away:
For the past 3 years, I am far away from home; therefore, I wasn’t afraid of moving far away. I am also trying to take the best from Glion.
Something funny that happened at work or the first days of your new adventure:
We recently got the end of the hurricane coming from the Fiji. I was at work with one of my colleagues and the storm was really strong: trees fell down because of the wind, rain flooded the reception, and I was just there, wearing a K-way. I confess to you, I was really afraid, however, now when I remember myself in a k-way, trying to protect computers from the rain with beach towels, I am laughing! I never thought about this happening on my front office internship!
