by Larissa Petryca, on 16 August 2024 13:00:53 CEST
Several PCU students have spent the summer in Italy undertaking paid Internships in the hospitality tourism sector. This is the result of PCU’s five-year agreement with Consorzio TerrAntica and the Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic in Puglia, who arrange summer internships for university students at tourist organisations.
Cody Hutton and Adrian Arduz are two students who took the opportunity. Both attend the School of Business, with Cody pursuing a Master’s in International Management and Adrian working towards a Bachelor’s in International Management.
Here, they share their experiences directly in their own words.
Why take on an Internship over summer?
Thanks to the agreement between Prague City University and Consorzio TerrAntica, we had the privilege of interning at Gusmay Hotel Resort (part of the multinational Valtur group) on Italy’s stunning Gargano Peninsula.
Our goals were to gain practical experience beyond our theoretical business studies, explore the unique Gargano region, and experience Italian culture more authentically than typical tourist activities allow.
How was the experience?
The internship challenged us due to the distinct working culture, which was different from what we were used to. Despite this, the experience was highly rewarding.
We were captivated by the lively Italian culture and a strong sense of unity among our colleagues and customers. We also gained valuable insights into the resort industry’s operational model, connecting theoretical knowledge from our HR modules to real-life scenarios.
One notable difference was the working culture in Southern Italy, which contrasted sharply with the expectations we had from our studies.
We encountered issues such as frequent schedule changes and inconsistent communication, which taught us to manage ourselves under pressure and appreciate the value of reliable colleagues as well as self-discipline.
Overall, the internship met our goals by offering a practical experience, cultural exposure, and personal growth. We are grateful for the opportunity and for the lessons learned, both positive and challenging!
Are you interested in an Summer Internship next year?
PCU students will again be eligible to apply for summer internships when applications open in early 2025. Successful interns will be required to work 40 hours per week. In exchange, they will receive a salary and training, free accommodation, all meals and insurance.
