Tourism and Hotel Management

My name is Aleksandra Rudenko, and I am a third-year student in the Tourism and Hotel Management Department at Cyprus International University. Originating from Russia, I spent my formative years residing in Novosibirsk, the chilly capital nestled within the heart of Siberia, where I completed my internship. My summer training at River Park Hotel proved to be a transformative experience, as I immersed myself in the role of a waitress within the bustling hospitality industry.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, finding it both fulfilling and productive. 

The internship experience contributed significantly to shaping my future career path in several ways. Firstly, it provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in customer service and the art of elegant table service. This training not only enhanced my practical skills but also strengthened my confidence in interacting with diverse guests. Furthermore, being situated within a hotel environment offered me a unique opportunity to gain insight into various aspects of the hospitality industry. From observing hotel operations to understanding the importance of coordination between different departments, I developed a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of the hotel business. Despite not holding a high-ranking position and being limited by time, I relished every moment of my internship, recognizing its significant contribution to shaping my future career. 

Consider the internship not as an assignment in university, but as a chance to try yourself in the profession. Remember, every opportunity counts, no matter how big or small, so make the most of them!

I'm Amir Yazdani, a passionate CIU Tourism and Hotel Management student dedicated to transforming theoretical knowledge into practical expertise.

Last summer, I embarked on a transformative journey at the Pishan Hotel, where I delved into the dynamic realms of housekeeping, marketing, and primarily the Front Office department. This immersive experience not only enhanced my skills but also provided me with a platform to apply classroom teachings in a real-world setting, fostering a deeper understanding of the hospitality industry. 

Through this internship, I learned the invaluable art of seamless guest interactions, effective time management, and the significance of teamwork in ensuring exceptional guest experiences. 

Productive and enriching, this experience served as a cornerstone in my professional growth, laying a solid foundation for my future endeavors in the hospitality realm with an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.

I‘m Hatem Eskimuhtaroğlu. I’m a senior student at the Department of Tourism and Hotel Management at Cyprus International University. I completed my summer internship at Nelia Beach Hotel last summer. I have been working at Nelia Beach Hotel for 3 years, so I wanted to complete my internship here. I started working at this hotel as a normal waitress. Then, I continued my job as a station head waitress. Afterwards, I started working as a barmaid at the hotel bar. I loved working at the bar, so I chose to continue as a barmaid. I also had the opportunity to experience and get to know how things progress in many parts of the hotel, thanks to the patient and devoted behaviors of the hotel managers. I had the opportunity to see and experience how the work progressed in the units such as the front office, housekeeping and reception. Working here helped me understand that I am dedicated and ambitious in my business life. There is no doubt that working willingly, attentively and carefully while doing a job will definitely result in success. The internship period was a very productive process for me and I had great learning opportunities. This process gave me experience in every aspect. Even communicating with customers was an experience for me because my English improved and I had the opportunity to socialize. In short, this process improved and changed me in many ways. Before starting this process, I aimed to improve myself in self-motivation, entrepreneurship and acquiring different skills, and now I think I have improved myself in these areas, as well.

I started my academic journey at CIU in 2019 in the Tourism and Hotel Management Department and successfully graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor's Degree. At the beginning of my journey, I could see that I was in the right place to be a tourism expert in the future as I had always dreamed.  In the first place, the program curriculum included courses that significantly contributed to my professional development such as Human Resources Management, Hospitality Accounting, Customer Relationship Management and Information Systems, which equipped me with invaluable skills in the field. On the other hand, the chance to turn theoretical knowledge into practical experience was another remarkable side of the curriculum. During my academic tenure, I had the privilege of undertaking an internship at Sky Roof Hotel in Nicosia, Cyprus. In the role of guest relations and front office, I gained hands-on experience, contributing to both my personal and professional growth. Since September 2023, I have been working in Grand Hyatt Amman, one of the global chain hotels,. I am working in the Front Office Unit as a Guest Service Agent. 

CIU has been more than an academic institution; it's been a home. The vibrant campus life, coupled with numerous opportunities, has enriched my overall college experience. I am particularly grateful for the lecturers and other administrative staff, who added immense value to my time at CIU. To those considering CIU, I would wholeheartedly recommend embracing every opportunity the university offers. The diverse campus life, coupled with top-notch education, has been a source of immense satisfaction for me. My advice would be to actively engage in extracurricular activities and make the most of the resources CIU provides.