SWC Students Gain Global Experience with Work Placement in Aruba

Ten students from South West College’s Level 3 Travel and Tourism and Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship in Business programmes recently completed an unforgettable 16-day work placement on the Caribbean island of Aruba.

The placement, funded through the Turing Scheme, gave students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the newly opened 5-star JOIA Aruba by Iberostar. Working across a range of departments, including Marketing and Brand Experience, Finance, Fitness, Guest Relations, and Food and Beverage - students developed valuable industry skills in a real-world, international setting.

In their downtime, the group explored Aruba, known as “One Happy Island,” taking part in cultural tours and enjoying the vibrant local atmosphere.

Paulina Gajek, a Travel and Tourism student, reflected on her experience:

"I study Travel and Tourism at college, and I really enjoyed the placement I took part in during my trip to Aruba. It was an unforgettable experience that helped me grow both personally and within my course. During the placement, I had the chance to shadow in a concierge role, which gave me a great insight into customer service and how to support guests in a professional setting. I learned how important it is to communicate clearly, stay organised, and make sure visitors have a positive experience. This experience helped me understand how the tourism industry works in a different country and allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in class to real-life situations. It also boosted my confidence and teamwork skills. Overall, it was a really worthwhile opportunity that fits perfectly with my programme of study and has helped me think more about my future in the travel and tourism industry."

Ewan Blair, a Business student, shared:

"During my placement at the Iberostar in Aruba, I worked within the finance and accounting department, where I was deeply involved in managing daily financial transactions and preparing detailed reports. This hands-on experience allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge I gained from my college program directly to real-world scenarios, significantly enhancing my understanding of financial operations. The role required a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, which has greatly improved my analytical skills. Working in a fast-paced environment alongside a dedicated team taught me the importance of collaboration and effective communication in achieving departmental goals. Beyond the professional development, I also had the wonderful opportunity to meet many new people from Aruba and thoroughly enjoyed talking to the locals, which enriched my cultural understanding and made my stay even more memorable. Overall, this placement has not only solidified my career interests but also provided me with invaluable practical skills and meaningful personal connections that align perfectly with my program of study."