Placements at the ends of the earth: from Bora Bora to St-Barth via Mexico
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Faire défiler la pageAt Institut Lyfe, we are committed to training talents who are ready to take on the challenges of an international career. For our students, completing a placement abroad represents a unique experience that allows them not only to hone their skills in their field, but also to immerse themselves in new cultures and expand their vision of the profession.
Rosalie at the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
Rosalie, a student on the Bachelor’s Degree in International Hospitality & Restaurant Management, had the opportunity to join the Sales & Marketing department of the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort in Mexico for five months. Eager to immerse herself in a new culture and learn about the international hotel industry, Rosalie quickly integrated into a team of about ten Mexican staff members.
Her duties within the team were varied and involved public relations in particular, welcoming press and influencers, creating content for the hotel’s social networks, contributing to the development of a website dedicated to post-booking services for guests, and assisting the photographer during photo shoots for the F&B sector. She was also able to take part in the rebranding of the hotel’s six restaurants, focusing in particular on the layout of the menus.
I was in the state of Nayarit, in the west of the country, a region that’s very popular with tourists. The hotel staff were very welcoming and gave me lots of recommendations for places to visit. I lived in an exclusively Mexican neighbourhood, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the culture. Their sense of hospitality and their curiosity towards other cultures made it easier to integrate. I was able to establish authentic relationships, and their kindness quickly made me feel at home, making my experience even more rewarding.
Romy at the Eden Rock St Barths
After a first placement with the Oetker Collection in 2023, as an events intern at Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, Romy, a student on the Bachelor’s in International Hospitality & Restaurant Management, wanted to continue with the same hotel group, joining the Sales & Marketing department at the Eden Rock St Barths.
To get out of her comfort zone and to work alongside collaborators from all over the world, Romy decided to set out for St Barths, with the aim of travelling far from familiar surroundings and expanding her professional network.
As Assistant Commercial Director, Romy had the chance to support the two commercial directors of Eden Rock St Barths: this covered both the hotel and management of the 220 villas scattered across the island.
Life on an island like Saint-Barthélemy is nothing like living in a city. The climate is obviously very pleasant, but it requires a certain amount of adaptability. The island offers a wild and exotic setting, which means it is a real change. Although it has a very touristy and party vibe, Saint Barths exudes an atmosphere of getting away from it all. This experience allowed me to find a balance between an intense professional context, and time dedicated to relaxation in a unique setting.
Fanny in the Faroe Islands
A student on the Bachelor’s in International Culinary Arts Management, Fanny chose to go to the Faroe Islands for her 2nd-year placement. She had the opportunity to work in the gastronomic restaurant Raest.
Alongside Chef Sebastian Jimenez, she discovered a cooking style that combines local traditions with Mexican influences. After delving into the pastry section, preparing and plating desserts, Fanny rotated between hot and cold stations during her placement.
For my 2nd-year placement, I wanted to explore the Nordic countries, and specifically the Faroe Islands, in particular for their wild and vibrant side. The landscapes were sublime and the traditions strong. What I’ll remember from this great experience is the importance of constantly adapting, as well as the wonderful sharing of cultures!
Lena at the St. Regis Bora Bora
For her 2nd-year placement as part of the Bachelor’s Degree in International Hospitality & Restaurant Management, Lena went to the St. Regis Bora Bora to work as a butler.
The butler’s role embodies excellence in personalised and tailor-made service for VIP clients, who are often accustomed to very high standards. The primary mission is to anticipate guests’ every need and desire, while respecting their privacy and ensuring absolute discretion.
The work of a butler requires a lot of discipline, organisation and a high degree of availability. It is important to be meticulous and to have well-developed interpersonal skills. What’s more, it’s crucial to work as a team and help each other on a daily basis to ensure the well-being of our guests.
International placements offer our students transformative and unforgettable experiences. Immersed in diverse cultures, languages, and professional environments, they cultivate invaluable skills and a global perspective that set the stage for exceptional careers in the hotel and restaurant, culinary arts or pastry sectors. These international experiences are much more than just placements: they are stepping stones to exciting careers, fostering curiosity, precision and creativity.