Lisanne, an MBO Leisure Hospitality student, is completing her final internship as a receptionist at Robinson Esquinzo Playa in Fuerteventura from May to August 2024. We spoke with Lisanne during her last month of internship.
How Did You Find your Internship?
Through Stagemarkt, I got in touch with internship mediator iStage, and through her, I applied for the receptionist intern position at Robinson Esquinzo Playa in Fuerteventura. I also applied for several other vacancies, but Robinson was the first to respond, and the period they offered fit best with my own internship period.
Did You Have a Specific Reason for Going to Fuerteventura?
Not specifically Fuerteventura, but I did want to stay within Europe, and far away within Europe. That worked out pretty well! The reason I wanted to stay within Europe was to avoid visa hassles.
What Does your Internship Week Look like?
I work 40 hours a week spread over 5 days and am mainly at the reception desk. I check guests in and out, answer questions, advise on excursions, and handle complaints. Since 95% of the guests are German, this is the language I speak almost the entire workday. Additionally, I maintain contact with housekeeping and maintenance, which I primarily do in Spanish. That goes quite well; sometimes I still need a translation app, but we always manage! Once a week, all receptionists have cooking duty. I always enjoy that very much, and it’s a nice change from reception work. I cook behind a buffet; I fry eggs, make pizzas, or cut fruit. We also work about 1 or 2 times a month in the resort’s theater, where I welcome guests.
What Do You Do in your Free Time?
I have two days off a week, and I often go out with colleagues to explore the island. Sometimes we go to the beach, or we visit a town on the island. Yesterday, we took a boat trip to Isla de Lobos, a small island off the coast of Fuerteventura. Even though I went there alone and didn’t know anyone, I have a nice social life with the outings I undertake with colleagues on my days off. Besides that, I have a lot of contact with my colleagues and also with guests at the bar after work.
What Do You Think of Fuerteventura as a Place to Live and Work?
I like it; the island has a lot to offer: beautiful beaches, good restaurants, beautiful nature, and charming villages and towns.
How Was this Internship Made Financially Possible?
Fortunately, I qualified for an Erasmus+ grant of €3,500. Additionally, I receive a monthly internship allowance from Robinson, which started at €250 per month and increased to €350 per month the longer I interned. What’s also financially beneficial is that I live on the resort in a shared room and can use a restaurant on the resort. I don’t have to pay for this.
What Pleasantly Surprised You?
Mainly my homesickness; I expected to be homesick. But because I’m always around people, I haven’t suffered from it. Of course, I sometimes miss home, my family, and friends, but it’s really going well!
What Disappointed You?
Disappointing might not be the right word. But the workload during peak season is high! It’s very busy at the reception, especially when there are complaints. The hotel is full now, and if dissatisfied guests want to change rooms, it’s often not possible. Those aren’t always pleasant or easy conversations. But I remain calm and friendly.
What Will You Do after this?
My internship is almost over; at the end of this month, I’m going home, and as of November 1st, I’ll be employed by Robinson. I’ll be working for them as a receptionist in Portugal for the winter season. And for the summer season of 2025, I already have plans; I’ll be working for a holiday park in Sweden!
Finally, Do You Have any Advice for Students Considering an Internship Abroad?
Just do it; it’s such a great experience! You only get this chance once or twice in your life!