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.

My name is Malak Takbaoui, and I am a third-year student in the Tourism and Hotel Management Department at Cyprus International University. Originally from Morocco, I recently completed my internship at Hyatt Regency Taghazout Hotel, where I worked as a front office intern. This role allowed me to engage with various aspects of hotel operations, including guest check-ins, handling complaints, and ensuring that the high standards of service were consistently met.
The internship provided me with invaluable practical experience in customer service and strengthened my skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Additionally, it gave me a deeper understanding of hotel operations and how various departments collaborate to create a seamless guest experience. This hands-on training has been crucial in shaping my future career aspirations in hotel management, and I am excited to apply what I’ve learned in the next steps of my professional journey.

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.

My name is Milana and I’m 21 years old. I graduated from Tourism and Hotel Management at Cyprus International University in February, 2024 . 
Currently, I’m working in Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi as a Spa Receptionist. During my university time I was an active student and 
as a result I became a President of CIU Tourism Club. Being part of such beautiful and interesting community gave me a lot of opportunities to improve 
leadership skills and good communication. I’m grateful for having a chance to learn from open minded professors who gave me more than just education but a life lesson.

Particularly, compulsory summer internships helped me step in business world. Summer internship is the time to put what you have learned in practice and it significantly helps 
to find jobs after university . Officially, I did my first job as an Animator in Salamis Bay Conti Resort Hotel & Casino. During university time, it was not easy to balance work and education simultaneously , 
however our lecturers were more emphatic and motivated us. I was working as a Spa Receptionist in Grand Pasha Nicosia Hotel& Casino&Spa during my last year.
In my last year in CIU, I throughly felt what it meant to be a student - being able to balance work and education; trying to live my student life with friends and enjoying it; figuring out the additional challenges and so on. 
Cyprus International University is more about connection with different cultures and different backgrounds which help us to improve interpersonal skills, to see from different angles. 
I thank Tourism and Hotel Management Department for this interesting journey.