Internship
LAIB Internship, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
From April 1st to April 28th, I had the amazing opportunity to intern at Exe Peregrino Hotel in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Exe Peregrino is a modern, four-star hotel known for its warm hospitality and ideal location for pilgrims completing the Camino de Santiago. Throughout my internship, I worked primarily at the front desk, where I assisted with check-ins and check-outs, managed guest reservations, answered emails and phone inquiries, and provided support in both English and Spanish. One of the most enriching aspects of my experience was the close connections I formed with employees across departments. While my main responsibilities were at reception, I also had the opportunity to work alongside the dining room and kitchen staff during busy lunch and dinner services. There, I helped with organizing reservations, restocking supplies, and setting up for events. Additionally, I supported the hotel’s upper management with filing, scheduling, and providing bilingual assistance when challenges arose with international tour groups—helping resolve issues quickly and professionally. This rotation through multiple departments gave me a well-rounded understanding of how each part of the hotel functions together to provide a seamless guest experience.
During the course of my internship, I was expected to communicate clearly and compassionately with international guests, handle day-to-day responsibilities across several departments, and collaborate with team members to maintain smooth hotel operations. I participated in team briefings, learned how to use hospitality software to track reservations and guest information, and adapted quickly to the fast-paced, multilingual environment of a fully booked hotel. Whether I was offering dining recommendations to travelers or assisting management with logistical tasks, I gained hands-on experience in professional hospitality and cross-cultural communication.
I am incredibly grateful for my time in Spain and for the opportunity to learn from the dedicated and welcoming staff at Exe Peregrino. I will never forget the kindness, patience, and humor of the coworkers who took me under their wing and made me feel like part of the team. They taught me how to be adaptable, detail-oriented, and confident in a professional setting, all while strengthening my Spanish and building skills I know I’ll use for years to come. After this experience, I am excited to continue growing professionally and personally, applying everything I learned during my time in Santiago de Compostela.