Marika Varga, Management Trainee with Centara in Thailand
What’s it like doing a 12 month placement in Thailand?
Marika Varga from the University of Huddersfield did a 12 month Management Trainee placement year with a 5 Star hotel in Krabi, Thailand. Here’s her feedback!
Marika Varga during her placement year in Thailand
What did you learn from doing a placement year in Thailand?
My time in Thailand has been a whirlwind of experiences. I have learnt so much from different cultures and people around the world and most importantly how to work in the hotel industry that never sleeps.
In England we are very multi cultured, however meeting a guest who comes directly from said country is completely different to the people I meet in England who have accustomed to the British life. I have learnt to be gentle to some guests and straight forward with others, I have learnt which guests need more attention and who just need the basics explaining to them, I have learnt how to work with the Thai staff to work efficiently, I have learnt how to speak a little bit of Thai also, can say the greetings, numbers and also how to ask for help, how much and where are you going, along with other sayings.
I have also made friends with people from Thailand, Taiwan, China, Philippines and Indonesia since being here and they have also taught me about their cultural experiences and we can swap and help each other with our native languages.
The 5 Star hotel where Marika worked in Krabi, Thailand
What did you do on your days off in Thailand?
I have been able to travel on my days off and I have tried to visit many locations whilst being here for self-pleasure but also to recommend locations to the guests. I have been to Phi Phi Island, 4 Islands (Railey, Poda, Chicken and Tub), Hong Island, James Bond Island, Emerald Pool and Hot springs, Tiger Temples, Bangkok, Phuket town, Ko Samui (Chaweng), Koh Lanta, Nakon Si Thammarat and many more locations around Krabi.
Marika Varga relaxing during time off while on placement in Thailand
How do you travel to work in Thailand?
To get to my work place, I can either take a speedboat which takes around 10-15 minutes with the beautiful back drop of the islands that surround Ao Nang and for the majority of the time, the beautiful weather. The second option is to go by the ‘Monkey trail’ which again takes 10-15 minutes but by walking, nice spot of exercise in the morning and working at 6am its a nice way to wake up and get ready for the day and we also get lucky and can see the monkey families that roam the trail.
Walking to work on a placement year in Thailand!
How would you describe your experience on placement in Thailand?
Working here has been an incredible experience, I have learnt so much and gained so many new experiences and skills that I could not have learnt anywhere else. I would like to thank the Room Division Manager for the very first interview I had with her before coming to Thailand, the first person who made me feel comfortable and to all my colleagues who have helped me with the work and also helped me feel at home.
Time off in Thailand!
Want more information about international Hospitality Placements in Thailand?
If you would like information about joining one of our placements in Thailand, email us at: info@placement-year.org
How do I apply?
It's easy and quick!
Complete our short application form including uploading your CV and Cover Letter. Please clearly state in your Cover Letter which destination and type of placement you are interested in.
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