Junessa Ongto – Hospitality placement in the UK

What’s your background (which uni / course)?

University College Birmingham, Tourism Management course.

Why did you choose to do a Hospitality placement as part of your degree?

I chose to do a placement year as part of my degree because it is a requirement of my university program.

However, I also strongly believe that gaining practical, hands-on experience before graduating is extremely valuable. It helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, and allows me to develop important professional skills, understand workplace culture, and make more informed career decisions after graduation.

Why did you decide to do your placement in the UK?

I decided to do my placement in the UK because I took part in a study abroad program from Taiwan, and I wanted to make the most of this international experience.

The UK has a strong reputation for its education system and diverse work environment, which I felt would give me valuable global exposure.

Doing a placement here allows me to improve my language skills, adapt to a different culture, and gain international work experience that will be highly beneficial for my future career.

What are you doing for your placement?

For my placement, I’m working at a luxury country house hotel arranged by Placement Year International.

I’m gaining experience in hospitality operations, including guest services, front of house, and supporting different departments. It’s a great opportunity to develop my customer service skills, understand high-end hospitality standards, and learn how a luxury hotel operates day to day.

Junessa working as a Food and Beverage Trainee at a 5-star luxury hotel in the UK for her Hospitality placement

What is your role?

I’m working as a Food and Beverage Trainee. My role involves supporting the daily operations in the hotel’s restaurants and bars, providing high-quality service to guests, and learning about luxury hospitality standards.

I’m gaining hands-on experience in areas such as fine dining service, guest interaction, and teamwork, which is helping me build both my confidence and professional skills in a high-end environment.

What skills or knowledge have you gained from your placement?

I’ve gained a wide range of skills and knowledge. I’ve improved my communication and customer service skills by interacting with guests in a luxury setting. I’ve also learned how to work efficiently under pressure, especially during busy service times.

Additionally, I’ve developed a strong understanding of fine dining standards, attention to detail, and teamwork. This experience has also helped me become more confident and adaptable in a professional environment.

Did you find it difficult adapting to a new working environment?

No, I didn’t find it difficult to adapt to the new working environment because everyone at my host company has been so welcoming and supportive. The team made me feel comfortable from the beginning, which helped me settle in quickly and focus on learning. Their kindness and guidance really made a positive difference in my experience.

Have you received much support and advice from your work colleagues?

Yes, I’ve received a lot of support and helpful advice from my colleagues at the hotel. They’ve been very patient in guiding me through my tasks, explaining procedures, and sharing their knowledge and experience.

Their support has made a big impact on my learning and helped me grow more confident in my role. It’s been a very encouraging and positive environment to work in.

How has your placement helped you develop as a person?

My placement has helped me grow a lot both personally and professionally. It’s improved my confidence, especially in communication and interacting with guests from different backgrounds.

I’ve learned to be more responsible, adaptable, and organised in a fast-paced environment. Working in a luxury hotel has also taught me the importance of attention to detail and teamwork.

Overall, it’s made me more independent, confident, and better prepared for my future career.

Why did you choose Placement Year International?

I chose Placement Year International because it was recommended by my university placement mentor as a reliable organization to help students find quality placements.

At the time, I was looking for international experience in hospitality, and they provided great support in matching me with a suitable opportunity.

They made the process much smoother, especially as an international student, and helped me secure a valuable placement at a luxury 5-star hotel in the UK.

Since joining Placement Year International, what have we done well?

I’ve found that you have done a great job in providing clear guidance and support throughout the placement process.

Your communication has been timely and helpful, which made it easier to navigate the application and preparation stages. You also offered useful resources and advice that helped me feel confident and ready for my placement.

Overall, your support has been very effective in helping me secure and succeed in my placement.

What do you think we can improve?

Overall, Placement Year International has been very supportive, I don’t think there is any specific area for improvement.

Would you recommend us to other students looking for a placement and why?

Yes, I would definitely recommend Placement Year International to other students looking for a placement.

They provide excellent support throughout the entire process—from finding suitable opportunities to offering guidance and resources that help prepare for the placement.

Their assistance made it much easier for me to secure a valuable role at Coworth Park and to feel confident stepping into a new working environment.

Find out more about our Hospitality placements in the UK.

More info: Click here to read more about Hospitality placements in the UK, or click here to send us a question or email us at: info@placement-year.org for more information.