Volga Region University hosted a meeting between students from the International Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism and employers from Turkey—ASA, a company that organizes summer internships, and representatives of the Gloria Hotels & Resorts hotel chain. The event brought together undergraduate students, including first-year students, and also attracted graduate students.
During the meeting, students watched a video from Russian-speaking staff about accommodations, workflow organization, and the incentive system. They also learned more about current job openings and the activities of departments responsible for guest relations, entertainment, and restaurants. All interested students completed a short resume and were interviewed directly by the heads of the departments attending the meeting.
Furthermore, Turkish representatives presented Volga Region University students with certificates for successfully completing their internships this summer. Maria Vesloguzova, Head of the Department of Service and Tourism, also received a commemorative souvenir.
Chulpan Galliamova, a second-year Tourism student, shared her internship story. She explained that she interned in Turkey immediately after completing her first year, from May to October, and wants to go again after her second year.
I've wanted to do an internship abroad since I was a child. As soon as I learned that Volga Region University offered this opportunity, I immediately accepted and started actively pursuing my passion. I was hired at the Sherwood Exclusive Kemer hotel near Antalya. I worked in the Food and Beverage department as a bar server, gaining experience in cocktail making and guest service. This time, I also interviewed for a bar job in the Food and Beverage department—I want to continue developing in the same direction.
I remember being very interested in this internship as a first-year student. This year, I'm seeing great interest from first-year students as well. The primary requirement for applicants is knowledge of English, as they'll be communicating with foreigners. No special skills are required at first—all the necessary professional skills will be acquired along the way.
Overall, my impressions of the internship were extremely positive. I can say I haven't had a single negative experience. The hotel had a great team that welcomed and respected me. We had very good managers and chefs who were always supportive and on our side. So the internship went perfectly," Chulpan Galliamova shared.
She emphasized that she advises students with a strong command of English to definitely try an internship abroad. The student noted that in almost six months, she learned Turkish and acquired many new professional skills, and is now qualified to work as a bartender or barista.
"Furthermore, the internship helps us develop as individuals. We overcome social anxiety, learn to live in a new culture, and get used to living in a different country. This is a powerful stimulus for character development," she added.
Text: Adelina Khramova
Photo: Pavel Zheleznyak
