Testimonials/Blog

Lewis Rainey, Manchester University

This experience has meant the world to me and has opened up so many doors to help me in the future. I have already decided to come back to Florida, and been offered a job for when I graduate – a lot more than I could have hoped for. The opportunities within the hospitality industry in the USA are fantastic. I definitely recommend coming over, even if you are not sure, because the way of life, the quality of the training, and the experience are great. This has made a huge impact on my life and has pointed me in the right direction to reach my aspirations and goals. If you like hospitality or that’s where your interests lie, I certainly recommend trying this program, because Florida is an amazing place and you need to take the leap and come here for a year – it will change your life. I can’t imagine how awful it would have been if I had interned back in the UK, now that I know how good coming to the USA really is.

Kimberley Hammonds

I can tell all year-two students that from my own experience, coming to intern in America is the best decision I ever made. The training is simple and straightforward, but can be hard at times. However, the friends and lifestyle here are fantastic. After being here for only four months, I already don’t want to go home. The people you are with night and day become your family and friends. The nightlife is great, and on days off you can explore outside of Boca Raton. So far, my housemates and I have been to the Everglades, shopping malls, a basketball game, college football game, and we even rented a car to drive to Orlando to spend the day at Universal Studios and go on all the rides. I cannot begin to recommend coming to America strongly enough; it is an incredible opportunity that you will benefit from for the rest of your life, no matter what job, role or position you are in. I promise this experience will stand by you forever.

George Tan, 2013

Having an internship in the US has made a big impact on my life. I like to travel and explore a lot. One of my American friends told me this, “YOU NEVER KNOW, UNTIL YOU GO.” Life is a short journey, live your life without any regrets. No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying. The students that I’m with are friendly, and although all of us are from different backgrounds and cultures, we are just like a big family from different places, living in the same place taking care of each other.

Ciara Dale 2012

The best part for me was establishing so many good friendships with all different cultures and nationalities. I also liked the parties and the mischief we got up to during our days and nights off! The trips we were able to make during the end of season, the memories I can take back with me, and the stories I can tell will be with me my whole life. I have benefited hugely from this experience, and now realize I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I am not afraid of hard work. This whole experience has made me become more confident as a person in a working environment.

Jaleesa Wilson, 2014

Florida is such an amazing state and I had such an incredible time; I just miss it so much. Rasheeda, I know you thought this ‘London Girl’ was going to struggle in Florida, but honestly I think of it as my second home. I keep thinking about Florida every day! I am forever grateful for this opportunity and all the doors this will open in the future

Nicole Bateman, 2012

The best part of this experience was being independent in such a great country. I’ve always had a passion for travelling and meeting new people is my way of life. I will never forget all the fantastic friends I made both at the club and in my social life. Being able to get to know club members and club managers who take an actual interest in your life and future is a great opportunity to discover links to different industries. Never having been in a full time situation for a whole year, this is helped me build skills that I will need in my career. I know I can be a strong leader and I am very self motivated. This experience enhanced my confidence and ability to push myself to achieve my goals.

Mike

The most unexpected result of this experience is how much I have changed. I was unable to go to the Orientation in London, so I was very nervous about meeting the new people I would be spending the next year with. (I advise everyone to attend the Orientation, if possible.) As it turned out, I was with so many amazing people, from all over the world, who are now my friends. I’ve matured, I’ve learnt SO much in and out of the club, and become a better person. I’m more confident, have got a very impressive new addon to my CV, and have met so many people that I will always stay in contact with and most definitely see again. Just generally, I’ve developed as a person. I’d just like to thank you so much for the amazing opportunity you gave me, and I can really see just how much this year has really changed me for the better. It’s been THE best thing I’ve ever done.

Michael Smyth, Belfast

I love the people I was with at Broken Sound Club. Everyone was friendly and even when you are sad and feel homesick, they were always there for you. In relation to the club, it is amazing to see all the different events that go on. I was privileged enough to experience a bar mitzvah, which was great fun, and on New Year’s, even though I was working, I still had an amazing time, because I got to see it in with my new friends. We have become so close, these people feel like your second family. I would recommend doing a placement out here because you learn so much about yourself, more than anything. You learn that you can get through anything, and that even if you go to Florida not knowing anybody, you will still make friends quickly and it will turn into the best months of your life.

Danny McGee, 2015

My placement in America not only exceeded my expectations, but opened up the door of global opportunity to me. Yes, we can all agree it’s scary coming out to America; for some, like myself, it was the first time outside of Europe. I spent four months in New Jersey, meeting people from Ireland, Liverpool, London and Poland. We all were nervous about meeting one another, but we quickly became a family. I spent eight months in Florida, where I made lifelong friendships with people from England, South Africa, Bulgaria and Argentina…not to forget Americans.Another instance where we became a family and I enjoyed all of it. On the professional side, this year has helped structure me towards what I wish to achieve in life and my personal growth and maturity levels dramatically increased! Frank and Rasheeda are two of the most caring and generous people I met. They will help you with any issues and queries. One final point is what my mum and dad said to me when I was deciding about America: They said, “jump at the opportunity!” To future students, best of luck to you on your placement experience.

Sam Gibbon 2015

I went to America through BSG not knowing what to expect, nervous and hesitant. Now I’m home after finishing my year, and I can look back and see how amazing an opportunity it was. I grew as a person and I experienced new and exciting things, but most of all, the year abroad fueled my ambition for the future. My future goals are now bigger and better than ever and I feel like they are more achievable because of my experiences abroad. Frank and Rasheeda were always there in my times of need, and I have met some lifelong friends from all corners of the globe. I wouldn’t take it back for anything.