Want to know what it’s like to do an internship with us?
Our interns gain hands-on experience, grow professionally, and discover what they’re capable of, all while enjoying life. Think beach days, new friendships, and exploring exciting surroundings! 🌴✈️🌍
We asked some of them to share their stories – the fun moments, the challenges, and everything in between. Here’s what they have to say about their internship placements arranged through our agency. 💕
Meet Tobias: Restaurant and Bars Department – Costa Rica
“My internship placement was in the Restaurant and Bars Department of a 4-star hotel in Costa Rica.
I enjoyed every moment of it. My colleagues welcomed me warmly and I felt like I was part of the team. The atmosphere was very homely. 😍
I got to be part of the organization of romantic dinners for several hotel guests. We set up a table at the beach and decorated around it. We laid rose petals along the path to the table, and torches lined the way.
Additionally, the hotel hosted weddings, and I also got engaged in them. It was really nice to take part in these special occasions and help give the guests an unforgettable time during their holiday.
For me, the time in Costa Rica was unforgettable as well, and I am beyond glad I did this.”
Meet Annika: Restaurant Department – Malta
“If you’re thinking about doing an internship abroad – go for it! ☀👍
I absolutely loved my internship placement in Malta. It was an incredible experience that honestly couldn’t have been better.
From the very beginning, my colleagues were warm, welcoming, and super friendly. They made me feel right at home.
I had so much fun at work and was constantly learning new things. I got to experience all areas of the restaurant department: taking orders, serving drinks, cleaning tables, you name it!
There were many interns, and we quickly became like a little international family. We created a WhatsApp group to stay in touch and plan meet-ups, trips, and nights out. It was always a bit sad when someone’s internship ended, but new interns kept arriving, and the circle kept growing.
One of the highlights was having my family and friends visit me in Malta. We explored the island together and shared some unforgettable moments.
Now that I’ve completed my 4-month internship, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m so thankful to S-W-E-P for organizing everything so smoothly. I met amazing people, improved my English, and gained so many valuable experiences, both professionally and personally.
If you’re considering an internship abroad, don’t hesitate – just do it! I can only recommend it.”
Meet Julio: Entertainment Department – Lanzarote
“My internship placement on Lanzarote was a lot of fun. From the very start, I knew it was going to be a good experience.
There were lots of other interns at my hotel, which made everything even more fun. We were always doing something together, whether it was going out in the evenings, exploring the island, or enjoying boat tours and other adventures on our days off.
Lanzarote itself is stunning! The landscapes are so unique and full of character — volcanic rock, palm-lined beaches, and that incredible year-round sunshine. The island’s vibe was just perfect.
I did my practical training in the Entertainment department, which suited me perfectly since I study sport. My job, along with the other team members, was to make sure the guests had an amazing time. We ran aerobics sessions, water gymnastics, fun competitions, and took part in games.
Every day brought something new and exciting. In the evenings, we hit the stage! The shows always had a different theme, something for everyone: kids, adults, and families. Performing in front of the guests, dressed up and in character, was so much fun and really boosted my confidence.
This internship was the perfect mix of work, fun, and adventure.” 🚀🍹🌍
Meet Carolin: Human Resources Department – Malta
“I recently completed an internship in the Human Resources Department of a hotel.
My internship placement was in Malta and I loved it there. 💖
What I really appreciated about my internship was that I truly learnt a lot, not just professionally but also personally.
In the beginning, it was a little bit overwhelming because of all the new tasks and information, but I got used to it. My main tasks included processing applications and managing employee records. I also supported recruitment activities, which I found particularly interesting.
I helped organize interviews and was involved in contract and payroll management. By having these responsibilities, I significantly improved my task management skills.
Through the work in the HR department, I learnt about the importance of communication skills and empathy when working in teams.
This experience shaped me and was definitely be helpful for my future. I gained practical experience and grew as a person, all while being in the sun and enjoying life. It was a great time. Thank you!”
Meet Coraline & Perrine: Reception Department – Tenerife
“S-W-E-P organized our work placement in a way that allowed us to work in the same hotel and even in the same department, which made the experience even more special.
We were really happy to be able to do our internships together and create lasting memories as a team.
The agency also helped us to get in touch with more interns of other hotels, and we quickly arranged to meet up. We had a great time together and got along very well from the start.
One of the best parts of a hotel internship is meeting so many people from different backgrounds, both among the guests and fellow interns.
Working in the Reception Department gave us the opportunity to improve our Spanish and English significantly.
We handled check-ins and check-outs, managed guest inquiries, responded to emails, provided general assistance at the front desk, and coordinated with other departments. It was a great chance to develop communication skills, gain confidence, and work as part of an international team.
We’re very grateful for this experience and for the support we received throughout our internship placements.” 🥰
Meet Levente: Food & Beverage Department, Lanzarote
“My practical training was divided between two departments, allowing me to gain a well-rounded and enriching experience.
I began my internship placement in the Food & Beverage Department, which I absolutely loved. Preparing and serving drinks while engaging with guests comes naturally to me. It’s something I truly enjoy.
Working in such a lively environment helped me develop strong communication skills and improve my language abilities. Since most of the guests were German or English speakers, both foreign languages for me, I improved significantly in both. And of course, being in Spain, I practiced Spanish daily and the progress I made was incredible.
After about three months, I transitioned into the Reception Department, where I quickly learned the core front office tasks. I was eager to absorb as much as possible, knowing how valuable this knowledge would be for my future career in hospitality.
Driven by my motivation to learn more, I spoke with my supervisor about expanding my responsibilities. Thanks to the hotel’s support, I was given the chance to gain insight into the work of the Public Relations Department. I was able to gain meaningful experience in guest relations and event coordination.
This internship provided me with the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. I improved my language skills, gained confidence, and explored multiple areas within the hotel industry. I’m proud of everything I achieved and truly feel I made the most of this experience. It was an amazing opportunity, and I’m very grateful for it.” 🙏☀
Meet Maëlis: Reception Department – Tenerife
“My internship placement was in the Reception Department of a hotel on the island of Tenerife.
When selecting my internship destination, one key factor for me was the opportunity to continue surfing in my free time. I was very happy that S-W-E-P considered my preferences and arranged my placement accordingly.
Tenerife turned out to be the perfect location, not only for its waves, but also for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor lifestyle.
The island’s natural beauty made it easy to enjoy life outside of work. I often spent time outdoors, going on hikes, having picnics, or simply relaxing in nature. It was the ideal environment to balance work and leisure.
From a professional perspective, working in the Reception Department gave me valuable insight into hotel operations and front office procedures.
I gained experience in welcoming guests, explaining hotel facilities and services, assisting with guest inquiries, learning conflict resolution and complaint handling, all while working in a dynamic, international environment. This role helped me strengthen my communication and problem-solving skills, and gave me a clearer understanding of guest satisfaction and service quality in the hospitality industry.
S-W-E-P also supported me in connecting with other interns on the island, even those placed at different hotels. Thanks to this, I was able to build a strong social circle, meet people from different countries, and make lasting friendships. Not only were the other interns amazing, but my hotel colleagues were also incredibly kind, welcoming, and professional.
Overall, this internship allowed me to develop valuable skills and gain meaningful experiences while fully enjoying all that Tenerife has to offer. I truly appreciate the opportunity and cherish the connections I made throughout the journey.” 😃
Meet Kristiina: Food & Beverage Department – Costa Rica
“The most memorable thing about my hotel work placement was definitely the people I worked with. We learned so much from each other. I spent three wonderful months with them that I will never forget.
During my free time, I enjoyed exploring the surrounding area and traveling throughout Costa Rica. Traveling by bus is very cheap there. It can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s definitely worth it to see the amazing nature and landscapes of Costa Rica.
There are so many great tours and activities to do. I went horseback riding, zip-lining, and rappelling, all amazing experiences. The local people are very open, friendly, and helpful whenever I had a question or found myself a bit lost.
All in all, I had a lot of fun exploring Costa Rica, and I definitely want to go back to see more. 🦜🏄♂️🦥🌴
I also want to say that the communication from S-W-E-P has been excellent, and you have been so patient and helpful in setting up this internship placement. Thank you so much!”
Meet Klara: Restaurant Department – Tenerife
“One experience I will never forget is the breathtaking view from the summit of Mount Teide. We took a trip to the 3,715-meter-high volcano, and the sight above the clouds at sunset was truly one of the most stunning views I have ever seen. 🌋🥾
We also explored the north of the island and I can highly recommend visiting Playa de Las Teresitas, Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Playa de Benijo. Tenerife is incredibly diverse, the contrast between the north and south of the island is striking, and both areas are well worth visiting.
If you’re there during carnival season, don’t miss the vibrant parade in Santa Cruz – it’s an unforgettable experience!
Tenerife is also a fantastic destination for staying active. As someone who enjoys sports, I spent a lot of time cycling around Costa Adeje, La Camella, and Valle San Lorenzo. I also went hiking in Masca, which was an absolute highlight.
This island has left a lasting impression on me, and I will truly miss it!”
Meet Camille: Reception Department – Gran Canaria
“I am really enjoying my internship placement here on Gran Canaria! I love meeting new people and traveling around. It’s a great opportunity to gain experience in the hotel industry over a few months.
I enjoy the daily work at the reception and especially love being in contact with people of different nationalities and discovering new cultures. During my time on the island, I’ve gained valuable insight into the hotel business and significantly improved my language skills.
In my free time, I usually go out with my new friends and colleagues. It’s been a pleasure meeting so many lovely people. I’m truly enjoying my time on the island and already feel sad that I’ll have to leave soon.
Nevertheless, I will keep plenty of good memories, and maybe in the future, I will come back to get a job on this beautiful island!” 🏖️🌴🌊
Meet Alex: Assistant Management Department – Fuerteventura
“After living and working on Fuerteventura for six months, I can truly say that it was a valuable and enriching experience. My internship placement in the Assistant Management Department allowed me to gain deep insight into the daily operations of a hotel and build important skills that will support my future career in hospitality. 🤝🚀
I had the opportunity to collaborate with different departments, assist with the daily planning and coordination of hotel operations, help in guest services, and participate in team briefings and internal communication. This hands-on experience gave me a much better understanding of how a hotel runs behind the scenes.
Outside of work, I was able to explore the island and even visit nearby Lanzarote. Fuerteventura is a beautiful place with incredible beaches, welcoming locals, and a relaxed atmosphere. I also met many amazing people, both colleagues and fellow interns who made my time there truly special.
Overall, I had a fantastic time. I would highly recommend an internship placement abroad to anyone who is looking to grow, gain international experience, and enjoy working in a sunny and vibrant environment.”
Meet Aimee: Restaurant Department – Tenerife
“My internship placement was in the Restaurant Department of a hotel on Tenerife.
My favorite thing was the boat trip I took in Los Gigantes. I got to see the cliffs and Masca Bay, which were very beautiful. Some of the other interns and I also did a whale- and dolphin-watching boat trip from Puerto Colón. It was a lot of fun even though we didn’t see any dolphins. 🐬
There were a lot more interns in my hotel, and we all got along pretty well and went to do a bunch of stuff like this boat trip whenever we had the same day off.
A girl who was placed in the same hotel and I went to the opening parade of the Arona Carnival, and it was sooo cool! I wish I had gotten to see the main event in Santa Cruz, but I had to work that day.
Thank you, S-W-E-P! I’ve really enjoyed my time here and making new friends who are sharing the same sort of experience.”
Meet Jessica: Reception Department – Kos
“I’m an Italian student and I’ve spent 4 months in Greece doing practical training in the Reception Department of a resort on Kos Island.
At first, it was a great opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, even though I didn’t speak Greek.
Luckily, most of the staff spoke English, which made communication easy and helped me feel welcome. Everyone was very polite, and I learned a lot thanks to my supervisors.
The job was amazing. I got to meet many new people from different places and was able to use all the languages I know (English, Spanish, Italian).
The island was perfect. After work, I spent my time at the beach, went shopping, or on my days off I did excursions and trips. I visited all the islands around Kos and Bodrum in Turkey.
“I’m an Italian student and I’ve spent 4 months in Greece doing practical training in the Reception Department of a resort on Kos Island.
At first, it was a great opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, even though I didn’t speak Greek.
Luckily, most of the staff spoke English, which made communication easy and helped me feel welcome. Everyone was very polite, and I learned a lot thanks to my supervisors.
The job was amazing. I got to meet many new people from different places and was able to use all the languages I know (English, Spanish, Italian).
The island was perfect. After work, I spent my time at the beach, went shopping, or on my days off I did excursions and trips. I visited all the islands around Kos and Bodrum in Turkey.
The village where I lived is full of international and Greek parties, which is a great chance to make friends who don’t work in your hotel. I had the best time and can only recommend it.🥳🤗
I’m sure you will also have a wonderful internship experience here!”
Meet Zoe: Public Relations Department – Tenerife
“I am really enjoying my internship abroad. One of the main highlights for me is, without a doubt, the wonderful weather and climate. Coming from Ireland, where it often rains and tends to be cold, being here truly feels like paradise. 🌺🏝️
I’m currently completing my work placement in the Public Relations Department of a hotel, where I’ve had the chance to develop valuable skills and gain insight into the hospitality industry.
My daily tasks include welcoming guests, handling guest feedback, assisting with hotel events, managing guest satisfaction questionnaires, and providing general information about the hotel and local area.
I’m also learning how to effectively communicate with guests from different cultural backgrounds, which is helping me build strong interpersonal and language skills. My colleagues have been very supportive and always take the time to help when needed.
It’s also been a pleasure to meet interns from all over Europe and getting to know so many different cultures has been a highlight of this experience.
While coordinating days off with other interns can be a bit tricky, I’ve made the most of my free time by relaxing at the beach and exploring the surroundings. We’ve already gone out together a few times, and we’re planning to rent a car soon for a day trip around the island. I’m really looking forward to it!
Overall, this internship placement has been a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on skills, build confidence, and broaden my cultural horizons.”
Meet Ugne: Reception Department – Fuerteventura
“To everybody who is wondering whether to do an internship or not, I will just say:
“Go for it! It will be an opportunity you will never forget.”
The hotel practical training was a perfect combination of learning how to be professional at work, improving my foreign languages, meeting new people from all over the world, and travelling around the island. Since it’s a popular tourist destination, in your free time you really feel like you’re on holiday!
I wasn’t sure how internships in the reception department would work, or whether I would really learn much or just do basic tasks but I was pleasantly surprised to be given the opportunity to feel like a real receptionist — attending to customers, handling calls and emails, arranging excursions, managing special requests, and learning how to do every single task properly.
Working in a Spanish environment was amazing. People are so friendly, always smiling, very helpful, and optimistic, which really helps in the fast-paced and busy hotel environment. I believe this experience will be very valuable for my future career.
If you’re worried about your language skills, just believe that you will improve faster than you ever expected! You’ll hear foreign languages all around you all the time and pick them up quickly. Once people see that you want to learn, they’ll help you in any way they can (my colleagues were always friendly enough to repeat sentences if I didn’t understand or even write them down for me so I could remember).
My hotel work placement on Fuerteventura felt like a long holiday during which I became fluent in Spanish and learned how to work as a receptionist without even feeling like I was working hard (especially with a sea view at work). 😎🌊
I wish the best of luck to future interns and hope they enjoy their internships as much as I did.
Thank you again very, very much! I liked it so much that the only thing I dream of now is to come back and live in the Canary Islands after finishing my studies in one year.”
Meet Zora: Human Resources Department – Tenerife
“I am currently undertaking my internship placement within the Human Resources Department of a prestigious luxury hotel chain located in Tenerife, where S-W-E-P is also based. ☀💕
My responsibilities encompass maintaining consistent communication with all trainees to ensure smooth onboarding and ongoing support. I am also involved in preparing, reviewing, and managing HR documentation, including contracts, employee records and data protection files, and ensuring their timely distribution to new hires.
Additionally, I assist in the recruitment process by screening applications, coordinating interviews, and selecting the most qualified candidates to meet the department’s staffing needs.
Beyond recruitment, I coordinate the organization of further education programs and on-the-job training initiatives designed to enhance employee skills and performance.
I also support employee engagement activities, assist with performance evaluation processes, and help maintain compliance with laws and internal HR policies. My role requires frequent collaboration with various hotel departments to address workforce planning and employee relations matters effectively.
Given the international background of many trainees, I predominantly communicate in English; however, I conduct all interactions with my team and Spanish-speaking colleagues in Spanish. This environment has enabled me to significantly improve my Spanish language skills, which I consider essential for anyone aspiring to work in this department.
During my free time, I often visit the nearby beach and have explored many parts of Tenerife alongside new friends. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and would gladly undertake this internship again.👍”
