Granlibakken Resort
When I started this journey, I had high hopes. My main goal was to improve my English by being around people who spoke it fluently. I was also excited about the chance to immerse myself in a new culture and visit iconic places I'd only ever seen on TV.
Despite being a generally calm person, I felt a wave of anxiety before the trip. The thought of stepping into the unknown made me nervous, but I coped by focusing on the positive side of things. I reminded myself of the exciting opportunities ahead and tried to keep my mind on the possibilities instead of the fears.
One of my biggest concerns was how I’d adapt to this new culture and whether language barriers would make things difficult. I wanted to be able to communicate clearly and build meaningful connections, and I worried about how I’d fit into this unfamiliar environment. But those worries slowly faded as I adjusted to the new surroundings and learned that adapting to change is a process, not an instant switch.
I genuinely enjoy my hotel management internship program, and the support I’ve received from Granlibaken management team has been uplifting. As a supervisor in training, I feel like I’m constantly growing, which keeps me motivated. The opportunities for learning here are endless, and that kind of encouragement makes all the difference when you're far from home.
On a professional level, this experience has already made a huge impact. I’ve learned so much about cultural diversity and how important it is to stay adaptable in a global environment. My communication skills have improved as well, which has helped me collaborate more effectively with people from different backgrounds. What really stands out to me here is the way people value individualism and self-expression, encouraging open and honest discussions.
During my days off, I’ve had some unforgettable experiences. Hiking in the stunning national parks was a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. I also discovered a love for snowboarding—it was such a rush to race down the slopes during winter. Wakeboarding was another exciting challenge, and all these outdoor adventures not only gave me joy but helped me connect with nature and meet new friends along the way.
I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone. There’s something incredibly enriching about stepping into a new culture and learning from it in a way that you can’t fully understand until you live it yourself. It’s a powerful reminder of how vast and varied the world is, and how much we grow by embracing those differences. On top of that, this experience has helped me grow personally and professionally in ways that I believe will open doors in the future. It’s hard to put into words just how life-changing it is, but I can confidently say it’s something everyone should experience if they can.
