Having had the opportunity to work abroad, I know it can be challenging, just like being an OFW. We need to manage ourselves physically, emotionally, and especially financially. Working a 10-hour shift is challenging and exhausting, particularly in a demanding role like a service attendant at a buffet breakfast. We start our day tirelessly. However, another challenge we face as students is being far away, more than 2,000 kilometers from our parents and loved ones. It is challenging to handle the pressures and responsibilities of everyday life without their instant support and love, making me feel homesick. Moreover, there are also financial problems. Thousands of dollars have already been spent to secure this incredible opportunity I needed. This financial pressure weighs heavily on me, making this internship program feel like I'm already taking on the responsibilities of adult life. But having said all that, with all my experiences during my internship, I have learned to see them as opportunities rather than challenges, for these opportunities have truly changed my life. The tiring duties have become memorable as I experience the beauty and diversity of people I've never encountered before. The homesickness has made me more independent, allowing me to deal with my emotions and focus on my weaknesses. The financial pressures have motivated me to work harder, stay disciplined, and spend only on what is necessary. Indeed, this internship has made me believe that with every sweat and tear, I rise fiercer and stronger.

Working as a student trainee in a professional kitchen has been both challenging and rewarding. Environmental and language barriers were overwhelming. Coming from a different country, I had a high learning curve during my first week at work, but these challenges became opportunities to learn and grow. The staff became my mentors and friends, teaching me technical skills and the importance of communication and teamwork. Every day brought new learnings and opportunities, from learning different cultures, perfecting dishes, and handling high pressure in service. This experience enhances me and pushes me out of my comfort zone for my professional skills and personal growth, teaching me resilience and the value of hard work, as my parents did to bring me here. This internship program teaches me to handle my own responsibility as a grown-ass man. Even though the work is tough, having two or more stations in the buffet area, dealing with hot surfaces, and providing services to guests, I am very grateful to work in such a dynamic and diverse environment and to learn from talented colleagues. This experience will solidify my commitment to my future career.

Given my course, Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management, I've dreamed about going abroad for an internship or training. I can say that I'm lucky enough and thankful to the University of Saint Louis-Tuguegarao for giving me the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (Student Internship Abroad Program) to train internationally. I have the chance to meet people, learn from diverse cultures, travel, and gain valuable work experience at the hotel. My internship is at Pullman Beach Resort in Karon Phuket, Thailand, where I work as a receptionist in a five-star hotel and have the chance to do cross-training in the food and beverage department, working in the executive or VIP lounge. I've learned that you need to be flexible in your work; being a fast learner and excellent in all ways is a skill that cross-training requires. Overall, the internship abroad offers a lot of learning opportunities and boosts your self-confidence in many different ways. It may also widen your understanding and perspective on life and help you create a global network.

Participating in this program has been an incredible honor, offering me experiences that illuminated my potential for growth in a real job environment. This internship uncovered skills I never knew I had, and despite the challenges, the unwavering support and camaraderie of my colleagues inspired me daily. My time at Novotel Phuket Resort has been profoundly rewarding. I discovered that the tourism and hospitality industry demands exceptional communication, problem-solving, a positive mindset, courage, teamwork, and boundless energy. This journey has not only clarified my career goals but also allowed me to embrace diverse cultures, preparing me exceptionally well for the professional world. This experience has indeed been a transformative stepping stone towards my future.

I am certain that the said international program is an invaluable opportunity for any aspiring pharmacist. This certainty did not originate from my own assumption, but from the lips of the students whom I was privileged to know. It is an opportunity to improve their skills and prepare them for their roles as pharmacists, especially in the manufacturing arena.