It was a warm and lovely morning, sometime in May, if I remember correctly. The sun was slightly shining; there was some excitement in the air. My mum was standing in front of me; her eyes got teary because I was leaving my hometown for the first time after a long time.
No, this is not a fictional novel. This is my real story. And yours could be similar.
During the spring of my seventeenth year, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the Austrian Tyrol town called Mayrhofen. I had always dreamed of visiting the Austrian Alps–the picturesque destination known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and exhilarating winter sports. Little did I know that this trip would not only provide me with a memorable vacation but also provide me with the chance to gain valuable work experience.
During my stay in Mayrhofen, I and four of my secondary school friends decided to embark on a journey that would provide us with an exciting adventure as well as help us discover a new side of ourselves. Thanks to our tourism-oriented school, we got the opportunity to do work & travel experience. We stayed at a four-star hotel called Neuhaus, which quickly became our home away from the Czech Republic.
The hotel was nestled amidst a breathtaking landscape of lush green meadows, majestic mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and filled with an infectious energy that made us feel instantly at home. I was only seventeen, but I already felt like this was an experience I won’t forget. It was my first time being abroad for more than two weeks.
Working as a Waitress
As we settled in, we soon discovered that the hotel needed additional staff, particularly for the summer season. As a group of ambitious and adventurous teenagers, we were more than happy to lend a helping hand. We were lucky that the school helped us to get there, but so many young travelers eagerly applied for a waitressing position at Neuhaus, and to their surprise, they were hired! You don’t need to be privileged or rich to get an experience like that.
Working as a waitress gave me a glimpse into the world of hospitality and service. I quickly learned the importance of attention to detail, effective communication, and efficient multitasking. We would wake up early each day, donning our traditional Austrian dress and heading to the hotel’s restaurant.
The restaurant was bustling with activity, with fancy customers eager to indulge in the delectable offerings on the menu. It was our job to ensure their dining experience was impeccable, from greeting and seating them to serving their meals and clearing their plates. But it was fun because, at the end of the day, I was doing this with my friends!
Exploring Mayrhofen
While work was undoubtedly a learning experience, I knew it was important for us to make the most of our free time in Mayrhofen. The town provided us with numerous opportunities to explore its breathtaking landscapes, indulge in its rich cultural offerings, and indulge in its mouthwatering cuisine. It was a typical Austrian place, and I loved experiencing the local culture.
One of our favorite activities was hiking through the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trails in Mayrhofen were well-maintained and easily accessible, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the serenity of nature. The breathtaking views from the top were nothing short of breathtaking, and we found ourselves constantly in awe of the beauty surrounding us.
Another highlight of our time in Mayrhofen was the trip to Innsbruck with our new international friends. They showed us their favorite local places, which other tourists didn’t know about. If we stayed in our hometown, we wouldn’t have experienced any of this!
So is it good to work abroad?
My work experience in Mayrhofen, Austria, not only provided me with practical skills and valuable insights into the world of hospitality but also unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. From working as a waitress in a bustling hotel to exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Austrian Tyrol, this experience shaped me into the person I am today. I still remember every second!
The lessons I learned in Mayrhofen have shaped my career and have instilled in me a sense of determination, resilience, and a thirst for adventure. I am grateful for the opportunity to have had this experience at such a young age, as it taught me the importance of hard work, teamwork, and seizing every opportunity that comes my way. Thanks to this experience, I learned what it is like to live abroad, so when I moved to the UK to study two years later, I was prepared!
If you are ever given the chance to travel to Mayrhofen, I highly recommend exploring the town and its vibrant culture and working as a waitress at a hotel like Neuhaus. It is an experience unlike any other! It will leave you with memories that will stay with you forever. And if you ever get experience to work & travel anywhere else, do it! You can be the main character in your own novel too.