Collaborating and sharing experiences with hosts is the best way to experience cultural immersion, learn languages and develop new skills. As soon as I moved from Brazil I knew it would be a life-changing trial, the idea of travelling as a volunteer came up after I decide to step out of my comfort zone and make a positive impact on the world.
When applying for the hostels below, I chose countries that I mostly identified with (Italy and Netherlands). And I can say that I threw myself (body and soul) to live those experiences that will last a lifetime.
The Yellow Square | Rome - Italy | March - May 2019 (3 Months)
The Flying Pig | Noordwijk - Netherlands | June - October 2019 (5 Months)
Keeping in mind that this was my first professional experience in a different country, I prepared myself to deliver the best I could. Before traveling to Italy, I practiced the Italian language for one year and also took a bartending course.
My previous experiences were more digitally oriented while this job demanded activities aimed to customer service.
I worked in the concierge area, providing the guests information related to the hostel and city guides (Rome), in addition I was responsible for sales of bike tours and cooking classes. I also helped in online procedures to check-ins and check-outs and introduced the dorms and other services that the hostel provided, including the restaurant, hairdresser, laundry, bar and ice-cream shop.
As my first experience abroad the Yellow Square provided the best environment with cultures from all over the world. And let's face it, it's impossible not fall in love to Italy.
I was able to learn how to make (then eat!) the classic Italian pasta from scratch. And later, sell this unique experience to tourists who passed by the hostel.
There is a saying, "all roads lead to Rome" and it's unbelievable how much you can learn from this historic city. This was another attraction I used to sell for guests.
In addition to the activities mentioned above, I helped in the production of posts for the hostel's social networks. We had fun developing and giving ideas to promote that year's Easter. It was three months of much learning and unforgettable moments. Naturally, both parties had good reviews, below you can check what they thought of my experience:
With many hostel around the Netherlands and good connections with many other hostels around Europe, the Flying Pig was a great place to develop some networking into the tourism and hospitality world. Besides that, the Pig is a highly ranked hostel at Hostelworld in the Area of Amsterdam.
During my time at the Flying Pig I worked as driver, taking guests from the beach (Noordwijk) to the city (Amsterdam) and vice versa. During the night I also worked at the bar/cafe; mixing, garnishing and serving drinks according to company specifications.
As a bartender, I was responsible to prepare and serve drinks and maintain beverages inventory.
The inviting ambience created by the enthusiastic staff was ideal to make new friends.
The Pig café is open to hostel guests but also to locals, as international staff we knew how to create an atmosphere where you quickly feel at home.
The hostel chain also has two units in the city of Amsterdam, hence the need of transportation between both locations. When necessary I also took the guests to the airport (Schirpool).
“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” Oprah Winfrey
Marketing Assistant | Campinas, Brazil | June 2015 - July 2017 (2 Years)
As a Marketing Assistant I was responsible for helping in the design and implementation of digital strategies in the projects that Hoperates.
From the projects I did at this company the one I am most proud of was when I manage the launch of 6 new products, including branding design and graphic materials. This is a line of products that help in the diagnosis, treatment and/or relief of dry mouth.
If you like what you see and want to work together, get in touch!
murillo.pellegrini@gmail.com