Working Abroad

Summer Work Abroad

aeroplane flying in sky with palm trees below

As a result of our students being exposed to the industry from year two placement, as well as our extensive alumni network and industry connections, students have a great interest in working abroad during their summer vacations.

Working abroad in the industry outside of the college semester allows the students to explore new networks, cultures, and roles within hospitality. They gain a clearer understanding of the industry as a career, are exposed to greater responsibilities and have the opportunity to challenge themselves in different areas of the hotel. All of this experience stands to the students upon returning to college to complete their final year of studies. Before students graduate, they have a rich cv, an abundance of knowledge, first hand experience, and a fresh outlook.

Working abroad over the course of the summer is a completely voluntary post in which the students will organise themselves. This does not affect students grades or have any relation to their academic course.

Rachel O'Connell | Events Operations Supervisor, The Carlton Tower Jumeriah

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to work in Boston for the Summer with the hotel group IHG. In true Shannon style, 9 of us went together and worked in the Intercontinental Boston in their waterfront terrace. Working in the US is extremely different to Ireland and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to do so. We got the opportunity to enhance our hospitality skills while also taking in all the sights Boston had to offer. Apart from Boston, we also visited New York, Las Vegas, Nantucket and San Fransisco to name a few! It was an unforgettable Summer that I would recommend for any Shannon Student to do!

in Connect with Rachel

Emer Whelehan | Front of House Agent Claridge's London

The term ‘work hard play hard’ Is one I feel perfectly describes my summer on the beautiful island of Nantucket. My 3 months living on the island were filled with breath-taking sunsets, amazing food, new friendships, balmy beach days and full of adventure. We worked in the Great Harbour Yacht Club where I gained invaluable experience and met some amazing people. We worked hard but were sure to enjoy our days off travelling to Boston, New York and Washington. It is a summer I will always remember and provided me with many unforgettable memories.

in Connect with Emer

Emily Byrne | Rooms Division MIT Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London

The summer after third year students have the opportunity to spend the summer on Nantucket, an Island off the coast of Massachusetts. In July 2022, 12 of us travelled to Nantucket and we had the best summer. Working at The Great Harbour Yacht Club, we had so much fun and made so many new friends. Time off work was spent cycling around the Island and going to the beautiful beaches. Many afternoons were spent at Cisco brewery drinking frozé and listing to live music. We traveled to different cities such as New York, Boston and Washington DC. We had the best summer and would all highly recommend the opportunity to spend the summer on Nantucket!

in Connect with Emily

Ronan Geary | Assistant F&B Manager Intern - The Maybourne Beverly Hills

Getting the opportunity to visit Nantucket for my summer after 3rd year was a unique and incredible experience. Being lucky enough to experience working in Great Harbor Yacht Club opened the doors to working in a type of hospitality that is not found in Ireland and experiencing a different side to America than your typical J1 experience. The time spent on Nantucket and in GHYC gave me the opportunity to make friends that I'm still close with today.

in Connect with Ronan