Elle Weieneth

Overall Experience

My overall experience in the Bahamas is one that I will never forget. I chose to take this trip for several different reasons and did not anticipate everything I would experience and gain from it. I met new people and made friends not only with those who are in the same major as me, but also with those who I likely would not have crossed paths with otherwise, which was one of the most rewarding aspects of the trip. Experiencing a destination like this was also incredible. Swimming with sharks, interacting with dolphins, and riding ATVs through the island were truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Although I joined this trip without specific career goals related to hotels, resorts, or destination management, I still learned a great deal about myself and developed new career interests along the way. From an event management perspective, I do wish there had been more structured learning opportunities for students in my field. For example, speaking one-on-one with event coordinators at the resort would have provided valuable insight into the logistics of international planning, as well as insight with destination travel coordinators.

Learning experience

I think one of the most valuable lessons I learned from this experience was the importance of being flexible. There were several moments when schedules changed or plans shifted unexpectedly, and we had to adjust quickly and make the most of the situation. For example, during one of our excursions at Clifton Heritage Park, we were split into two groups. One group went snorkeling first while my group completed the tour. By the time it was our turn to snorkel, the weather had changed, creating unsafe conditions for snorkeling, and we were no longer able to go. To make the experience fair and still enjoyable for everyone, our instructor arranged an ATV tour around the island instead. Although we were initially disappointed to miss snorkeling, we chose to embrace the change, and it ended up being one of the most memorable and enjoyable parts of the trip. This experience showed me that even when plans don’t go as expected, being open to alternatives can lead to equally meaningful experiences. Another important skill reinforced on this trip was time management. While I’ve always considered myself fairly organized with my time, it became even more essential in this setting. With early mornings, strict meeting times, and a packed schedule, being punctual was necessary every day. This experience reminded me that time management is a valuable skill in all areas of life.

Memorable experience

On a more fun and personal note, one of the most memorable experiences I had was the dolphin encounter. Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve absolutely loved dolphins—they’ve always been my favorite animal. I even had about three encyclopedias about dolphins that I would read growing up. Getting the chance to see and interact with one up close was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was incredible, and I’ll admit, a little intimidating at first, but overall it was unforgettable. Another meaningful part of the trip was the friendships I formed. At the beginning, I felt anxious because I only knew one other person. However, after a few days of getting comfortable, a small group of us bonded one night over ice cream, and that moment turned into lasting friendships for the rest of the trip. From that point on, we spent almost all our time together. Each night, we would find a restaurant for food and dessert, then sit and talk for hours, laughing and getting to know each other more. By the end of the trip, I felt so comfortable with them that it was actually strange going back to everyday life without seeing them constantly. These were people I likely never would have crossed paths with otherwise, and yet they ended up giving me some of my best memories, laughs, and experiences from the entire trip.

What did you not expect?

Something I didn’t expect was how much this trip would challenge and change me personally. As someone who tends to be anxious and prefers being in familiar environments and with comfortable people, this experience really pushed me outside of that space—I even came close to backing out because of my anxiety. However, the trip ultimately encouraged me to be present, embrace each moment, and make the most of the opportunity in front of me. It also helped me realize that I am more confident and independent than I initially believed. Not only was I able to complete and enjoy the trip, but I also pushed myself to meet new people and form friendships. I connected with individuals who genuinely enjoyed my personality and being around me, which helped reinforce my confidence in social situations. This experience showed me that I am capable of stepping outside my comfort zone and succeeding in unfamiliar settings. I believe this growth will benefit me in my future career, especially in building client relationships, trusting my abilities, and continuing to challenge myself by trying new experiences and pushing beyond what feels comfortable.

What advice would you give?

I think one piece of advice I would give is that if you’re nervous about trying any kind of abroad experience, it can help to start small, such as a short break trip or a couple of weeks abroad. This allows you to figure out whether long-term travel is something you enjoy, how you handle being in a new environment, and whether you prefer shorter but still meaningful experiences. This is something I personally learned and appreciated from my own trip. For me, the 10 days abroad felt like the perfect length for a first experience. Another piece of advice I would give is simply to try it, even if you feel hesitant. I originally applied after my friend encouraged me and my mom told me it would be a great opportunity, but I honestly didn’t even expect to be accepted. When I received the invitation, I felt anxious and even considered declining because it was outside of my comfort zone. However, looking back, I realize I would have regretted not going and not experiencing it. Overall, I would encourage anyone in a similar position to take the chance and make the most of it.

How has this experience impacted your life?

This trip had a strong personal impact on me because it pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. One of my main goals was to do something unfamiliar on my own and follow through with it independently. I went on the trip only knowing one other girl, someone I had shared two years of classes with. Normally, I prefer to experience things like this with someone I am very close to, but this time I challenged myself to step away from that comfort. By the end of the trip, I realized how much we had in common and how much I enjoyed our friendship. The experience helped us bond in a meaningful way. I also left feeling proud of myself for taking that step and trusting my ability to navigate something new. During my freshman year, I often got caught up in anxiety and overthinking every possible outcome, but this experience showed me that it’s okay to take chances and try new things. While it didn’t change my long-term academic or career interests in travel, international studies, or hotels and resorts, it did reinforce my motivation to keep pushing myself toward my goals. It helped me build more confidence in both my abilities and my future path.

How did you learn about this experience?

I first learned about this experience during my freshman year from a presentation I briefly attended. I was later reintroduced to it during the first semester of my sophomore year through another presentation in an events class I was taking.

International Connections