Studying Abroad is an expirience that I personally believe that all college students should try. This past May, I had the opportunity to study abroad in a little bit of an unconventional way. A group of about 15 of us spent a week in the Bahamas studying entertainment aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship called ‘The Harmony of The Seas’. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Cruising has been apart of my life since about 2014 when I took my first Disney Cruise to the Bahamas. Since then my family and I have fallen in love with the different opportunities that cruising can offer, and it as sparked my passion to work in the hospitality field and potentially the cruise line business. I have been so fortunate to explore so many places within the Bahamas and the Caribbean, but also Alaska and Canada!
When Belmont first announced that they were offering a study abroad maymester during May of this year, I knew that I had to be apart of it by any means necessary. Luckily, the classes matched up with my major, I applied, and got accepted! This first part of my journey was done, and then I waited seven long months from October to May for the trip of my lifetime. Luckily, one of my best friends and my roommate was coming along too!
The week-long trip that we all took part in is something that I will hold near and dear to my heart forever. I often joke about leaving a piece of my heart on The Harmony of The Seas, but I’m pretty sure that I did. From backstage tours of the theatre, the aqua theatre, and the ice rink, to karaoke at midnight, and tanning all day, nothing could have beaten that trip. Learning from the incredible performers and crew about life on a cruise ship for a minimum of six months was eye-opening, to say the least. This trip was so special because I not only got to make amazing memories with my friends, but I also got to expand my network in a business that I might want to work in.
If you can study abroad on a cruise ship, I 110% recommend it. If not, study abroad, in general, is so amazing! There are so many amazing options to what that looks like, so talk to your university to pick one that fits you and your schedule. This trip ignited a flame in me for travel, hospitality, and service. We’ll see where the high seas take me next!