When a day off is provided when working abroad, you don’t stay home at any costs.  Rather, you wake up early and enjoy the sights as much as you possibly can.  Living in Orlando, there are many options.  Universal Studios, SeaWorld, or any of the Walt Disney World parks.

Today, my roommate and sister decided we would head to animal kingdom.  I had been longing to see a Safari, and although I had been to Walt Disney World several times in my life, I had never been to Animal Kingdom.  It was the first animal exhibition I had visited since I was a child at the Toronto Zoo.

At the park, we visited a gorilla sanctuary with a youngin’ who had just turned two.  After picked up what appeared to be a plastic bin, it began hiding and playing underneath the object.  The adorable creature then grabbed a slice of long grass as a mid-afternoon snack.

After taking in the unexpected mannerisms of our furry friends, we decided that some rollercoasters were in order.  We began our ascent on a ride called “Everest,” and as I began to feel ill, a teenage girl shouted “YOLO,” amidst the chaos.  The acronym du jour stands for “you only live once,” and upon hearing this, I knew I had made the right decision.

One of my favourite moments of the day, however, was an unplanned musical experience in the “Asia” pavilion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  As an avid electronic and techno junkie, I was in awe at an incredible Indian DJ and two beautiful dancers.  The music was a high-BPM Indian synthesis and I couldn’t help but dance, despite being the only dancing adult among throes of children.  As the unidentified female exclaimed on the Everest roller coaster, you only live once.

- Written by: Kristen Cochrane

Stepping out of the Orlando International Airport, one would think that the traveller would be exhausted and weary.  After an all-nighter caused by excitement for the wonderful opportunity ahead, I was ready to begin my temporary life in Orlando, Florida.  Canadian spring weather of 2012 lacked the heat I yearned for in the southern United States.  A feeling of home washed over me as the cab driver and I discussed and analyzed the Francophone cultures of France, Canada, and Haiti, and how they are all related.

Moving into my place of residence involved new friends from cities and schools with which I was familiar, furthering the notion that Ottawa and Florida aren’t so far.  The world feels very small when people are friendly and know one another’s home-cities.

After some laborious unpacking, my sister, who I accompanied on this trip and incredible work experience, decided to take me shopping at the “Premium Outlets” of Orlando.  As a recovering shopaholic, I saw my favorite shoes on major sales; Manolo Blahniks made famous by Sex and the City and Michael Kors bags for next to nothing.  Even the Wal-Mart had the cheapest yoghurt I had ever known.  In addition to excellent shopping and, yes, that includes groceries, the architecture is surprisingly phenomenal.  It is reminiscent of a European paradise, with hacienda-style buildings and even Neoclassical architecture.

I could immediately tell that I was going to like my new city.

- Written by: Kristen Cochrane*

*Kristen Cochrane is a current participant on a Summer Program in the US.  We are delighted to have Kristen as an Yummy Jobs Ambassador and we welcome you to look for her great guest blogs throughout this Summer!

Kristen Cochrane- A Sunny Day in Orlando

In this job market, every connection and network can make a difference. And as a student you may have already done work placements or joined events to make your CV stand out, but why not take that next step and attend a conference dedicated to networking and enabling you to meet like minded students and employers from around the UK and the World? Well now you can by attending the 2012 Path Conference!

Path, Placement Advisors for Tourism and Hospitality, is delighted to be offering the 2012 conference “The Placement Legacy handing the hospitality baton: Ensuring a return on your investment” Here students will be able to learn more about placements and how to make them worth more for their career. With opportunities network with managers from different areas of the hospitality industry- students will be able to gain contacts for their future careers.

But it isn’t all work and no play with Path as time is dedicated at the conference for you to have dinner and meet with many students, which also can be future contacts for your career!

So add that next level on your CV by attending the Path Conference 2012, and take right Path to success!

For more information on the conference or to register please visit https://www.box.com/s/c144656cbfff2257a580 or email Jason@yummyjobs.com

Could you imagine a study atmosphere of a vibrate colorful lounge? Or a restaurant that is contemporary and a fun place to meet with friends? Sure many trendy cities and boutique Hotels have such cool & hip places, but a school- well for students at the IHTTI School of Hotel Management, these hot spots are available to be enjoyed!

IHTTI is working with leading designers and style icons such as Paul Smith, Calvin Klein and Alessi in preparing its new look to be unveiled in September 2012. Students beginning the new International Hospitality and Design Management Programme will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the newly designed lobby, lounges and exciting new restaurant concepts such as “Luxus” fine dining and “Fashionista” international buffet.

All of these new features are for the great students studying hospitality, as IHTTI feels that to be able to work and understand the field is done best by living it!

For more information on the opportunities available to you at IHTTI School of Hotel Management and to take adventure of the above and all the great educational paths available to you, please email Kristen@yummyjobs.com for a brochure!

Education is continuously evolving, and Cesar Ritz College Switzerland understands this and is delighted to announce that from July 2012 all students will now receive a new iPad to be utilized during their education.

The iPad gives students a personalized learning environment that can be adapted to their individual needs and study requirements.  This new opportunity offers an exciting new step towards the creation of a fully interactive learning environment.  The iPads will not only replace textbooks, but will change the way that students engage with their studies.

This new opportunity is only 1 of the many great additions for Cesar Ritz students, as Cesar Ritz is constantly working to enhance the education students gain.

For more information on Cesar Ritz and to see if this college is a good fit for you, we welcome you to contact Jason@yummyjobs.com with your mailing address to receive a brochure of this amazing school!