Three Moroccan interns embark on a six-week journey at Hays Travel’s Sunderland office, continuing a successful initiative.
- Following last year’s impactful programme, Hays Travel collaborates with Education for All to offer international experience.
- Interns Hind, Houda, and Laila engage in personalised programmes encompassing retail, marketing, and commercial sectors.
- The initiative aims to equip interns with practical skills and cultural exposure, enhancing future career prospects.
- Amidst personal challenges back home, the interns express gratitude for the opportunity and experiences gained.
Hays Travel has opened its doors to three interns from Morocco, hosting them at its Sunderland head office for a six-week placement. This marks the continuation of a successful initiative started in 2023, where three Moroccan students previously benefitted from a similar experience. The programme is conducted in partnership with Morocco’s Education for All charity, highlighting the agency’s commitment to fostering international educational exchanges.
The current interns, Hind, Houda, and Laila, have been selected for this programme based on their academic pursuits in business and management. Each intern is engaging in a tailored learning programme that reflects their individual study areas and career interests. After completing a general induction, the interns will explore various business functions at Hays Travel. Hind is spending her time in the retail department, Houda is gaining insights in marketing, and Laila has been placed with the commercial teams, allowing them to gain invaluable industry experience.
The programme extends beyond professional development, offering the interns cultural and social experiences in the UK. The interns are being introduced to local attractions, including restaurants and theatres, and are also participating in traditional activities, such as a football match. Additionally, Zakiya from the social media team and her sister have warmly welcomed them with a henna hand painting session, enriching their cultural exposure.
This internship represents the interns’ first international travel experience, offering them insightful perspectives and practical skills to advance their future careers. The placement also allows them to witness and appreciate the operational dynamics of Hays Travel, from understanding company values to mastering department-specific tasks.
Reflecting on their backgrounds, the interns come from the High Atlas Mountains region, where access to education and healthcare is limited. They have shared poignant reflections on the impact of the 2023 earthquake in Morocco, underscoring the resilience and hope of their communities. Laila, in particular, expressed how the opportunity with Hays is enhancing her aspirations to work within a travel agency. Meanwhile, Hind and Houda articulated their ambitions within the hospitality and business sectors, highlighting the transformative influence of this international internship.
This initiative by Hays Travel underscores its dedication to empowering young individuals and fostering cross-cultural engagement, thereby contributing positively to both the interns’ lives and the host community.
Hays Travel’s internship programme exemplifies an impactful cross-cultural exchange, nurturing future leaders and supporting community development.
