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Can you briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Jeanne Jourdain, I’m 22 years old… and totally passionate about the hospitality industry!
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What did you study at Excelia?
I joined the Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management at Excelia Tourism School in 2018, straight after High School. I studied on the English Track so all my lessons were taught in English, plus I studied a third language: Russian.
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Why did you decide to choose this programme and this school?
I chose the programme because of the wide range of courses offered and the fact that it had a strong international dimension. Also, the school is located in La Rochelle, a lively friendly city which is not too big.
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What is your fondest memory?
I think that my fondest memory has to be the humanitarian project I did in Morocco at the wheel of my Renault 5, with the Bab el Raid rally and the Road Runners association. At the age of 18, this adventure through the desert with my co-pilot taught me how to manage a project and how to understand and interact with others… not only with the other rally participants but also with the locals.
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Tell us a little about your Humacité project ?
For my Humacité, I went to Cambodia to teach English in a school called New Hope of Children Association (NHCA). The school is located just a few kilometres from the town of Siem Reap. We were tasked with raising pupils’ awareness of sustainable development through a number of tangible actions.
I had the opportunity to enjoy a truly unique experience right in the heart of Asia, helping these children at the NHCA. I will always remember their laughter and their smiles! We really bonded without even speaking the same language. My project went incredibly well!
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Besides your Humacité project, did you go away on academic expatriation?
For my academic expatriation I studied at the Ramon Llull University in Barcelona. I chose classes that complemented my studies in France… and, of course, I fully explored the city of Barcelona!
It was also an opportunity to meet students of many other nationalities. It was a very rewarding experience both on an academic level and on a personal level.
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What do you think about international experiences?
International experiences are very important, especially for tourism students! It’s not only the best way to learn about other cultures, but also to improve your linguistic and interpersonal skills.
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Where are you today?
Today, I’m in Year 1 of a Master programme, doing an internship at Les Sources de Caudalie, a luxury Hotel near Bordeaux. At the start of the next academic year, I will be joining the Hôtel Barrière Fouquet's Paris for a new experience, working as an Assistant Food & Beverage (F&B) Manager.
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Which of the lessons and experiences you had at school do you use in your daily life?
In my daily work, I make use of all the lessons from my Bachelor in Tourism, both in terms of people management and customer services. All my experiences, especially abroad, have taught me how to deal with the different challenges that tourism professionals face.
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What do you do when you’re not working?
Outside of work, I like to travel and learn about other cultures, with family or friends.
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What advice would you give to a future BTH student?
To all future students on the Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management, I would say: “Make the most of these three years, they go by very quickly! Always be open-minded and take advantage of all the opportunities to travel given to you by the school… and learn as much as possible!”
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What advice would you give to a future tourism professional?
Show you are motivated… be proactive, versatile and disciplined. Also, make sure you put into practice all the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired during your studies.
