Caribbean Tourism Organization

Placement organization

Name of organization: Caribbean Tourism Organization
Town/city: New York City
Country: United States of America
Website: http://www.onecaribbean.org

Student

Name of student: Robbert Brouwer

Specialist area: ITMC
Placement period: 2013-2014

Information about placement organization

Type of organization: Tourism Development Agency
Organization’s activities: The organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource and development, event planning & execution and research & information technology.
Target group of the organization: American and Canadian market
Company culture: The company culture is very casual in their communication and behavior during work inside the office, Outside, a more formal demeanor is expected as you are a representative of the organization. There is an open interest to your ideas but do not tell your opinion too direct and assertive. Direct communication which may insult people is rather avoided. Also, they appreciate your ideas and opinions so do not be afraid to open your mouth during meetings. Be nice, open, and sociable and everything will be fine during your placement.
Number of employees: 8
Dress code: formal
Did the organization meet the agreements you made beforehand? Absolutely

Information about your placement

In which department(s) are you working? I am operating as assistant for the marketing and project administrator.
Brief description of your daily activities: -Record and transcribe event planning and meeting notes.
-Utilize knowledge of the Content Management system to update the stated websites by providing content information derived from registration of event participants, sponsors and attendees. Content is also derived through internet research.
-Engage in social media campaigns to connect with potential participants in CTO events including Caribbean Week, Webinars, Travel Shows and Conferences.
-Research venues, including hotels, catering facilities, clubs, and other spaces which could accommodate the various types of events.
-Interact with sales personnel to get proposals.
Brief description of your company assignment: Making a competitor analysis about other countries and regions regarding wedding and cruise line tourism.
Comment briefly on your supervision by the organization: I am supervised by Ronald Allen -a former tutor-who is a very patient and approachable person who is eager and experienced to advise interns.Also, the director is very nice and approachable like any other employee working in the organization. They are very helpful and will assist you when you ask support.

Requirements for students on placement

What kind of personal skills are required for this placement? Sociable, computer sevy, independent,
Additional company requirements for this placement? English writing Skills, Excel
English: Advanced
Spanish: Intermediate
French: Basic
German: Basic
Italian:
Other languages:

The trip

Mode of transport to reach your destination: Airplane

Accommodation

How did you arrange your accommodation? Via a prior student
How did you go to work every day? By subway

Visa / work permit / vaccinations

Do you need a visa? Yes, J-1 Visa
Do you need a work permit? No
How did you arrange the necessary documents: Via the organization Kilroy
How much time did it take to arrange the necessary documents? 3 months
Did you need certain vaccinations? Yes
How long in advance? No need

Language course

Did you take a language course before you started your placement? Yes
Would you recommend to have a language course prior to this placement? No

The costs in euros

Travelling expenses (e.g. return ticket): € 600
Accommodation (monthly): € 600
Local transport (monthly): € 0
General costs of living (monthly): € 900
Costs of visa: € 1200
Costs of work permit: € 0
What did the company pay for/to you? The company provides you a subway card, which cost $112 dollar.

Culture

How did you prepare for the country’s culture?
I did not. People are very open and welcoming. Please be open-minded and sociable and you will emerge in their culture soon enough.
Did the culture of the country influence your performance during the placement in any way? No, Dutch working culture is very similar as the American/Caribbean

Future students on placement

Future students are free to contact me for further information: Yes
My e-mail address: Robbertbrouwer@hotmail.com

Other information

Recommendations on what to do and what not to do: Enjoy the city and try to see as much as you can. So many things are happening around you that there is too much to choose from. By warm clothes for the first months!
Leisure possibilities in the city/surroundings of where the placement took place: -Empire State Building
-Top of the Rock
-Statue of Liberty
-Broadway
-All those New York things you already know ;).

Media

Youtube link Youtube placement video link