Ten South West TAFE (SW TAFE) students visited Shanghai for an educational placement where they experienced all the country has to offer, from working in a hotel to seeing the sights of Shanghai and Suzhou.

The students spent five days at the Regal Shanghai East Asia Hotel where they worked predominantly on reception, concierge, in food and beverage and in the executive lounge. 

SW TAFE travel, tourism and events co-ordinator Katrina Barnes said it was good for them to see the attention to detail and what was required to work in the four star hotel, including how they had to wear their hair and make-up. 

The students worked the breakfast shift, learning how to set the table for a Chinese banquet and how to make dumplings and wontons.

She said China was Australia’s number one tourist market and it was beneficial as students gained a greater understanding of the cultural differences. “A lot of the English speaking tourists were asking us what we were doing and it got the students talking, in that they can communicate even if there is a language barrier if you take your time,” Ms Barnes said. 

The trip was funded through an Australian Government Department of Education and Training Endeavour Mobility Grant. “The general manager said to me it was just as beneficial for his staff as it was for us. I said it was fantastic for us but they learnt a lot, even about Australia. It started a conversation.” 

Students Laura Chakir, 19, and Steph Ziegelaar, 20, said the trip was a bit of a culture shock but they enjoyed it. “It was cool to see how the hotel is run and how quickly and smoothly they get through their processes.” Laura said. 

Laura said she had brought some of what she’d learnt back to Australia which would help with her studies and if she serves Chinese guests in the future. “You understand how they think now and how they like things.”

Steph said it was good to see how they set up the tables. “They had to be spot on,” Steph said. “If the plate was too far up they’d drag it back down. They’re really particular about their work. They’re really efficient and their standards are really high.”

Steph’s dad runs the petrol station at Port Campbell where she works, which Chinese tourists frequent. “It’s helped with my current work now. I say nei hao (hello) and it makes them really happy.” 

Steph wants to become a travel agent and said visiting China would help her to talk to customers about the country and her experiences.