Still can’t believe this is real life – Week 2, Kyla Marino
Going into week two, I honestly didn’t think this trip could get any better, but somehow it did. Every day here feels completely different, and I’m starting to settle into island life while also learning so much through our classes and experiences outside the classroom. One of the coolest parts of studying abroad in Sint Maarten is that almost everything we talk about in class can immediately be connected to something happening around us on the island. Instead of just reading about tourism marketing and public relations in a textbook, we are getting to experience it in real time.
Monday started with class, where we learned about conducting social media audits and how brands, businesses, and destinations evaluate their online presence. We discussed how tourism organizations use social media platforms to create engagement, attract visitors, and maintain a strong brand image. One thing we focused on was how destinations have to constantly adapt their content depending on trends, audiences, and public opinion. Since tourism is such a major part of Sint Maarten’s economy, it was cool to see how much strategy goes into promoting the island online. We also looked at examples of destination marketing campaigns and discussed how visuals, influencers, and user-generated content can completely shape people’s perceptions of a place before they even visit.
After class, we spent the rest of the day at the beach, where Emily and I found starfish in the water. We ran around like children trying to show off our starfish. Later that night, we went to weekly karaoke, which has quickly become one of my favorite traditions of the trip. At first, everyone was nervous to sing, but now it’s become something we all look forward to every week. It’s funny seeing how much more comfortable everyone has gotten around each other in only two weeks. After karaoke, we went to Spaghetti House for dinner, which was the first restaurant here that I do not want to return to.
Tuesday was another day spent exploring the island. We visited both Marigot and Philipsburg again and got more time to walk around and experience the different atmospheres of each side. One thing I’ve noticed is how unique both sides of the island feel despite being so close together. The French side feels more relaxed and European-inspired, while the Dutch side feels busier and more tourism-focused. Walking through the streets, seeing the local shops, and interacting with people has helped me understand the culture here so much more than just hearing about it in class. That night, everyone went to Fat Tony’s for steak night, which was delicious and such a fun group dinner.
Wednesday, we had class again and were introduced to Quid Monitor, a social media analytics platform used to track trends, engagement, conversations, and audience reactions online. Before this class, I never realized how much data companies and tourism organizations can collect from social media alone. We learned how brands can analyze what people are saying online and use that information to improve their marketing strategies. We also discussed how tourism destinations monitor trends to understand what visitors are interested in, what attracts attention online, and what could potentially damage a destination’s image. It made me realize how important public relations and social media are in shaping how people view destinations. After class, we had a slower afternoon and spent most of the day relaxing by the pool and doing laundry.
Thursday was probably one of the most interesting and meaningful days so far. I went to Mullet Bay Beach to interview both locals and tourists for our final portfolio project focused on nightlife in Sint Maarten. At first, I was nervous about approaching strangers and asking questions, but once we started having conversations, it became really interesting hearing everyone’s perspectives. One thing that stood out to me was how differently people answered depending on their age and whether they lived on the island or were visiting. Younger tourists talked a lot about beach bars, clubs, nightlife, and social media influence, while older visitors focused more on relaxing, restaurants, and the scenery. Locals also had very different opinions because they experience the island year-round rather than just during vacation.
A lot of people also brought up the importance of Carnival in Sint Maarten. Hearing locals talk about Carnival made me realize how important it is not only culturally, but also economically and socially for the island. Many people described it as one of the biggest events of the year because it brings the community together while also attracting tourists from all over. Some people talked about the parades, music, food, and nightlife surrounding Carnival, while others discussed how businesses and tourism increase during that time. It was really interesting hearing firsthand how one event can shape the island’s identity and contribute so much to tourism and local culture. I think experiences like these are what make studying abroad so different from learning in a normal classroom because we are able to actually interact with people and hear real perspectives instead of just researching online. After finishing our interviews, we went back to Mama’s for dinner, which has become my favorite restaurant here.
Friday was definitely one of the best days of the entire trip so far because we took a day trip to St. Barts. We had to wake up extremely early for the ferry, and I learned the hard way not to sit on the end seat because I basically got waterboarded during the ride over. Even though the ferry ride was rough, arriving in St. Barts made it completely worth it. The island was absolutely beautiful, and everything felt so clean and peaceful. We started the morning with breakfast at Arawak, which honestly might have been the best breakfast I’ve ever had. After that, we spent the rest of the day shopping, walking around, and exploring the island. I loved just wandering through the streets, looking at the scenery, and taking everything in.
Saturday, we spent the day at a floating waterpark, which ended up being one of the funniest days so far. Everyone was jumping across the inflatable obstacles, falling into the water, and just hanging out together all day. I think one of the best parts of this trip has been how quickly everyone has become close. Two weeks ago, most of us barely knew each other, and now it already feels like we’ve been friends for much longer.
Two weeks in, and I already know this experience is something I’ll talk about for the rest of my life. Between the classes, the people, and all the places we’ve gotten to experience, this trip keeps getting better every single day. I’m learning so much not only about public relations and tourism marketing, but also about different cultures and perspectives.
Comments