By: Maryn James, Public Relations and General Business student studying Advertising and Public Relations in the Caribbean
June 2-9, 2024
Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Month: My Last Week in St. Maarten
As I sit down to reflect on my final week in St. Maarten, it’s hard to believe that my month-long study abroad adventure is coming to an end. Studying advertising and public relations in the Caribbean has been an incredible experience, filled with learning, exploration, and unforgettable memories. This last week has been filled with activity, from finalizing our campaign book to enjoying the island’s beauty one last time.
Day Trip to Philipsburg
The week kicked off with a day trip to Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten. We had the afternoon to explore the capital for the 2nd time. My friends and I wandered through the shops, indulged in some local cuisine, and lay on the beach.
Final Beach Days
As our time on the island came to an end, we made the most of our remaining days by hitting the beaches every chance we got. Thankfully, Mullet Bay Beach is just a close walk from our hotel, which quickly made it our favorite spot, with its stunning turquoise waters and soft, white sand. These moments of relaxation gave us a break from the hustle of our coursework and a chance to bond as a group.
We also visited Maho Beach this week, famous for its close-up views of planes landing at the nearby airport. It was an exhilarating experience watching the jets soar just overhead, and it provided some fantastic photo opportunities. These beach days were a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making our final days in St. Maarten truly special.
Crunch Time: Campaign Book for Sapphire Beach Club and Resort
Despite all the fun, we were still students with an important assignment to complete. Our task was to create a comprehensive campaign book for Sapphire Beach Club and Resort, the place we’ve called home for the past month. We were tasked with developing innovative advertising and PR strategies to attract more visitors.
Working in our group, we spent hours brainstorming, researching, and designing this week. It was incredibly rewarding to see our ideas take shape. By the end of the week, our campaign book was nearly complete, and we felt proud of the creative and strategic effort we had put into it. We get some time to work on our books at home so that we are still able to experience the island. It’s been amazing to not only learn so much on the island but also get real-world experience. This trip has been sort of an internship in itself, and I’m so grateful for the experience I have gained.
Last Night: Dinner Cruise Around the Island
To celebrate our hard work and bid farewell to St. Maarten, our final night was spent on a dinner cruise around the island. As the sun set, we enjoyed a delicious meal and reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip. As we docked for the last time, I felt a mix of sadness and gratitude. St. Maarten had become a second home, and the experiences and friendships I made here will stay with me forever. Now, it’s time to head home and put the finishing touches on our campaign book.
Conclusion
This final week in St. Maarten has been a blend of professional growth, cultural immersion, and joy. From our insightful trip to Philipsburg and the peaceful beach days to the intense project work and the memorable dinner cruise, every moment has been part of an extraordinary journey. As I leave this beautiful island, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and a longing to return someday.