This September, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the HI Connect programme, an exchange initiative run by Hostelling International, that serves to give volunteers within the organisation the opportunity to work abroad, share ideas, and experience the so-called hostel life from a global perspective. As someone who has been volunteering within the field of tourism for some time, the programme seemed like the perfect way to combine my passion for tourism with meaningful work. While I had previously spent plenty of time being involved with such travel initiatives and sustainable travel, this was my first chance to experience life as a hostel worker in another country. Little did I know that these two weeks in Nice would leave such a lasting impact.
I first heard about the HI Connect programme through Hostelling International Slovenia, where I had been volunteering for almost a year and a half. The fact that initially caught my attention was the wide selection of the most diverse locations around the world, where I noticed a unique opportunity to combine my passion for culture and travel with a desire to learn more about the world of hostels from the inside out.
The application process itself was surprisingly simple and quick. Everything is done online, and the questionnaire consists of questions that focus on our previous work experience, language skills, and our wishes for the upcoming experience. After initial research, I decided to apply for a place in the programme, with the distant hope that during that time I would have the opportunity to explore new and relatively unknown destinations outside of Europe. However, since fate has its own plans, I received an email after a few weeks informing me that the French HI Hostel Nice Camélias had chosen me to be the receptionist instead. With the surprising, but rather exciting news, the first real preparations for the upcoming adventure had just begun, for which I had more questions than answers. Shortly after that, I received direct contact with a representative on the French side, with whom we communicated our expectations, the course of the visit, and the work itself. All that remained was the standard travel procedure of booking airline tickets, and before I knew it, I was already on my way to Nice.
The hostel itself is a charming space located in a rather central part of Nice, with easy access to the long promenade and the main attractions of the city. Its interior has a friendly, community-focused atmosphere, which made it significantly easier to settle in, although I was both excited and slightly concerned when I arrived at the hostel.
Before arriving in Nice, I was already aware of the rather unexpected situation that the hostel found itself in due to the complete change of the reservation system that was imposed on all accommodations within the HI network in France. Within the first few minutes of arriving at the reception for my first one, however, I quickly realized how big and challenging the change really was and that it would require the full cooperation of the entire staff, including myself. So my role in the hostel from the very beginning was divided between helping at the reception and working behind closed doors with the transition to the new booking system. At the front desk, I was responsible for checking in guests, answering their questions about the destination and sharing recommendations that would make their stay easier. It was an extremely rewarding experience because it allowed me to connect with travellers from all over the world. Whether they were young travellers or families on holiday, we were all united by a common desire to explore and discover something new, and I fell in love with the world of tourism again.
The work behind the scenes was a bit more challenging but no less interesting. The hostel went through an interesting transition that required careful data transfer, troubleshooting, and staff training, where I had quite a few initial concerns about my ability to help a hostel with an unfamiliar system that worked in a language that was completely foreign to me. But the team was incredibly helpful, and we soon made the most of our common strengths and weaknesses. The transition was much smoother than we expected, and after the end of my stay I could already feel the traces of the achievement, which only intensified as the days went by.
The work environment was lively and dynamic, bringing something new every day, be it a guest with an unusual request or moments of unexpected connection with my colleagues. Staying at the hostel also gave me the opportunity to experience it as a guest, which helped me better understand why this kind of travel style is truly unforgettable. Although this was certainly not the first time I had stayed in a hostel, as I prefer to resort to rental properties, staying in a shared space in Nice with up to seven other travellers really helped me open myself up personally to new people and experiences.
When I wasn’t working, I made the most of my time in one of Europe’s most beautiful regions, the French Riviera. I usually started with the expected work at the hostel in the early morning hours, just with us so that by the time the shift ended, I would still have enough time to explore the city. Nice was one of those places that slowly warms up to you. Due to my extremely high expectations, fuelled by years of over-glamorization by social media, my first week was filled with confusion and sometimes even disappointment. But as with everything in life, judging a book by its cover is never a good idea, so I gave Nice the time and attention it so easily demanded, and it didn’t disappoint. As I hung up my phone and looked around, I discovered one of the most culturally rich destinations I’ve ever visited. Because the city is situated in such a strategically important location, Nice has been part of many empires and kingdoms over the centuries, which is more than obvious on closer inspection.
I spent most of my free time exploring many cultural attractions such as the Matisse Museum and strolling through local markets such as the famous Cours Saleya, where stalls are flooded with fresh produce, flowers, and handicrafts. In the afternoon, I headed to the beach for a quick but refreshing swim, while still trying to catch the last rays of the sunset on Castle Hill, overlooking the old and vibrant town centre to the north and the newer, more sophisticated marina to the south. I often spent evenings enjoying objectively the best cuisine in the world, in one of the many restaurants or bistros in Nice.
In addition to Nice, I took full advantage of the region’s excellent public transport to visit nearby destinations, all of which are easily accessible by modern but often overcrowded trains. In Menton, I basked in pastel-colored buildings and lush gardens, which earned it the nickname “the pearl of France”. Thanks to its probably perfect climate, the city is also known as the lemon capital of the world, which is hard to miss, as the theme of almost every store is somewhat related to the cultivation of this citrus. I visited Menton twice, but I never had enough time to get into it. There remain only charming photos of the city, which offered significantly more than you see at first glance.
One of my favourites was a day trip to the village of Grasse, a town in the hinterland of the French coast on a steep slope, known as the world capital of perfume. It’s surrounded by fields of lavender, jasmine, and roses that power the centuries-old perfume industry, and as I approached the city, the air itself seemed to carry an unusual floral sweetness. This set the tone for a further visit. I started the day at the Perfume Museum, where I got acquainted with the history of their development and the extremely specific manufacturing process that is required to create each bottle. Around the museum, I strolled through the picturesque streets of the village lined with hanging umbrellas, which not only provide much-needed protection from the elements but also create an extremely pleasant environment that invites the traveller to get lost among the winding streets and gaze at almost the entire French coastline.
From now on, my first recommendation for any visitor to the region will undoubtedly be Antibes. Although my visit to the quiet, picturesque town was brief, I can safely say that this is the reason I long to return. Antibes was everything I hoped for and more. From the bright orange sun setting in the background barely illuminating one of the beautiful squares, with friends and families laughing over a glass of fresh wine, to the sound of the waves crashing against the peaceful beach beneath the ancient medieval walls. Antibes was something special.
And against all odds, I was most excited about Monaco. Unlike Nice, my expectations of a small city-state were practically flat. With recent visits to many wealthier Arab countries, I expected Monaco to be filled with soulless boutiques full of luxury I could only dream of, and the city immediately surprised me when it welcomed me with a rich culture that takes a leading position over the glittering lifestyle of many of its newer residents. The older area around the Prince’s Palace, overlooking the new skyscrapers of the future, gave me a sense of satisfaction, knowing that under the right conditions the soul of a city could never be lost.
Participating in HI Connect was much more than just an opportunity to travel, it was an experience that enriched my life in countless ways. As someone who is extremely passionate about tourism, I gained a truly valuable insight into the industry, while also learning how to adapt to new challenges in a dynamic environment. Personally, I have gained self-confidence, and I can say that I have become a more flexible individual in all areas. Living and working in a foreign country, even for a short time, pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop an even greater sense of independence. Also worth mentioning are the countless amazing connections with people from different backgrounds, with whom I am still in contact.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the HI Connect programme was the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture while contributing to an area that interests me a lot. I believe that the programme embodies the spirit of travel, which brings people together, creates mutual understanding and encourages multidimensional travel. For anyone who is passionate about travel, cultural exchange, or personal growth, I cannot recommend the HI Connect programme enough. It’s an opportunity to not only explore the world, but also make a visible impact on it. As I look back on my time in Nice, I feel immeasurable gratitude for the experience and the memories I will carry with me forever.
Copyright (©) 2010 - 2025 Youth Hostel | Our Privacy Policy | Cookies | | RPC
