From the bustling streets of Indonesia to the charming southern coast of Georgia, Bima Danuarta’s journey as a J1 Trainee is nothing short of inspiring.
We caught up with him to hear how a leap of faith turned into a life-changing experience in Sea Island, one of the most prestigious resorts in the United States.
Why the USA?
“I wanted to gain knowledge, experience, and skills. I also wanted to learn more about American culture and improve my English. The USA is one of the best places for hospitality, and I believe it can be my bridge to becoming a successful person.”
First Impressions
For Bima, arriving in the US was exciting, yet a little intimidating.
“Everything looked big and different. But people were friendly, and I felt happy to start my journey here.” {
A Day in the Life
From opening duties to celebrating special moments with guests, Bima shared his daily routine with us:
“When I first started my training, my role was as an expediter. That meant being right in the middle between the kitchen and the service team making sure everything flowed smoothly from the chef’s hands to the guests’ table. It was fast-paced and taught me how important timing and communication are in hospitality. Now, I’m working as a host, and each day has its own rhythm. I usually begin by opening the restaurant, setting up the podium, checking the menus, and adjusting the lights and music to create the right atmosphere.
Then I move on to reservations: confirming bookings, making floor plans for the servers’ sections, and preparing lists to keep the flow of service organized. Sometimes, when there’s a last-minute reservation or a walk-in guest, I quickly set up the table with cutlery and plates, so everything is ready without delay.
Some of my favorite moments are when we have special celebrations. I get to decorate tables for anniversaries, birthdays, or surprises, and prepare little touches like celebration cards or flowers. Guests really appreciate those details, and it feels good to be part of their special day.
Throughout service, I escort guests to their tables, take photos for them if they’d like, and coordinate with the chef about special requests. At the end of the night, I close the hostess area, collect flowers, and give a report to the chef and manager on duty with the final guest count and service details.”
“It’s a role that combines organization, teamwork, and guest interaction, and every shift teaches me something new about creating a memorable experience for people.”
A Moment to Remember
One of the highlights of his program happened early on, during his first time serving guests at a luxury dinner.
“I was nervous at first, but after the service, a guest personally thanked me. It made me feel proud and confident. It was the first time I really felt like I belonged here.”
Lessons Learned
During his time at Sea Island Resort, Bima gained both professional and personal skills.
Professionally: working in a fast-paced, high-standard environment, and communicating effectively with guests and coworkers.
Personally: becoming more independent, confident, and open-minded.
“Especially in the beginning, I struggled with language barriers. But I reminded myself why I joined this program, and I started making friends who helped me feel at home. Over time, I felt more confident speaking English and sharing my culture too.”
About Sea Island: Sea Island is home to three Forbes Five-Star experiences: The Cloister, The Lodge, and The Spa at Sea Island. Recently the resort celebrated 97 years and 80 Forbes Five-Star Awards.
Located on Georgia’s southeastern coast, Sea Island is known for its warm southern hospitality, beautiful beaches, and exceptional guest service. Working here means joining a tradition where attention to detail and care for guests, are part of everyday life.
Living in a World of Cultures
“We celebrated each other’s holidays, shared meals, and had so many laughs. I now have friends from all over the world.”
A Step Toward Bigger Dreams
“The program opened my eyes to global opportunities. I feel more prepared to work in international hospitality. It also helped me grow as a person, more confident, responsible, and ready for bigger dreams.”
Bima’s Advice for Future Participants
- Go for it!
- Be open, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
- Bring something from your culture to share.
- Be ready to learn from others, just as they will learn from you.
“This experience changed my life, and I’ll never forget it. Thank you for giving me this chance.”
This is Bima’s journey. Full of learning, unforgettable moments, and making new friends from all over the world. Now it’s your turn. Take that first step, and who knows… Your own story might inspire someone next!
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