Day 14

Congratulations Punta Cana Maymester 2011 students! We did it!! 

This morning, we presented to the head executives of the Punta Cana International Airport. The presentation explained the results of the surveys distributed as well as suggestions to improve customer satisfaction. Perhaps the most interesting finding was the correlation between cleanliness of the airport and guest satisfaction.

Graduate students, Jason, Abran, Jenn and Lauren presented and the executives were given a copy of both the report and poster to hang in the airport. There was also some discussion of translating the poster in the airport to different languages. How exciting for the University of South Carolina to be represented in the Punta Cana International Airport!

After the presentation, Dr. Harrill drove us to a market in Bavaro where we purchased souvenirs, ate fresh seafood, and enjoyed the beach. We then came back to the resort where students tossed footballs in the pool or napped in the hammock. 

Tonight we look forward to a great last night as a group. This is truly an experience that none of us will forget. Adios!

Day 13

After putting the final touches on the report and creating both a PowerPoint presentation and poster, we are finished with the consulting project. Relief and content has spread over the students as well as the realization that we all will be leaving such a beautiful place in two days.

We all have enjoyed the beautiful weather and friendly people here and are sad to say goodbye. 

Tomorrow morning we will present our findings from the airport surveys.  Wish us luck tomorrow when we present!

Day 12

Today we spent the day working tirelessly again on creating the report. Many student set up their computers in both the lobby area and various rooms in order to compile information to create the cohesive report. 

After the work was done, students were given free time and the option to eat dinner wherever they chose, some visiting the local village for some Mexican Cuisine. Others needed a fast food fix and visited the village’s Wendy’s for a quick hamburger. After dinner, some students hung out in the hotel lobby until the DJ started playing music. The evening quickly became a dance party with students meeting other students from Virginia Tech and Sandiego State University also studying aboard in Punta Cana.

Tomorrow is our last day to finalize the report and create both a presentation and poster to be hung in the airport. Wish us luck!

Day 11

Today the our group split into two; one group stayed at the resort to work on the consulting project and the other left the resort to go on a field trip. 

The group that stayed at the resort worked tirelessly on compiling information gathered from the airport surveys into one cohesive report. Tables and charts were created showing customer satisfaction levels at of travelers. Once completed, the students plan on creating poster that will hang in both the airport and resort’s foundation and presenting the findings to airport management on Monday morning.

The group that went on the field trip, visited the airport’s catering and Cap Cana, a planned community about 15 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport. At the airport, students were provided with a behind-the-scenes view of food preparation and packaging to be served during flights. The students were offered various samples of food items offered including steak and brownies! Yum! 

After visiting the airport and having a short break at the hotel, the students left the resort and traveled to Cap Cana. Upon arrival, students were amazed that such a beautiful community existed so close to the isolated airport and resort. This tourism/real estate community focuses on using environmentally sustainable development and went as far as creating radio towers to resemble palm trees to not disrupt the aesthetic beauty of the community. The students were given a tour complete and a chance to view  Donald Trump’s branded residential development area overlooking the Cap Cana Bay, a marina, the Secrets exclusive adults only resort, and the Punta Espada Golf Course which was designed by Jack Nicklaus. This golf course is listed by Golfweek as the #1 golf course in the Caribbean and Mexico. The students learned that in order to speed the growth of permanent population to the Cap Cana residential area, the Dominican government is offering a ten year tax exemption for residents purchasing property there. 

Day 10

After a leisurely morning around at the resort, the students met at the pool in the afternoon to walk together as a group to the lagoon. To get to the lagoon, we had to cross through the “jungle,” a part of the ecological foundation’s undeveloped land on the resort. Though this area had cleared walkways and bridges, the word “jungle” brought the idea of adventure in our minds, a feeling that many students were craving after being on the resort. 

Students covered themselves with bug spray and sunscreen for the event and three even carried walking sticks. After about ¼ mile walk, we arrived at our destination, a pristine freshwater lagoon. The see-through, aqua water was crisp and refreshing. We felt as if we were the only beings to discover such a place except for a single white heron that would periodically swim past us. 

The students spent the afternoon jumping off a 15 foot cliff into the lagoon while others rated and watched each jump. It was truly a magical day that many of us will not soon forget.

Day 9

Let the games begin! After a short morning of data processing for some, the afternoon games for “Funfest 2011” kicked off. The students began with a game of bocce ball and later moved to the beach side volleyball court. There, we were able to meet some student from Virginia Tech’s engineering program who were also down here for study abroad. After speaking to them, we learned that they will be here until mid June and some are working with proper waste disposal.  Though we didn’t know much on that topic, many of us offered advice about the Dominican Republic as many of us believe we are experts on the topic now.

After volleyball, the students separated in the afternoon in order to prepare for dinner. Some went to the pool, others to the gym, and Dr. Harrill visited a freshwater lagoon on the property. He promises to take the group tomorrow!

We all cant wait for this outing and after the past five days on the resort or at the airport, we are all eager to view new parts of the property!

 

Day 8

Today was our last day of survey distribution and data entering. We are all tired but working hard to finish entering the data.

Dr. Harrill has graciously given us the afternoon off tomorrow for what Jenn, a PHD student from Clemson, is referring to as "Funfest 2011." The plan is for the students to relax on the beach, at the pool or participate in recreation/sports provided. The resort currently has foosball,  ping pong, and a pool table as well as a life sized chess board and beach volleyball court.

The students were partnered up during dinner in order to plan the best way to prepare for tomorrow's activities. Some students are really getting into the competitive nature of "Funfest 2011" and are planning to go to bed early and eat an nutritious breakfast. Others have decided to just enjoy this evening and afternoon tomorrow and have given up having a competitive spirit.

Overall, tomorrow looks like a fun day for all. It feels good to reward ourselves with a relaxing day at the resort after 4 long days at the airport.