by Lauren Palmour, Graduate from the June, 2009 program
Working in Europe was a dream of mine that I’ve had for years. So when I found this job through one of my Lauterstein-Conway Classmates Dawn Page, I was ecstatic. It’s a job at a Military Resort at the base of the Bavarian Alps, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen Germany. To wake up everyday to a dream is worth, so much to me. The job- Working for the military is interesting in itself, but also an adventure. Being a massage therapist you almost always have an interesting person on your table.
When they get off the table with a smile cause you help them get rid of a pain they have had for a long period of time, it just reminds me of the miracle of massage. The Hotel during their down time converted two suits into three massage rooms and an esthetician room. You give no more than 5 massages a day and only work 4 to 5 days a week. The only time that usually changes is if someone is sick, not full of massages for the day, or you request time off.
The housing and all the utilities are free, but it’s in a dorm like setting. Massage therapist, cooks and a couple other certified individuals get their own room, but the rest of the dorm are doubles. Community bathroom, showers, and kitchens. The living situation is just like a college dorm, but it’s free. Let’s you spend more money on traveling throughout Europe. The employers really encourages you to travel because they want American’s to experience all that they can.
The dorms are on the opposite side of the town from the Resort and Base. The walk is about 30 minutes, but that is a great time to look at the surroundings and met the local towns people. I have enjoyed everything so far and 10 more months to go till I return to the States. If you want to travel with your job, this is a great opportunity.
I also wanted to tell you a funny story about one of the massages I had today…A man walked in for a deep massage and walked out asking what massage school I went to and so I told him. He really wanted to know because he thought it was a “GREAT” massage. I just wanted to say thank you for all the wonderful training y’all give us. I have always thought I had the best training, but when I have someone that has gotten massage all over the world for many, many years give a great compliment like that, I just wanted to pass along the wonderful news.