Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee
Duration
12 Months
Work Type
All J1 Programs, Culinary Arts, Food & Beverage, Rooms Division
Dates
2025
Wage
$17.00 per hour
Hours
32+ hours per weekIntern at Gaylord Opryland Resort
Ready to take your hospitality career to the next level — in one of the most iconic resorts in the USA?
This unique 12-month internship gives international students and young professionals the opportunity to train at the legendary Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee — the largest non-gaming hotel in the United States and a standout in Marriott’s global portfolio.
As a program participant, you’ll choose from three tailored training tracks:
- Food & Beverage – Gain hands-on experience in restaurant service, events, and guest interaction across the resort’s many dining outlets.
- Culinary Arts – Learn professional kitchen operations, from prep to plating, in high-volume and fine dining environments.
- Rooms Division – Rotate through front desk and guest services, mastering the art of luxury hospitality from check-in to farewell.
Throughout your internship, you’ll rotate through multiple departments, build valuable skills, and experience what it’s like to be part of a world-class hospitality team — all while living just minutes from the heart of Music City.
From the energy of Nashville to the scale and magic of the resort itself, this program promises an unforgettable combination of professional development, cultural exchange, and Southern hospitality at its finest.
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What You’ll Do on the Program
Culinary Arts Program
On this chef-led track, you’ll rotate through multiple kitchens and dining concepts — from casual fare to fine dining and large-scale banquet service.
Sample rotations may include:
- Hot food station
- Live cooking station
- Garde Manger (cold kitchen)
- Line cook
- Banquets and large events
- Fine dining kitchens
You’ll work alongside experienced chefs while building serious skills in high-volume, high-quality food production.
Pay Rate: $17.00 USD/hour
Hours: Guaranteed minimum of 32 per week
Food & Beverage Program
Step into a guest-facing role across the resort’s many dining venues and event spaces. You’ll gain exposure to a mix of service styles and settings — from casual dining to upscale events.
- Sample rotations may include:
- Seater / Greeter / Hostess
- Restaurant Server
- Banquet & Events Team
Pay Rate: $15.00/hour ($15.50 for trainees) = server $7.25 + tips
Hours: Minimum 32 hours per week
Rooms Division Program
If guest experience is your thing, this track gives you full insight into front desk and concierge operations at a world-class resort.
Sample rotations may include:
- Front Desk
- Hotel Concierge
- Guest Services
Across both F&B and Rooms Division tracks, you’ll also learn how to:
- Manage guest check-ins and room assignments
- Operate switchboard systems
- Process guest requests with professionalism and care
- Maintain Marriott’s exceptional service standards
Pay Rate: $17.00 – $18.50 USD/hour
Hours: Minimum 32 hours per week
Participants will be provided with a range of learning opportunities throughout the year, gaining exposure to a range of front-desk and concierge operations. Guest check-in and room assignments, operating a telephone switchboard system, running and checking daily reports, processing all guest requests and concerns, and providing excellent guest service at all times will become part of the everyday responsibilities in this role. Most importantly, you will learn how to complete these to the high standards that you would expect from a leading Marriott resort, gaining a skill set that will compliment your professional career and enhance your future career prospects.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is a destination in itself. With 2,888 guest rooms, 700,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space, and 9 acres of indoor gardens, waterfalls, and waterways under soaring glass atriums — this is hospitality on a massive scale.
Guests can explore:
-
Relâche Spa & Salon
-
Gaylord Springs Golf Links
-
On-site shops and restaurants
-
SoundWaves: a 4-acre, multi-level indoor/outdoor waterpark
-
A Country Christmas: festive shows, ice kingdom, skating, and 3 million+ lights!
Nearby attractions include:
-
The Grand Ole Opry
-
Opry Mills shopping centre
-
Country Music Hall of Fame
-
The General Jackson Showboat
You’ll need to arrange your own long-term accommodation for this program, but don’t stress — we’ve got resources to help point you in the right direction.
Temporary Stay Option:
You can stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort for your first two weeks after arrival at a discounted rate:
-
$60.00 USD/night
This gives you time to settle in and find housing that suits your needs.
