Cathy Alder: “Just How I Always Wanted It”

ITC Tutor Cathy Alder (nee Morris), shares her experience of getting married in beautiful Rarotonga, surrounded by friends and family.   I chose to get married in Rarotonga because it is my favourite place on earth.

As a flight attendant I went there many, many times and in the back of my mind I always thought this would be the place I would get married.

Because I wanted my wedding in a specific place and time, I spent a year planning. It felt like a long wait, but to me the excitement of a holiday starts right at the planning stage, and it was definitely worth it!

Getting on the plane felt so familiar and made me miss flying, but my main feeling was excitement and when we landed I thought: “I’m finally here!”

Waking up on a beautiful beach in Rarotonga is bliss. I’m an early riser, so at 6am I set off for a walk to soak in my first day in paradise. Because I was thinking about fitting into my wedding dress I ran the rest of the mornings before the big day! You couldn’t find a nicer place to exercise.

I spent the days before the wedding hanging around with family and friends, being looked after by the amazing staff at our hotel, shopping in the local markets, swimming, kayaking, sunbathing and eating some of the best fish in the world.

And then I got married on a perfect day on a perfect beach with all the people I love around me… just how I always wanted it.

If you have never been to Rarotonga, I recommend this little island for so many reasons: it’s close; you can use NZD; it’s cheap; the people are lovely; there are Kiwi cafes and great coffee; and the swimming and snorkeling is some of the best in the world. You can find plenty to do or really just do nothing at all.

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ITC Finalist in Auckland Export Awards

The International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) has been announced as a finalist in the Auckland Export Awards in the QBE Insurance Exporter of the Year category.

This category is open to businesses with total sales under $25 million and with a minimum of 20 per cent of revenue from exports.

“This recognises our excellence in export education, which is so crucial to New Zealand, and also to our industry,” says ITC’s Marketing Director Claire Huxley.

ITC, which has been a premium supplier of full-time and part-time training programmes for the airline, travel and tourism industries since 1996, is well placed to understand the importance of international markets.

“Our industry, by its very nature, requires that we have well-trained people from all over the world here in New Zealand, and also that the graduates we send overseas represent the very best Kiwis have to offer,” says Claire.

ITC has strong industry connections and an excellent reputation both in New Zealand and overseas, which Claire believe has been critical to its success in the awards.

The college’s international students make up around 10 per cent of its student body and have a strong 95 per cent completion rate. International students are given support to become familiar with the New Zealand tourism employment market once they have completed their studies and regularly gain employment in their chosen industry.

“At ITC we really celebrate that, more than ever, travel and tourism is a worldwide concern, and we work hard to make the most of the international aspect of this industry.”

As well as welcoming international students to New Zealand, ITC’s New Zealand graduates regularly gain positions with international air and cruise lines, and on international cultural exchanges, such as Disneyworld’s “Live, Learn and Earn” programme.

The college’s tutors come from numerous places around the globe and have worked all over the world in a wide variety of companies and organisations.

“It’s a real cultural exchange,” says Claire. “There are very few places where people cannot travel these days, and there are so many opportunities for people to gain experience and to work and live within different countries and cultures. It’s fantastic to be able to offer that opportunity to international students. ”

“This is the first year we have entered these awards, and we are absolutely thrilled to be among the finalists. We are proud of our international student success and delighted to be able to contribute to contribute to New Zealand’s education community and its travel and tourism economies.”

The Auckland Export Awards are run by ExportNZ, which is a division of BusinessNZ and, at a regional level, a division of the Employers & Manufacturers Association. For more information see: http://hookedonexport.co.nz/

ITC to offer Aviation Course via Distance Learning

The International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) will be offering its popular Certificate in Aviation by distance online learning from August 2013.

The level 3 course will be titled the National Certificate in Aviation Core Skills and will prepare students for entry level jobs in the aviation and travel industries. Its particular focus is on students who want to work for an airline or airport.

ITC has been a premium supplier of full-time and part-time training programmes for the airline, travel and tourism industries since 1996, and has campuses in Botany and central Auckland. Since 2006 the college has also offered a number of its courses via distance learning.

“There are many people in New Zealand who are unable to come to on-campus classes,” says Carla Sutton, ITC’s Distance Learning Programme Manager. “The reasons vary from having young children to other study or work to living far away from a campus.”

Students of the new aviation course will be able to choose between a 25-week full-time course and a 49-week part-time course.

“It’s not always easy for people to fit study into a life that is already busy with other commitments,” says Carla. “So we provide specific options and support wherever we can to help our distance students succeed.”

And ITC’s students agree that it all makes a difference.

“I thought it was going to be difficult, as I am also studying at university and looking after my son, but with the help and support from fellow students and ITC, I DID IT!” says graduate Caroline.

And Sarah says: “I have had so many changes and challenges over the last 6 months, and having study on top of it all seemed to be too much at times, but all your kind words and listening ears have made what seemed impossible very possible and easy.”

As with other ITC courses, students are given advice and help to create a CV that puts their best foot forward and highlights their particular strengths. And distance learning support staff put the students through a practice interview to help prepare them for real-world interviews and boost their confidence.

ITC graduate Carla recently got a job at Menzies Aviation: “This is exactly what I want to do and I cannot believe it,” she says. “It is really happening for me! Thank you so much for your wonderful teaching and the time and effort that you have invested in me. You have no idea how much it really means to me.” “That’s what it’s all about for us,” says Carla Sutton. “Knowing that we have made a genuine difference in helping someone to change their life and achieve their dreams. We are really looking forward to being able to offer the aviation course to people who want to work in this exciting field.”

For more information, please email carla@itc.co.nz or wendy@itc.co.nz or check www.itc.co.nz.

ITC Students Get TRENZ Experience

International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) students recently had the opportunity to highlight their skills and gain valuable industry knowledge at New Zealand’s premier tourism trade event – TRENZ 2013.

TRENZ 2013 ran from Sunday 21 – Wednesday 24 April at Auckland waterfront’s Cloud and Shed 10 and comprised an opening function, the Auckland Airport International Speaker programme, workshops, and a farewell ‘Taste of New Zealand’ dinner held at Ponsonby Central.

Inu – The TRENZ bar – was also open at select times during the event to provide opportunities for networking and meetings.

Michelle Chatfield, ITC’s Campus Manager – City, says the students took on a number of important roles at the event, including meeting and greeting delegates and assisting them with general queries. They also helped with setting up and packing out the trade sites.

“Our students were just fantastic,” says Michelle. “They were enthusiastic about helping in any way they could. Working at these kind of events is a great deal of fun if you are prepared to get in stuck and do what is needed. You need to be able to think and respond quickly to a number of different queries and situations.”

It was also a chance for the students to see the tourism industry in action.

“This is one of the largest tourism events in New Zealand,” says Michelle. “We are proud that each time TRENZ is held in Auckland the organisers, Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand, approach us to provide students to help at the event. The students were able to meet representatives from national and international travel organisations. It was a real eye-opener for them to see what a range of opportunities the industry offers.”

ITC has been a premium supplier of full-time and part-time training programmes for the airline, travel and tourism industries since 1996, and has campuses in Botany and central Auckland. The college is committed to providing real-world experiences as part of its training.

“It’s one of the reasons our students have such good job placement rates,” says Michelle. “They are given plenty of opportunities to showcase their skills to the companies that will ultimately hire them, and it gives them a real feel for what working in the airline, travel and tourism industry is all about.”

ITC’s Distance and Online Learning Creates “Memories for Life”

The International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) has been a premium supplier of full-time and part-time training programmes for the airline, travel and tourism industries since 1996, and has campuses in Botany and central Auckland.
Since 2006, ITC has offered several of its courses via and distance and online learning (DOL).
ITC DOL graduate Anita van der Mespel recently achieved her goal of entering the travel and tourism industry with a position at American Express.

“Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me to get me to this place,” says Anita. “You have been truly amazing!”

Anita says that her time with ITC has “created memories that will stick with me for life. I’ve loved my time with you, right from the phone interview at the very beginning!”

“That’s such a wonderful thing to hear,” says ITC’s Marketing Director Claire Huxley. “One of ITC’s strongest features is its sense of being one big family – we really mean that – all the staff know the students by name and we have a huge range of activities that include our on-campus students.

“It’s important to us that our distance and online students feel that same sense of community and connection to the college.”

Many of the DOL courses have on-campus components, such as the Customer Service Workshop run in February this year.

Chantell Awheto attended the workshop and says she had “an awesome time”.

“It was nice to finally meet everyone,” she says. “The hard part is over – graduation, here we come! I look forward to seeing you all there.”

“The workshops give the students a chance to meet each other and their tutors face to face and have some fun in the campus environment,” says Claire. “Learning via distance has many advantages, but it can be isolating. It boosts the students’ confidence when they get together and see how much they have learnt.”

ITC also ensures that its DOL students are included in its prize giving and recognition of special achievements.

“Many of our off-campus students are working and caring for family members as well as studying,” says Claire. “It takes a lot of commitment to remain motivated and connected with your studies when you are not physically surrounded by others who are studying.”

One student who shows such commitment is Greg Bellett, who recently received a Spot Prize for Excellence.
Greg says: “I’m absolutely delighted and humbled to receive such an award. Too much! I’m sure you could have awarded it to any number of hardworking students in any number of classes. I’m enjoying my studies immensely and thank you for your guidance and support.”
“This is our seventh year of offering distance learning,” says Claire, “and its appeal is growing. It allows more people the freedom to upskill in a flexible and supportive environment. We hope it also encourages lifelong learning, where following your interests and passions is an ongoing process.”

Perhaps the best endorsement of that comes from Anita: “I have enjoyed it so much! Should I ever study again, I hope it is with ITC.”

Beyond Expectations – ITC Famil Trip February 2013

Another semester, and another group of ITC students get to experience the fabulous North Island famil trip. The trip never fails to impress our students with the adventure, the beautiful destinations, and the professionalism that the New Zealand tourism industry has to offer. This semester’s trip was no exception.

The first mention of famil got us all excited; we had very high expectations, and right from the start it exceeded those expectations. Our bus driver was a real character and things got a little bit crazy on the bus ride, but with everyone’s levels of excitement rising, who can blame us? Besides who can say no to a good old sing-along?

On arrival at Base Rotorua, our rooms were sorted quickly. The addition of a swimming pool at the backpackers was not wasted on any of us! After settling in, we set off for the Tamaki Maori Village. This was a genuinely culturally enriching experience, and as soon as we arrived we felt engulfed in Maori culture. On the way to the village we elected a male student to play the role of the chief when the powhiri was performed. The ceremony seemed intimidating at first, but finished with the village chief laying down a peace offering. Our elected chief stepped forward to accept the offering.

We then ventured into the village where we were fortunate enough to learn more about Maori culture. A traditional haka was performed in one part of the village, with students joining in on the fun. In another area of the village a group of Maori women performed with poi, and again many of us joined in to try this traditional art. We also witnessed some traditional Maori games.

One aspect of the Maori culture that we were able to truly experience was the hangi. The meal had something for everyone and was enjoyed all round, with pavlova and steamed pudding finishing off the evening. With day one of our famil over, we headed back to our accommodation to get a good night’s sleep in preparation for day two.

Day two was adrenaline-filled and showed us the best side of adventure tourism. We kick-started the day with white water rafting with Kaitiaki Rafting, and those of us looking for a little adventure gladly took the opportunity. White water rafting was an experience I will not soon forget. It was as terrifying as it was exhilarating as we overcame three waterfalls, including one 7-metre fall, continuous rapids along the river and a few other bumps along the way.

To top off the day we headed to Agroventures for another adrenaline rush. We had the option to take part in one of four activities: the Agrojet is equivalent to a formula one racing car – on water; the Swoop raises you over 40 metres into the air, and then drops you to swoop over the ground at 130 kmph; the Freefall Xtreme gives you an experience similar to that of a skydiver; and last but not least, the Shweeb is the world’s only human-powered monorail racetrack. There wasn’t a dull moment while visiting Agroventures!

Early on Wednesday morning we departed Rotorua and headed to Whakahoro. Our destination was Blue Duck Station, but we made a quick stop at the lovely Huka Falls just out of Taupo. On arrival at Blue Duck Station the first thing we noticed is that surrounding scenery is absolutely beautiful. It’s a place where you can truly just soak up the magnificent atmosphere, and part of that are the great people working on Blue Duck Station.

We settled into our rooms and then set off for a beautiful walk down the beaten track with our guide Maggie, who told us the interesting history of the station along the way. One of the greatest things about Blue Duck Station is that it is an exciting location for eco-tourism, with its huge conservation area focused on the endangered blue duck.

We followed another one of our guides, Wendy, down to a well-known spot for seeing blue ducks, but unfortunately it wasn’t our lucky day. We then headed down a narrow and exceptionally muddy trail to the bottom of a waterfall where we took turns kayaking through a beautiful and undisturbed natural wonderland. The narrow river took us down a peaceful path covered in parts by overhanging trees, which made the area seem surreal.  To top off the evening the staff at Blue Duck Station served us a delicious home-cooked meal. Our night ended on a high note as we celebrated one of our fellow student’s birthdays and cooked marshmallows over a bonfire.

Thursday morning’s bus ride home contained a group of exhausted students all ready for a good night’s sleep in their own familiar bed. The famil was an exciting experience for all – whether it was white water rafting, dancing on the bus or encountering the serenity of kayaking on Blue Duck Station – but one thing is for sure, this famil went above and beyond everybody’s expectations.

ITC Excels with International Student Success

International students make up around 10 per cent of the International Travel College of New Zealand’s (ITC) student body. Recent education performance indicators reveal a strong 95 per cent course completion rate for these ITC students.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with that result,” says ITC’s Marketing Director, Claire Huxley. “We do a lot to support our international students, so it’s fantastic to know that it is working.”

ITC’s International Marketing Manager, Lesley Brough, says that she regularly gets positive feedback from the students and thank you letters from parents.

“It’s a big deal to send your son or daughter overseas to study, for any parent from any culture,” says Lesley. “They are genuinely pleased to have made the right choice for their child.”

Lesley credits the college’s small class sizes, the strong tutor support and the “personal touch” as contributing to the success of ITC’s international students. 

“Before they arrive we give them a lot of help and advice about what will happen when they get here, how to set up a bank account or get accommodation in Auckland, for example.”

“Once they are here we meet with them regularly to make sure we know how they are doing; and we hold international student lunches every three to four months to help them connect with and support each other. Our tutors make sure the students get extra personal or academic support if they need it.”

Lesley also keeps the overseas students in touch with what’s happening around Auckland, sending regular emails about events such as the recent free movie nights at the Wynyard Quarter’s Silo Park or ideas for what they can get out and do over a long weekend.

And, as with all ITC students, says Claire Huxley, the international students benefit from ITC tutors’ industry experience and the college’s commitment to providing work experience and employment opportunities through its industry contacts.

“We help our students prepare their CVs for the New Zealand market, hone their interview skills and guide them through the employment process, which is often different from what they are familiar with,” says Claire.

“It all goes a long way to providing a secure and supportive environment for our international students. And their strong completion rates are a fantastic indicator that we are providing what they need.”

ITC Spreads Christmas Cheer to Those in Need

International Travel College has been helping Auckland City Mission to provide gifts and food for families in need this festive season.

The Auckland City Mission relies on the generosity of the public to be able to continue to provide its increasingly stretched services to the Aucklanders who need them most.
 
The team at ITC worked closely with the Mission this year by creating three themed weeks for its students to get involved in: the themed donations focused on cans, sweets and biscuits, and noodles. ITC donated additional items that the Mission could use as gifts for Christmas.
 
Last year barely half the queue outside the Auckland City Mission was able to receive gifts for their families and, sadly, some were turned away. 

This year ITC did its part to provide gifts for more families by creating an appeal and spreading the word through social media.

“Our mindset was that every little bit counts,” says ITC’s Melissa Verwijmeren. “We had an incredible response from a number of companies that meant we were able to provide an abundance of useful items.”

Companies such as Ezibuy, Creo Gyms and many Twitter users followed ITC’s Facebook invitation and the college was able to deliver numerous gifts and food parcels in weeks leading up to Christmas.
 
“For a small idea to become such a huge success gave the team at ITC a huge feeling of gratitude,” says Melissa. “Not to mention the warm fuzzy feeling of helping so many people in need this Christmas season!

“Many of us are going home to our friends and family and just having a simple appreciation of how lucky we all are.”

“ITC is proud to support the Auckland City Mission in its care of families in need, and it’s been a great way for us to start the festive season,” says Melissa.

Guest blogger – Blogger at Large!

In this blog, we would like to introduce you to Megan Singleton who has been travel writing for 12 years and blogging for 6. It’s been a fantastic ride (as you can probably guess). She has over 400 posts here where you’ll find reviews, tips, itinerary ideas, recommendations for places to stay and things to do and all sorts of tidbits from her travels.

She has been chuffed to receive the US Travel Association Travel Writers Award in 2009 and 2011 and she is on the list of NZs Top 50 Tweeters.

Imagine dropping your camera down the squat toilet, chicken that gives you diseases and a belching masseuse. These are just some of the funny things you can encounter on your travels.

Check out this funny blog from ‘Blogger at Large’

http://www.bloggeratlarge.com/bizarre/my-worstfunniestcringiest-travel-moments/

A long way to travel

One of ITC’s latest International Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management students has travelled a long way to be here.

Nurul is from Singapore, which she describes as “a little red dot in the world map.”

After graduating from high school Nurul began work in a restaurant, but she had always wanted to be part of the travel and tourism industry.

Checking the internet for available courses, Nurul came across ITC.

“My mum and I got interested,” she says, “so we made some enquiries via email since we’re 8404km apart!”

After receiving more information Nurul decided to enrol for the October intake.

She and her mother travelled all the way from Singapore for ITC’s open day – a definite first for the college!

“I was really impressed with the college and especially how friendly the college’s personnel was!” says Nurul. “Lesley got me all excited to start my course. It definitely had a positive impression on my first visit there. We took a look around and I was happy that I made the right choice.”
 
Nurul says she has never regretted the decision to move to New Zealand and study at ITC.

“The environment is safe and conducive to learning; the tutors are really helpful too. ITC is more than just a college; it’s my second family!”

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