Disney Exchange inspires two friends to return to ITC

Posted on 14/05/2019 by Jess O'Connor

When good friends Amina Tipuna and Aunima Haque graduated from ITC and travelled to Disney World for work experience, they weren’t sure what to expect.

Now, after spending an incredible 12 months living and working at “the Happiest Place on Earth”, Amina and Aunima have returned to ITC to further their education with a Diploma in Tourism.

They say their time at Disney was so inspiring, it really cemented their passion for the tourism industry.

“I came back from Disney determined to extend my knowledge of the travel and tourism industry and gain a higher qualification,” says Amina.

Meanwhile Aunima says “just being at Disney inspired me to come back to ITC, I can’t really explain why!”

Below, Amina and Aunima share some highlights from their time at Disney World and some great advice for students who are thinking about pursuing their Disney dreams, as well as some insight about studying at ITC.

Do you have any tips for people who want to go to Disney World?

Amina: “Do your research! Make sure you take time to study a little about Disney and the program itself. Look at YouTube videos of participants of the Disney College Program and familiarise yourself with the experience. I’d also ask ITC for help with tailoring your CV and preparing for the interview. I was really nervous about my interview, but it was like a normal conversation with a friend. It was very laid back and comfortable, this made me feel at ease and allowed my true self to shine through.”

Aunima: “My advice for anyone wanting to go to Disney is to prepare for living in a completely new environment. Disney is a complete world of its own. Be prepared to meet lots of new people (who will eventually feel like family) and follow Disney’s rules and have fun. Make sure to make and capture memories. I know I still look back at all the memories I made last year. Enjoy the magic.”

How did studying at ITC help prepare you for Disney World?

Amina: “ITC helped me become more self-motivated and confident in my abilities and potential. I’m more organised, too. ITC also helped boost my knowledge of the travel and tourism industry and gave me some good skills to use in a work role.”

Aunima: “Today I’m more confident and social, I would say ITC made me more confident in Level 4 particularly because I was more comfortable with my class.”

What inspired you to study travel and tourism at ITC in the first place?

Amina: “Definitely the tutors and the welcoming environment. I had a passion for travel and tourism in high school but was actually considering a different path. This changed when I met the ITC course adviser, I immediately felt this overwhelming passion to pursue travel and tourism. It was also really reassuring to know the tutors would be there to help us in times of need.”

Aunima: “I like the teaching method of ITC and how it’s a little more hands on learning than at university. The class sizes are also smaller, so we’re able to one on one’s with our tutors if and when we need help, unlike university where classes are large and very hard to get one on one time with lecturers.”

If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, what would you say?

Amina: “If I could talk to my younger self on my first day of ITC, I would probably tell myself not to procrastinate so much, don’t leave things to the last minute and manage your time wisely. I would also tell myself everythings going to be fine and to ask for help when I’m unsure of things.”

Aunima: “I would tell my younger self to be more confident and that its okay to be nervous, but it’ll be okay and you’ll make friends. I’d also tell myself to keep my head high because there’s many amazing experiences ahead.”

Do you have a favourite Disney quote?

Amina: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” – Walt Disney

Aunima: “All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

Any other advice or tips you’d like to share?

Amina: “When studying at ITC, just try to do your best in a timely manner. If applying for Disney, always be yourself!! If you get accepted, live in the moment. Don’t take things for granted. Spend and cherish time with friends, as you’ll eventually part from them at the end of the program. MAKE SOME MAGIC!”

Aunima: “Be confident. Be kind to yourself and others. These two things will get you very far in life and at ITC and Disney.”

Are you inspired by Amina and Aunima’s story? Get in touch today to learn more about studying travel and tourism at ITC.

Posted in News, Student success, Study inspiration |