ITC students experience some of NZ’s top tourist activities
ITC organises field trips for its students so they can experience first-hand what it’s like to be a tourist in New Zealand
How would you like to be a tourist in New Zealand for a few days? This is an experience students from the International Travel College (ITC) get to enjoy during their studies.
ITC organises a field trip (Famil) for its travel and tourism students, so they can see first-hand what it is like to work in the industry and to be a visitor in New Zealand.
Last month, a group of excited classmates spent an amazing few days at some of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions.
“The Famil is always a highlight of the course curriculum,” said ITC Tutor Jacques van Rensburg.
“Nothing prepares the students better for the industry than experiencing it themselves. They learn about it in the classroom, then they get out there and give it a go.”
This year, the Famil Group headed south of Auckland to a range of attractions, including Blue Duck Station and Lake Aniwhenua in Whakahoro and Agroventures in Rotorua.
Students participated in activities such as target shooting, flax weaving and white water rafting. ITC designed the Famil to cover the full spectrum of tourist activities.
“We try to include all types of tourism, such as eco tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism and tour guiding,” says Jacques.
ITC students are taught traditional Maori Flax weaving
Although a lot of fun, the Famil is first and foremost an educational experience. Students learn about New Zealand native bush and bird life, Maori customs and local history.
One night, the students even sleep in a Marae after receiving a traditional Maori Welcome and observing some rare Maori Rock Art.
When they come back to the classroom, they have a much deeper knowledge of the New Zealand tourism landscape and are able to apply this to their studies.
“For many of our students, it’s their first time visiting these places and experiencing New Zealand culture from a tourist’s perspective,” says Jacques.
“It’s amazing to see how much they grow and learn.”
ITC’s February Famil group outside their Stray Tours bus
One Response to “ITC students experience some of NZ’s top tourist activities”
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okere falls rafting says:
It sounds terribly fun, I’ve ne’er detected of doing this before! certainly my bucket goes on the list! i’d adore to generally travel New island it’s sort of a paradise for nature and journey lover like me!
okere falls rafting