Level 4 ITC students go on a famil of a lifetime
One of the best parts about studying travel and tourism is that it means actually being able to experience the industry while you learn.
That means students aren’t cooped up inside throughout their studies at ITC. Instead we make a point of keeping things as exciting as they are educational with incredible famils that introduce students to the industry in the real world.
What is a famil? The word is short for ‘familiarisation’ and it is the chance to experience tourism products (AKA, get ‘familiar’ with them). It includes various accommodations, activities, sites, and tours. This is so you can really get a feel of what it would be like working in tourism.
Recently, our level four students went on an adventurous famil to visit attractions and learn about how it all works. While heavy rain meant that the original itinerary had to be tweaked slightly, here’s what they go up to!
The ITC famil itinerary
Day 1
Depart for Rotorua via Matamata
Take a thrilling Zorb ride on the way in
Do an educational orientation tour of Rotorua
Visit the Mitai Maori Village in evening
Day 2
Walk around the Redwoods in the morning
Depart for Taupo, with quick stop at Wai O Tapu Mud Pools on way
See the beautiful Huka Falls
Visit the Wairakei Terraces Thermal pools
Enjoy a free evening in Taupo
Day 3
Visit the famous Huka Lodge
Stop in Tirau for lunch
Explore the Hamilton Gardens in afternoon
Head back to Auckland early evening
In just three days, the group of students saw some of the best attractions near Auckland, and learned about what it can be like to work in the industry. Not to mention, the entire tour was led by our fantastic tutor Michelle, who has worked as a tour guide all over New Zealand and Europe.
You can see some of the awesome photos from the trip on our Facebook page.
How did the famil go?
As soon as the group got back, we had a quick chat with tutor Michelle to ask how it all went. As expected, the trip was a roaring success.
“I know they’ve created some awesome memories with their fellow students. I loved seeing them giving things a go, stepping outside their comfort zone and exploring somewhere new, all these skills will help them along their career in travel and tourism,” Michelle said.
She added that her goal was to inspire the students to see the opportunities that working in tourism offers them, and to experience some of the incredible places it can take you.
“As a former tour guide, my career has taking me all over the world, so this trip was the perfect opportunity to encourage the students to see our country through the eyes of our visitors.”
“We were so so lucky to get shown around the luxurious Huka Lodge just outside of Taupo, the late Queen stayed here many times and it is truly one of the most beautiful accommodations we offer here in Aotearoa.”
To make the most of the time spent on the bus, Michelle also gave students assignments for subjects to research to talk about over the microphone on the coach. Each student took a turn to talk about the attractions and places they visited during the trip.
“We might have a few tour guides in the making here!,” Michelle said.
Study with ITC and learn what the tourism industry is really like
Studying with ITC isn’t just sitting in the classroom listening to lessons. We have guest speakers, on-site visits, and famils to help bring the exciting world of travel and tourism to life. Students get to actually experience what they study, and find inspiration for future careers along the way.
If you’re interested in a career in travel and tourism, don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more about our courses, or about how you can enrol today!
Campus Study – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.itc.co.nz/contact-us/
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