LordFrost’s Guide to ITC

Posted on 23/11/2011 by itcnz

Now, how do you survive at ITC one might ask?

There are lots of ways to get through the 12 months spent one of the best career paths in the world. I chose a variation of ways that I would never try to take back.

So I’m going break down this guide month by month, using my 12 months as a base for you all.

JANUARY – Welcome to the International Travel College.
It’s like starting a new job, going to a new school or going to your best friends family reunion. It’s awkward, annoying, and a little bit scary. So as the saying goes, take a big glass of harden up and be yourself.

Things started with Introductions of who you are & why you decided to go to International Travel College. Which for me, was a career change. I was in hospitality and while it was cool, it wasn’t quite for me – so I thought I’d explore the other side of it.

The same month was the International Student Welcome, the Student Council Election, and the Amazing Race event. Firstly, the Student Welcome.

When Michelle asked for volunteers for the event, I figured since I wasn’t the most selfless person at High School I figured to do as much as I could to meet and greet people who may help me at some point in my career’s future, not to mention that it led to some awesome experiences and times.

So myself, and a few other students were taken to the Aotea Centre, given the first of the ITC shirts that would become my small obsession from the course haha, and then asked to usher students to their seats, answer questions – “where are the toilets?” was a frequent one. It was a fantastic time, and had a few laughs with Michelle and other students.

Secondly, the Student Council.

This one kinda fell in my lap. We were told to have two people to represent us at meetings with Kerry & Michelle regarding upcoming events and just the goings-on in the college.

I’m quite the dominant person by nature, so I tried very hard to push the role onto people who’s voices weren’t heard during class, giving them the chance to make themselves known, but only one spoke up – and the class appointed me as the other. So I accepted. This too was a great experience. It was almost like attending a work meeting, and I made friends from some of the other classes that were enrolled at the same time.

Lastly, the Amazing Race.

Student Event #1 – this was incredible. It was the first of what now seems to be an annual event. A race around the CBD answering the odd question and filling out clues. We didn’t win, but we had great fun in doing so. I also managed to score a second ITC shirt – but then so did the rest of the college. Still, a lot of hard work, and in the sun it was a fantastic day out.

FEBRUARY – MARCH – APRIL – The Work Begins & Events Galore.

I don’t really remember the events for February & March. But I do know that the work was far more important. We managed to cover Destination NZ – and I’m sorry to say, but that was the longest most drawn out BORING assessment EVER …. Unfortunately for me it was but 1 of the 4 ugly assessments that had to be done. It was followed by Destination Australia, Destination United Kingdom & Destination USA. All of which just seemed to go on and on and on. A lot of self motivation and force was required to accomplish them. Needless to say, I was informed they were reviewed and I’m told shortened after my class did them – Thanks ITC, thanks a whole lot …. :P

The Easter Bunny Event. From what I remember was to dress up someone as an Easter Bunny. The best bunny won. That wasn’t us haha.

I also scored a ITC shirt for helping out at Pasifika – that was INCREDIBLE. The sheer amount of people there was amazing. It was a recruitment day for the college, and the students task was to show just how fantastique ITC is. I don’t know just how many people were involved, but there was a lot of interest.

I missed of couple of other events though, unsure as to why, may have been sick or late.

MAY – JUNE – JULY – Somewhere in here was TRENZ

TRENZ. What more can one say. The industry proved just how big it really was when they set up their tiny stalls at the ASB Showgrounds. The shirts here were a more professional look (though a collar with long sleeves would have been nicer :P). Anyway, we got to meet some future employers, but also got a look at some of the newest products or deals offered. The best thing was knowing TRENZ is an invite only event and that the products would be displayed later in the year at the public Travel Expo.

I think this same month was the Wearable Arts or Food Fun events. The Wearable arts was HILARIOUS, it was Kiwiana themed, and our model. She was the College Diva and she walked that plastic bag dress we made & made it work like it was Armani Couture, needless to say she won Best Model – we were happy with that.

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER – Global Wednesday.

Around this time, the decision to do the IATA exams had to be made. At the time I didn’t feel ready, but looking back, I should have just done it. It would have been FAR easier than juggling the classes like I did. Still was great to learn it. And I still retain most of the stuff learnt. Had like, youngest of our tutors for it and she made it like the most incredible subject to learn. Trust me, she made it look so easy – but it’s so much more of a challenge at times. A big ups for the homemade Play-Dough to help us too :)

Global Wednesday – ah the best event of the year. We got landed with France. Well that was it was in there with ideas like a bullet from a gun. We had a very wide range of cultures and personalities in our class and fitting them all into the concept was horrid. But we did it. We had a Mime, french maid, chef, artist, Coco Chanel, French Rugby player & Burlesque Dancer oh and 2 of three Musketeers. With out French Vanilla Cheesecake, Quiche & Grape Juice (Wine) and very lame attempt at the Can-Can since our song was like ….. well insert alternative name for dumb here. We still won and were over the moon.

OCTOBER – Halloween Trivial Pursuits, Coke Expo & Work Experience

This was a disappointing event from my class as only two others wanted to take part. So myself & my classmates went away from the Witches & Demons that plague Halloween. We were class, we were heavenly, we were Greek Gods – Apollo, Athena & Hera. We were also, LATE.

We won best costume, realized we knew like NOTHING about NZ or the current events at the time. BUT – we did have a ball and I thank those two for partaking.

Coke Expo – this was like a careers expo on steroids. Again the ASB Showgrounds hosted a HUGE number of High School Students looking at the many doors open to them. Myself (and what would be my last ITC shirt – i think ) and a few other students helped Michelle again with recruiting students or at the very least helping decide whether ITC was the right step for them. That was a huge event and from what I recall, we were the most visible of the tourism institutes – stall wise I mean.

Work Experience – ah the fateful encounter that got me my current job.

I was lucky enough to get to spend a week at Intercity Coachlines, while my first choice would have been Contiki if it was offered. I couldn’t see myself happy at Rainbow’s End, Thrifty Car Rentals, or Nomad’s Backpackers. And what a week. I learnt so much from the staff at the Travel Centre (which is where I work now) and I was so over joyed to hear from Ceri that I had been offered to work there. I went and discussed the hours with the manager, and soon I was a part-timer learning the Tourism Industry from within. With only a month left before I was finished, I was happy to have a place to go when I finished.

NOVEMBER – DECEMBER – The End of an Era, well 12 months.
It was time for the best 12 months of my educational life to come to end. And I mean the BEST. Like anything it wasn’t a bed of Roses. But the staff & students I met there I will never forget. Last event was the Beach Day out and it was a BEAUTIFUL sunny day, I know this cos I got burnt. It was a real fun filled day where students & tutors could completely unwind, which they did!

Last day was celebrated with a few classmates and nice STRONG drink. And the tutors had the same idea – as we saw them at the pub across the road, yeah don’t think you could hide behind the sunnies guys, we got you – you on Candid Camera now! :)

Overall it was one of the best times of my life. So much knowledge gained & shared. And when I’m all experienced and over travelled – I’ll be expecting a teaching position there. You know this don’t you Claire, Kerry, Michelle ….. Guys, you’re listening right?! o_O

So, if you’re unsure, and thinking if ITC is the place to study. I tell you – it is.

This is like, the clearest of my memories, and don’t let my thoughts of some of the assessments deter you – the good must come with the bad, you will enjoy it.

I guarantee you this – please note there is no money back guarantee you will need to make the experience your own – but the staff are there to help you, they want you to get the best out of the study so you can get the best out of the industry. Look for me on the ITC Wall of Fame in the City Campus. I should be there along with my fellow classmates and a few friends you may know who went there.

All I can say is if you’re wanting to get into Tourism, ITC is the place to be …..

 

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