Meet Eva Bristow: One of ITC’s most inspiring graduates yet!
Eva Bristow was working full time and feeling the drive to make a change. Before long she was learning about ITC’s online options with Study From Home, hearing about the Fees Free Program, and enrolling!
The story from there has been something of a ‘Great Journey,’ so we of course had to catch Eva for an interview to hear all about it.
How did your adventure begin with us at ITC?
My adventure with ITC began at a time when I was wanting a change in my career and something positive to work towards. I had been in my previous job for five years, and I felt ready for a new path. I started looking online for travel and tourism courses, and that’s when I came across ITC and the Study From Home programme.
Because I was working full-time, the flexibility to study in my own time was a huge advantage. I also didn’t finish high school, so when the reception team kindly explained Fees Free and how it could support my studies, it motivated me even more to begin.
I completed my Level 3 in Travel & Tourism through Study From Home, and for my Level 4 I studied on campus. I graduated both levels, and because I didn’t get to graduate high school, these were actually my first ever graduations. I’m so grateful that ITC was where I finally got to experience that moment and prove to myself what I could achieve.
What do you think ITC does differently from other education providers?
ITC stands out because of its flexibility, especially the Study From Home option which made education possible for me while working full-time.
But what truly makes ITC different is the people, the support, the patience, and the genuine care from the staff. I especially want to acknowledge Toni Young, who was an incredible support throughout my studies.
What is your fondest memory of ITC?
My fondest memory is getting to experience being in a classroom again and feeling part of something. I missed out on finishing high school due to difficult circumstances, so returning to study, completing my qualifications, and walking across the graduation stage meant so much to me.
Another special memory was the Study From Home experience, learning online, managing my time, and still feeling fully supported. Both in-person and online studies gave me confidence I never had before.
Please tell us about your career journey so far since you’ve graduated
Since graduating, my career journey has been incredible. I am now a Customer Service Host onboard the Great Journeys of New Zealand Northern Explorer, which has been a dream opportunity.
In many ways this role feels like a stepping stone toward my dream of becoming a flight attendant, except this is like cabin crew but on a train. I get to meet people from all around the world and travel through some of Aotearoa’s most beautiful landscapes. Some of my favourite moments are passing the Three Mountains, including Mt Ruapehu, and travelling across viaducts like the Makatote Viaduct.
Every shift is different, and I genuinely love what I do.
What was your biggest learning so far?
My biggest learning has been realising how capable I truly am. Studying while working full-time taught me discipline, confidence, and time-management.
I’ve also learned the importance of communication and customer service – connecting with people from all walks of life, staying professional under pressure, and representing manaakitanga in everything I do.
Tell us about your new role
I am a Customer Service Host in the Scenic Plus section of the Northern Explorer. Scenic Plus is similar to a premium cabin on an aircraft, guests enjoy a full service experience including multi-course meals, beverages, wine pairings, and hospitality throughout their journey.
Our role isn’t only service; we also share history, kōrero, and sometimes waiata to help bring the 11-hour journey to life. The team I work with is supportive and passionate, and there’s never a dull moment. The menus are amazing, the scenery is unforgettable, and the customer interactions make every day enjoyable.
How did ITC prepare or support you for all this?
ITC prepared me right from the start. When I began, I knew nothing about travel or tourism, and ITC gave me the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
The support from my tutors, especially John and the reception team was incredible. I also want to give a big shout out to Sarndra!, who helped me with everything from my CV to interview practice and always believed in me.
ITC didn’t just teach me the industry, they helped me grow personally and professionally.
What are you most excited about for your journey from here?
I’m excited for the opportunities that will come from this experience, whether that’s growing further within Great Journeys of New Zealand or eventually stepping into flight attending. I’m excited to see the doors this career will continue to open and the people I’ll meet along the way.
What advice do you have for others wanting to study tourism?
If studying travel and tourism ever crosses your mind, even for a moment, do it! It’s a fun, rewarding, and exciting industry full of opportunities.
And do it with ITC. They’re flexible, supportive, and genuinely invested in their students. If you’re working full-time, Study From Home is perfect, and if you want the classroom experience, the tutors and staff are amazing.
Tourism will open doors you never expected, and ITC will guide you every step of the way.
Looking for a career change?
Eva’s story proves that’ making a career change – even if you’re already several years in – is entirely possible. With Study From Home, students can earn a qualification online in their own time, even whilst working full time.
But Eva didn’t just prove that you can study full time while working, she also proved that you can land yourself in an incredible, rewarding career in just a few short years.
Contact us today to learn more!
