Meet one of the first people to take the Tour Guiding Online Course!
Some of Catherine’s travels in Sydney.
ITC recently launched a series of Online Courses designed to give people an introduction into various roles in the travel and tourism industries.
And now, we’re excited to see some of our first students sign up and complete these courses! One such student is Catherine Smith, and her story has absolutely blown us away.
Not only is she moving to New Zealand with her Kiwi husband, she is also looking to get into the industry when she arrives. She even shared some of her favourite recent travels with us!
Read on to find out why she signed up, how she found the course, and what her career goals are.
Why did you sign up for the online course?
I signed up for the online course primarily to prepare myself for a successful transition to New Zealand. My husband, who is a Kiwi, and I are planning to relocate once my New Zealand Permanent Residency is approved.
This course is one of the many steps I am taking to enhance my qualifications and skills to increase my employability in the local job market. I am particularly interested in working with a friend who runs a tour agency in Auckland. By completing this course, I aim to gain valuable knowledge and skills that will not only help me adapt to the new environment but also contribute positively to the company and the tourism industry in New Zealand.
How did you find out about the course?
I discovered the course through an online search. I was researching various educational opportunities that align with my career goals in New Zealand, and I came across this course that seemed to fit my needs perfectly. The information available online provided a comprehensive overview of the course content and its relevance to my aspirations, which prompted me to enroll.
Do you feel like you’ve learned a lot about what Tour Guiding work involves?
Absolutely, I feel that I have gained significant insights into what Tour Guiding work entails.
The course has provided me with comprehensive knowledge about various aspects of tour guiding, including:
– Communication Skills: Understanding how to engage effectively with diverse groups of people.
– Cultural Awareness: Learning to appreciate and articulate the cultural and historical significance of various sites.
– Logistics Management: Gaining insights into planning itineraries and managing time effectively during tours.
– Safety Protocols: Being trained in the safety measures and emergency procedures necessary for guiding tours.
This foundational knowledge has greatly increased my confidence and prepared me for the practical aspects of the role within the tourism industry.
What was your favourite part about the course?
My favorite part of the course was definitely the video clips. They provided an immersive experience that showcased real-life scenarios and the day-to-day responsibilities of a tour guide.
This visual learning approach allowed me to:
– Understand Practical Applications: Seeing how theory translates into practice in various tour settings was incredibly valuable.
– Observe Interactions: Watching experienced guides interact with tourists helped me grasp effective communication techniques and engagement strategies.
– Visualize Challenges: The clips highlighted common challenges faced in the field, which prepared me for potential situations I might encounter.
Overall, these video demonstrations enriched my learning experience and gave me a clearer vision of what to expect in a tour guiding role.
What are your ultimate career goals?
My ultimate career goals revolve around establishing a fulfilling and dynamic career within the tourism industry.
Specifically, I aspire to:
– Work as a Tour Guide: I aim to leverage my passion for travel and cultural exchange by guiding tours and sharing my knowledge with visitors in New Zealand.
– Engage in Logistics: In addition to guiding, I am interested in taking on responsibilities related to logistics and operations within the tour agency. This includes managing itineraries, coordinating transportation, and ensuring a seamless experience for clients.
– Professional Development: I also plan to continually develop my skills through ongoing education and training, allowing me to adapt to industry trends and enhance my effectiveness in both guiding and logistical roles.
Ultimately, I envision a career that not only allows me to connect with people from around the world but also contributes to the success and efficiency of the tour agency I work for.
Would you recommend taking an online course to a friend?
Absolutely, I would highly recommend taking this online course to a friend.
Here are a few reasons why:- Flexible Learning: The online format allows for a flexible learning schedule, making it easier to balance personal and professional commitments.
– Comprehensive Content: The course covers a wide range of topics essential for anyone interested in pursuing a career in tour guiding. It equips learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
– Engaging Materials: The inclusion of video clips and interactive content enhances the learning experience, making it more engaging and relatable.
Additionally, if I know anyone who is interested in learning about tour guiding online, I would definitely encourage them to enroll in this course. It’s a fantastic investment for anyone looking to enter the tourism field.
I would like to share some cherished memories from my trips with my husband (photos attached):
1. Sydney, Australia
– Date: March 2017
– Highlights:
– Visiting iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
– Exploring the Blue Mountains, where we had lunch at a vegan café that my husband used to visit about 15 years ago.
– Exploring local cuisine and vibrant markets.
2. South Korea
– Date: October 2017
– Highlights:
– Experiencing the culture through traditional markets and historical sites.
– Sampling delicious Korean food, including BBQ at the top of a famous hill, the name of which I’m not sure, as our Korean friends took us there.
3. Krabi, Thailand
– Date: August 2019
– Highlights:
– Relaxing on beautiful beaches like in Ko Lanta Yai Beach.
– Enjoying food hopping at the nearest cafes and restaurants within walking distance to our cabin.
– Taking a rented motorbike to explore around the island.
– Loving the island so much that we actually went there almost every year during my birthdays.
– Exploring the stunning limestone cliffs and islands.
Unfortunately, we didn’t take many pictures during our travels, as we preferred to be in the moment rather than focusing on capturing every detail. This has allowed us to create lasting memories without the distraction of photography.
Since the onset of COVID-19, we have not traveled overseas, which has made us cherish these memories even more. We look forward to the day we can explore new destinations again.
Study online with ITC’s Online Courses
Do you have a career goal like Catherine? Our Online Courses could be the perfect first step in making that dream a reality!
Explore our course options online and sign up today to get started. And don’t be afraid to get in touch if you have any questions about our study options!
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