Posted: 29/04/10
Students sail through their studies
Flight cancellations and airport chaos were not on the travel itinerary for students on the BTEC National Diploma in Travel and Tourism this term as they embarked on their student residential to the Canaries.
This year, for the first time ever, West Nottinghamshire College’s travel and tourism curriculum arranged a residential study visit on a cruise liner for the 19 learners. They spent eight days cruising around the Canary Islands, stopping off at many popular tourist resorts.
Activities included a trip to a wine factory in Madeira, a boat trip in Puerto Rico to see the dolphins, an excursion to the famous fire mountain in Lanzarote and a day at sea where students participated in role-plays on board ship and took part in study related activities.
Travel and tourism tutor Sarah Heeley, said: “The residential study trip forms such an important part of the BTEC qualification. Not only does it allow the students to plan, budget and attend the trip, but it gives them a great insight into the travel industry that could never be duplicated in the classroom.
“They were able to network with travel industry specialists and since the visit, two of our learners have applied for jobs on board a ship and one is awaiting an interview. This opportunity to go on a cruise really opened the students’ eyes to a whole new world of jobs and career prospects as well as new cultures.”
