Sarah (18) from Ballymoney explains, “I have always liked to travel and to go on holidays so studying travel and tourism seemed like the obvious option, and I have to say the course has actually exceeded my expectations. Since studying travel and tourism my interest to learn more about the industry has only grown. Getting to visit key tourist attractions such as The Derry Walls and Giant Causeway to learn exactly what it takes to make these attractions so popular has further triggered my interest about the industry.
She continues, “Having developed my interpersonal skills and confidence at the College I felt that now was the right time to apply to Camp America. I had to submit an online application and then fly to London to a recruitment fair where I attended an interview with one of Camp America’s approved regional interviewers. I didn’t have to wait too long before I received the great news that I had got a place. Next up, was completing a visa application which has now been approved.
Sarah added, “I’m so excited to go to Camp America! I will be teaching horse riding for 8 weeks and then I get to travel for the next 30 days. It really is a once in a lifetime experience and I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with my family, friends, lecturers and classmates when I return.”
Vivienne Baldwin, Level 2 Travel & Tourism course co-ordinator at the College, “I’m very proud of Sarah securing a place at Camp America. This is a fantastic opportunity to allow her to expand her tourism experience internationally and will be an excellent addition to her CV. I have really seen her confidence grow throughout the academic year and wish her all the best as she takes up her placement at Camp America.
She continued, “Sarah is just one example of our travel and tourism students moving on to some incredible destinations. Many of our students progress to work in a diverse range of roles in the tourism industry as well broadening their studies at higher education level.“
Sarah plans to progress to the Level 3 Travel and Tourism course at the College in September and hopes to pursue a career in the travel industry as cabin crew.