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Studying from home: The best of both worlds?

Posted on 29/09/2020 by

Are you facing a difficult choice between study and work at the moment? Studying from home could offer a way forward.

COVID-19 has put a spotlight on the importance of flexible working – and also the privilege of job security. 

Some young people are faced with an incredibly difficult decision: do I continue my studies, or do I get a job to support my family?

NZCity recently reported that Some senior students in South Auckland are now working to support their families – rather than returning to school after the lockdown.

This is no small or easy choice, and every family dynamic is different.

One possible solution could be studying from home. This option gives students the flexibility to work part-time and study part-time: the best of both worlds?

It certainly worked for ITC Study From Home graduate Cherie Palm.

Cherie writes: “Fantastic experience studying with ITC. I had decided to study after many years of working and needed to juggle home life and work as well. The team made this first time distance study adventure a great one! My tutor Ali was amazing, so supportive and always available if I needed to ask a question. I would definitely recommend ITC and can assure new students you will always get the best from this team!” 

ITC Study From Home offers four qualifications, all of which can be studied part-time (20 hours per week) from the comfort of home.

New Zealand Certificate in Tourism Level 3

  • An excellent introduction to the travel and tourism industry
  • Strong focus on New Zealand destination geography 

 
New Zealand Certificate in Tourism with a strand in Aviation Level 3

  • Great introductory training for the aviation industry
  • Learn about flight attending, airport security, passenger handling, and more

 
New Zealand Certificate in Travel Level 4

  • Take your tourism career to the next level
  • Learn about international tourism, as well as ticketing systems

 
New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel Level 5

  • Prepare for a management career in the tourism industry
  • Learn about marketing, strategic planning, finance, and more

 
Which qualification is right for you?

Book a free online consultation with one of our friendly team to find out and explore your options! 

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

Study from home tip: Get dressed for ‘class’

Posted on 26/08/2020 by

Getting dressed is a great way to boost your productivity when studying from home.

Do you want to be as productive as possible when studying from home?

Here’s a tip: get dressed for ‘class’!

Even though you’re in the comfort of your own home, getting dressed as if you’re leaving the house can do wonders for your productivity.

Here are a few reasons why.

It’s great for your mindset

Just like getting into your PJs signals to your brain that it’s time for bed, getting dressed signals to your brain that it’s time to start your day.

Getting dressed will put you in the right frame of mind to concentrate on your studies. Save your favourite comfy clothes for when it’s time to relax. 

It helps you focus

If you sit down to study in your PJs, you might always feel like there’s ‘something else to do’ (aka shower and get dressed) – which can really mess with your ability to focus.

By getting dressed and ready for the day as soon as possible, you’ll likely be able to better focus on your studies.

It’s great for video-conferencing

Ever gone to jump on a video call, only to realise your hair’s a mess and there’s food on your shirt? 

Getting dressed as if you’re going to a real class will help you feel much more comfortable and confident if you need to do any video calling with your tutors or classmates.

It creates a boundary between study and home life

When you study from home, the lines between study and home life can get blurred. 

Setting aside a ‘study wardrobe’ and ‘weekend wardrobe’ can be one way to create better boundaries.

What to wear when studying from home

We’re not suggesting you need to go full corporate – although if that appeals, by all means, go for it!

Clean jeans and a tee are perfectly adequate. A good rule of thumb is to wear something you’d be happy to leave the house in. 

Or, if you want to have some fun, you could even rummage through your fancy dress cupboard for a day! ITC ran a ‘best dressed’ theme week during NZ’s first lockdown, which was a huge hit. Check out our Facebook page for inspiration.

If you’re looking for more advice on staying productive while studying from home, don’t hesitate to reach out to your tutors – we’re here to help.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

Introducing our new and improved Virtual Orientation program

Posted on 29/07/2020 by

Our new Orientation Program is now completely online. It’s designed to be completed over two days, and includes a ‘Virtual Meet’ with your tutor(s) and classmates.

We’re excited to unveil our new and improved Virtual Orientation program. 

Since you can now join Study From Home at any time, we have revamped our Virtual Orientation program to ensure you can get settled in quickly.

What’s changed

Before COVID-19, we hosted in-person Orientation Days in Auckland at the beginning of each new qualification. 

Our new Orientation Program is now completely online. It’s designed to be completed over two days, and includes a ‘Virtual Meet’ with your tutor(s) and classmates. 

Study From Home tutor Ali Sykes says the new virtual program is working really well so far.

“We’ve essentially created an online virtual classroom, giving students the opportunity to meet their tutor and build rapport with them, as well as meet other students starting at the same time,” Ali explains.

She adds that the new Virtual Program is far more time and cost efficient for students than the in-person Orientation Day. 

“Although our in-person Orientation Days were a lot of fun, they did often require students to travel to Auckland, which cost time and money. Now, they can meet everyone from the comfort of their own home, which is exactly what the flexibility of Study From Home is all about.” 

Ongoing community and connection

Another great thing about the new virtual Orientation Program is that once students have completed it, they are set-up to communicate with their tutors and classmates online for the duration of their course.

“The first Virtual Meet isn’t the last – once students are familiar with our online system and how it works, they can use it to connect with each other and their tutors,” says Ali.

It also means everyone is in the exact same boat. 

“With in-person Orientation, there were always a few students who couldn’t travel to Auckland, and they may have felt excluded. Our new virtual program means everyone gets off to the exact same start,” adds Ali.

Study From Home: The flexible option 

These changes to our Orientation Program have cemented Study From Home as a truly flexible study option for students all around New Zealand.

Whether you’re juggling study with work, family commitments, or live far away from campus, Study From Home offers you the flexibility to study at your own pace, from your own place.

Get in touch today to start at a time that suits you. We look forward to welcoming you in our Virtual Classroom soon!

Posted in News, Student Success, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

Why study from home? 5 compelling reasons to consider distance learning

Posted on 08/07/2020 by

Writing a pros and cons list about studying from home? Consider these five epic benefits.

Curious about the benefits of studying from home? Here are some compelling reasons to consider distance learning. 

1. Ultimate flexibility

One of the top benefits of studying from home is flexibility. Although you will have set assignments and deadlines to meet, you can study at times that suit you.

Nightowl? No worries, you can study in the evenings! Morning person? Perfect, you can study first thing. Need to fit study around childcare or part-time work? That’s an option, too.

With study from home, you can make your schedule work for you.

2. Reduced costs

Some students find they spend less money studying from home than they would if they were commuting to class every day. This is usually the case for people who live far away from campus.

You might also save money on incidental expenses you’re more likely to make when out and about, like bought lunches and coffees. 

3. Available anywhere

Our Study From Home qualifications can be completed from anywhere in New Zealand – making them an ideal option for people who live rurally or far away from public transport.

The entire course is taught online, so all you need is reliable internet access and a computer or laptop. 

4. Supportive tutors and classmates

When you Study From Home with ITC, you’ll receive support and guidance from dedicated tutors. They are available via email, phone, and active on Moodle – our study from home platform and forum.

Many students also find their classmates are incredibly supportive. Although you might not meet in-person, you can still support each other via phone and messaging, and by organising virtual study groups.

5. Exceptional qualifications

Finally, our Study From Home qualifications are industry leading. They are the same qualifications students complete on-campus, so you will receive the same premium training.

We have qualifications available at Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5, so whether you’re at the beginning of your tourism career or looking to upskill, we have an option for you.

Curious to learn more about Studying From Home? Get in touch today to speak with one of our team.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

Stuck in a study slump? 5 tips to get back on track

Posted on 24/06/2020 by

Feeling a bit off? Here are some tips to help you get back on track.

Study slumps – they happen to the best of us.

A study slump is when you may be struggling with low motivation, or finding a particular subject matter really difficult.

These slumps happen from time to time and are perfectly normal. The trick is knowing how to get out of them as quickly as possible, so you don’t fall behind.

Here are some tips for getting back on track.

1. Take a short break

Sometimes, a study slump suggests you might need to give your brain a short rest.

If you can, take a break. Step away from your study for a few hours and do something you love.

You might find a short break was all you needed to snap out of your slump and come back feeling refreshed.

2. Change your scenery

Studying from home can feel a little repetitive sometimes. Try studying from a cafe or library instead and see if that helps you feel more energised.

Even moving to a different room in your house might be enough. Could you set yourself up at the dining room table for a change? 

Experiment with different study locations and see if that helps.

3. Reach out to classmates

Send a message to some of your classmates and ask for advice. Ask if they have any great tips for staying motivated when they are struggling. 

Even though you’re studying from home, you’re not alone. Chances are, your classmates are feeling the same way as you. You can help to motivate each other.

4. Talk to your tutors

If you’ve tried a few of the above strategies and you’re still feeling stuck, be sure to talk to your tutors. 

They are here to help you succeed and will be able to provide plenty of study tips and tricks you might not have considered.

5. Remember your end goal

Finally, go back to your ‘why’. Why are you studying from home? What is your end goal or your big dream?

Write your goal somewhere you can see it every day, so it motivates you to keep going.

Every assignment you complete brings you one step closer to your dream of graduating and working in the tourism industry.

You can do this!

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Student Success, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

NEW to Study From Home: Upskill with the Level 5 Tourism & Travel Diploma

Posted on 27/05/2020 by

Now is a great time to upskill and gain management training.

Want to give your travel and tourism career a boost?

Keen to learn more about management, marketing, and leadership within the travel and tourism industry?

Want a qualification that will stand out on your CV and show future employers you’re highly motivated?

The New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel Level 5 will provide you with the skills and knowledge to prepare for a career in general management within the industry – and it’s now available* via Study From Home!

This fast-paced, info-packed qualification was previously only offered on-campus, but you can now complete it from your own place, at your own pace.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this qualification for Study From Home students,” says Michelle Chatfield, Head of Group Services. 

“The flexibility of Study From Home means you can study while working out in the industry, giving you the best of both worlds – a higher qualification and work experience.”

The Diploma at a glance

Gain skills in:

  • Human resource management
  • Marketing
  • Strategic planning
  • Research
  • Finance
  • Legislation
  • Information technology

All of these topics are essential for a management career in airline, travel, and tourism, and they’re also transferable to any field.

Key details

  • Course starts 29th June 2020 – enquire now to reserve your place
  • Full-time is 48 weeks (33 hours per week of study)
  • Part-time is 96 weeks (16.5 hours per week of study)

How is the Diploma taught?

The Diploma is blended learning – you will learn via a combination of:

    • Video lessons with tutors 
    • PowerPoint presentations
    • Workbooks, Forums, and Handouts via Moodle – our online student platform

 

You’ll have access to support from tutors online and over the phone or video chat (if required). The tutors delivering this course are the same tutors who teach the Level 5 Diploma on-campus. 

Is this the right course for me?

The Level 5 Diploma is fast-paced and challenging, making it ideal for students who are ambitious, eager to learn, and highly motivated.

If you dream of advancing your tourism career and gaining management skills, this qualification will help you build confidence and competence. It’s an ideal stepping stone into higher-level positions within the tourism industry.

Once you’ve graduated, you’ll have access to support from our Employment Consultants, who will work closely with you to help you find work.

To find out more, don’t delay – get in touch today to learn how this Diploma can help you give your tourism career a boost. 

*Course availability subject to NZQA approval.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

How to find out more about studying from home

Posted on 29/04/2020 by

Want to learn more about Study From Home? Book an online information session to discover everything you need to know.

Are you contemplating studying from home with ITC, but you’re not quite sure if it’s for you?

Perhaps you’re on the fence about starting a new qualification, especially during these strange times with COVID-19.

Or maybe you’re curious about what the course will involve. You might have questions about the topics, workload, assignments, and tutors. 

We’re here to help. Our team is on-hand to answer any questions you have about studying airline, travel or tourism from home. 

We want to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision, so if you do choose to study from home with us, you can get off to the best possible start.

There are a few ways we help you learn more about studying from home with ITC.

The first step is to book an online information session with one of our course advisers. This is a completely free, no-obligation phone call designed to give you a feel for studying with us. 

Once you’ve had your online information session, you’ll have a pretty clear idea of whether our courses are a good match – and hopefully you’ll be feeling excited about all the possibilities!

If you’re keen to progress things further and enrol, we’re also here to help. Our team can assist you with enrolling and also registering for services like StudyLink.

The online information session is the best and most efficient way to discover if studying from home is right for you, but we’re also available to help you via other channels. 

You’re welcome to ask questions by submitting a contact form on our website, sending a question via Facebook, reaching out on Instagram, or calling us (freephone) on 0800 868 747.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

Staying active while studying from home

Posted on 22/04/2020 by

Stretching every few hours is a great way to stay active while studying.

Are you struggling to stay active while studying from home during the coronavirus lockdown? 

Even though you’re allowed to get outside for daily exercise, you might find you spend the rest of your day sitting still – and this could leave you feeling a bit restless and lethargic. 

Taking short breaks to move your body – even if it’s just for a quick stretch – can help to re-energise you and may help you concentrate better on your studies.

Here are some ideas for staying active while studying from home.

1. Set a ‘stretch’ timer 

Set an hourly reminder on your phone to stand up and stretch your body. Every few hours, try to take a longer break. 

2. Try Yoga with Adriene

Yoga with Adriene is a YouTube sensation with hundreds of free online yoga videos. There are videos to suit all fitness levels, and plenty of short 10-minute routines for a quick home workout.

3. Have a living room dance party

A fun way to get your body moving and boost your energy levels. Put on your favourite music and dance. 

4. Go for a quick walk around the block

It’s amazing what 15 minutes in the fresh air can do for your mood and motivation levels. You don’t have to wander far to get the benefits. 

5. Cook to some tunes

Cooking is actually a great way to move your body, especially if you listen to some music while you do it. Potter around the kitchen for an hour to boost the time you spend standing up vs. sitting down. 

6. Get out in the garden

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, now is the time to sweep, rake, weed, and prune. Looking after your plants is a great way to move your body and will help you spend more time in nature, too.

Bonus tip: Stand instead of sit

If you’re still feeling like you’re not moving enough in your day, try standing up to study instead of sitting down. Create a standing desk by piling your laptop on some phone books or placing it on a safe shelf at eye-level, and you’re good to go!  

Even standing up for 5 minutes out of every hour will help you feel less sedentary. A little goes a long way!

Want more study tips and tricks? Follow us on Facebook for our latest blog posts or check back here every Wednesday.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

How to stay motivated when studying from home

Posted on 15/04/2020 by

Tips for staying focused on your study during these uncertain times.

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, studying from home has become the ‘new normal’ for students around New Zealand.

There are many benefits to studying from home, including increased flexibility, lower overheads (e.g. no travel costs), and the ability to study part-time – just to name a few.

It’s a fantastic way to gain a tourism qualification – which is why we’ve been successfully offering distance learning for over 15 years!

However, studying from home does require some self-motivation. And, given that we’re in the midst of a global pandemic, you might find that your motivation tanks are low right now. That’s completely normal. If you’re feeling tired or unmotivated, you’re not alone. The good news is, there are several things you can do to get yourself back on track.

Here are some ideas for staying motivated and boosting your mindset during these uncertain times.

1. Focus on your ‘why’

Think about why you chose to study from home. What motivates you? Is it the dream of an exciting career in airline, travel or tourism? Is it the goal of gaining a qualification to improve your career prospects? Is it the spark of curiosity and excitement you feel when you learn about different cultures and destinations? 

Everyone’s ‘why’ will be different. Take the time to consider yours, because this will help you stay motivated. Write your ‘why’ down somewhere you will see it every day, and have faith in this brighter future. 

2. Break everything into small goals

Once you’ve remembered your ‘why’, you’ll hopefully feel a surge of energy and excitement. You’ve got a dream, and a qualification will help you achieve that!

But, then you might feel a sense of overwhelm sink in – you might look ahead and see so much work to complete, and wonder where to start. 

The trick is to break everything into small goals. Focus on what you can achieve in one day, one week, one month – and all of your efforts will add up to the big result.

Write a study plan and give yourself small, achievable tasks to complete each day. Once you’ve ticked them off, celebrate your efforts – reward yourself with something small yet meaningful, like a video call with your best friends or your favourite TV program.

Big goals are achieved by taking small steps consistently. You’ve got this!

3. Ask for support

Your Study From Home tutors and classmates are here to motivate you, encourage you, and support you.

Make the most of all the support on offer from the Study From Home team, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about something. They are here to help! 

Take the time to connect with some of your classmates, virtually. Set up WhatsApp groups or send out a few emails. You’re all in this together, and you can motivate each other at this time.

Most of all, treat yourself with self-compassion. You’re studying during a global pandemic, and that’s no small thing! You’re doing an incredible job and your future self will thank you for it. Well done, you! 

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

You can now join Study From Home at any time

Posted on 08/04/2020 by

Keen to start studying at a specific date that suits you? Now you can!

Newsflash: You can now enrol with Study From Home at any time! 

We used to have set enrolment dates (with new courses starting around once a month), but you can now start studying at any date that suits you (provided your application is accepted).

“The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way we all work and study, and we’re adapting to make it as easy as possible for people to access our qualifications,” says ITC Marketing Manager Mel Jenkins.

“If you suddenly find yourself with time on your hands and wish to study, the last thing we want to do is tell you to wait another month to begin. Now, you can get started straight away and make the most of this opportunity to study.”

Study From Home is backed by a strong support team, with several staff on-hand to help you begin your studies.

Unlike many other distance learning platforms, we offer real support from real staff – you will have access to qualified tutors and a community of learners. 

“It’s the next best thing to studying in a classroom. We’ve been running Study From Home for over 15 years, so we’re not new to distance learning – we know what works, what doesn’t, and have robust systems in place to support our students,” explains Mel.

What can you study?

We currently offer three award-winning, industry-leading qualifications.

 
Which course is right for you?

Our course advisors can help you decide which course is right for you. Book a free online information session today to explore your options and learn more about our exciting qualifications. 

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

Now is the perfect time to Study From Home [+ video]

Posted on 01/04/2020 by

ITC Study From Home is open and welcoming enrolments.

There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, and many workplaces and education providers are closed, as we collectively try to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

But, there are still opportunities available. And, in times of uncertainty, it can help to focus on all the things that you CAN do, rather than all of the things that you can’t.

While you can’t go into a classroom or college campus to gain a qualification, you can Study From Home.

It’s business as usual for Study From Home – we’ve been delivering online courses for over fifteen years, and we’ve helped thousands of students gain airline, travel, and tourism qualifications from their own home.

We’ve very much open for business and welcoming applications from people who would love to study airline, travel or tourism.

Video: Gain award-winning qualifications from home

Watch this short and sweet video to get a great overview of studying from home, and how doing this can add meaning to your life during an uncertain time.

Upcoming courses

We’re currently enrolling for:

 
All of these courses officially kicked off on March 30, but for the first time, we’re accepting late enrolments. If you’re itching to get started, we can get you up and running quickly and catching up on these courses.

We will also be offering these courses again on the 20th of April.

Get in touch today to learn more about Studying From Home with ITC.

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Tips for studying from home during coronavirus lockdown

Posted on 26/03/2020 by

How to stay motivated and find enjoyment in your study during this unprecedented time in history.

Whether you’ve been studying from home for a while, or you suddenly find yourself doing so due to the coronavirus, we are here to help you adjust to this strange and unprecedented situation.

For many, study will provide a welcome distraction during self-isolation – it’s an opportunity to work towards your goals, stay motivated towards the future, and get excited about life after coronavirus.

However, we understand that it may be difficult to find the motivation to do anything during self-isolation, let alone study! Never fear – we are here to help.

Here are some tips to help you stay focused, motivated, and optimistic during this challenging time. We’re all in this together.

1. Fill your tank first

If you can, do something nice for yourself first thing in your day. 

For example, take the time to savour your morning coffee and breakfast. Or, take a quick – socially distanced! – walk around your neighbourhood to get some fresh air and the endorphins pumping.

If you “fill your tank first”, you’re more likely to feel optimistic when you sit down to study. During self-isolation, doing things to protect your mental health and mindset should always be a top priority.

Think about what would make you feel better each day, and do those things first.

2. Follow a routine

With so much free time on your hands, it will be tempting to throw your normal routine right out the window.

No more school drop offs, commutes to work, or juggling multiple outings in one day.

While this might feel like a novelty at first, it might start to feel a little bit overwhelming if you have no structure during your day.

Try to adapt your routine to suit self-isolation. Set a daily schedule to break up your day, for example – dedicate the morning to exercise and connecting with friends (virtually of course), commit to studying throughout the middle of the day, and then end your day with household tasks or any other items on your to-do list.

Of course, this is just an example – everyone’s self-isolation routine will look different. Try out a few different routines to find what works for you.

3. Set clear boundaries with your housemates

Whether you’re self-isolating with flatmates or family members, let them know that you plan on continuing to study, and tell them what you’ll need from them to make that happen.

Hopefully, you will be able to work together to help respect each other’s goals.

If you have small children, see if you can split childcare with your partner so you both have some time to focus on individual goals or work.

4. Create a study support team

If you’re studying with ITC, you’ll have access to our tutors via email and phone. We’re here to support you with your studies just as we would if you were coming to class. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would just like some support.

You can also connect virtually with your classmates. Maybe you can set up a Facebook group or WhatsApp group to check-in with each other each day. 

Remember there are plenty of other students in the same boat as you. Keeping in communication will help you feel less alone.

5. Celebrate every day

Every day you sit down to study – even if it’s only for an hour – is worth a small celebration.

You’re investing in your future during one of the most challenging times in recent history! That’s a huge thing to celebrate and be proud of, even if it feels like you’re moving slowly.

In times like this, every step forward counts. Don’t get caught up in worrying about how fast you’re going – keep putting one foot in front of the other and showing up for yourself as often as you can.

You’ve got this! And we’re here to help if you need it.

Kia kaha (stay strong).

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Tip: Create your own Study From Home toolkit

Posted on 18/03/2020 by

Keep all your Study From Home gear in a backpack or ‘kit’ to minimise procrastination.

If you were coming into a classroom to study, you’d probably have a little bag of things you’d always bring with you. 

For example, a notepad to write in, a packed lunch and some snacks, a drink bottle, maybe even a laptop computer or tablet.

Have you considered creating some kind of ‘school bag’ or toolkit for Studying From Home?

Think about how long it takes you to set up your study station each day. 

Do you have to go around the house in search of writing paper, a pen, and your drink bottle?

Do you spend way too long gazing into the fridge, wondering what to eat for lunch?

Are you getting up from your desk every few minutes for water refills and snacks?

It might sound simple, but packing a bag or ‘kit’ to study from home can keep everything you need in one place and help to minimise distractions.

Every night, take the time to pack your kit or set up your Study From Home space, so by the time you’re ready to study the next morning, all you need to do is sit down and get started.

You could even go one step further and pick an outfit to wear, too. Often, getting into some ‘real’ clothes (as opposed to your PJs or trackies) can put you in the right frame of mind for serious study. 

If you can, try to pack your lunch the night before, too. Although you can technically make whatever meal you want when you Study From Home, taking an hour out of your day to play Master Chef in the kitchen might not be the best use of your time.

Basically, pretend you’re going into the classroom to study, even though you’re only travelling to your desk.

It’s a small mindset shift that can produce big results!

Want more study tips and tricks? Follow us on Facebook for our latest blog posts or check back here every Wednesday.

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Five free ways to reward yourself for studying

Posted on 11/03/2020 by

Plan some relaxing activities to reward yourself for studying.

When you Study From Home, you don’t have a teacher standing at the front of the classroom encouraging you to stay on track.

You do have a tutor available via email and phone, but sometimes it’s not quite the same – especially if you need some extra encouragement at, say, 11 pm at night!

That’s why it’s super important to reward yourself for your study efforts.

When you set yourself some study milestones for the week – for example, to finish a particular assignment or start another one – make sure you also assign a small reward for when you tick off that goal.

The challenge is, if your reward costs money, the cost can quickly add up. That’s why it’s best to choose free rewards that cost zero dollars but make you feel recharged and fantastic.

Here are five ideas for inspiration.

1. An hour of YouTube comedy

We all know how hilarious YouTube can be. We advise you to stay far away from this distraction when you need to focus on your studies. But, as a reward, it can be great. 

Once you complete a study milestone, settle in for an hour of laughter and lightheartedness to celebrate a job well done.

2. A walk in nature

In today’s fast-paced world, getting out for a walk on the beach or through some beautiful native bush can feel like a luxury – especially if you’re often short on time.

Schedule a relaxing, restorative stroll for when you finish your next assignment. If the weather is nice, why not add a swim in the ocean, too.

3. An afternoon nap

Is there anything more indulgent than an afternoon nap? This one will be a big reward for those with demanding jobs or young kids! 

Set aside time to enjoy a sneaky snooze as a reward for your study efforts.

4. Your favourite type of screen time

Screen time is something that can interfere with your studies if you don’t be careful, which is why many students avoid things like television and video games when they are in the middle of assignments.

But, using screen time as a reward is a great way to motivate yourself to stay focused.

Set aside some time to enjoy your favourite TV show or play a few video games once you complete your next study milestone.

5. Catch up with friends

If you’re juggling studying from home with family commitments or a part-time job, you might feel like you never see your friends.

Socialising can be hard to squeeze in, so set this as a reward. If meeting up with friends in-person is too hard, consider video calling or even just an old-fashioned phone call. 

Hopefully one of these rewards speaks to you and will provide that extra motivation you need to study.

Want more study tips and tricks? Follow us on Facebook for our latest blog posts or check back here every Wednesday.

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Study From Home advantage: No travel time!

Posted on 04/03/2020 by

Does travel take up too much of your time? Studying from home could be for you.

Welcome to a new feature on the blog dedicated to the advantages of Studying From Home with ITC. Every month, we will feature one big advantage of distance learning. 

Everyone knows that a 30-minute bus ride is not really 30 minutes.

There’s the time you spend getting to the bus stop, waiting at the bus stop, and of course when the bus inevitably gets delayed or stuck in traffic.

What was meant to be a simple journey can take hours out of your precious day.

The same can be said of all public transport, as well as driving your own car. Everything takes longer than you think!

And then there’s the cost of public transport, not to mention petrol and parking. 

Travelling to and from a classroom can cost both time and money.

For many students, it’s absolutely worth the investment. Being in a classroom environment is a great way to learn and it’s often worth the (relatively small) expense of getting there. 

However, for some students, the cost of travelling to and from class can be the difference in studying and not studying at all.

If you live far away from campus, are on a tight budget, or have other responsibilities to consider (for example, children or a part-time job), then travelling for your studies might not be a realistic option. 

The solution, of course, is to consider studying from home.

Studying tourism via distance learning with ITC is a way to instantly say goodbye to all travel time!

Instead of spending time on a bus, train, in your car or walking, you can use all of that time to get ahead on your studies. 

Of course, the benefits of no travel time go far beyond extra time. When you don’t have to travel between your home and classroom, you can study whenever suits you – be that 8 am in the morning or 8 pm at night.

You can also study in less traditional chunks of time. For example, you could do 30 minutes in the morning while you drink a cup of coffee, then you could do the school run (if you have kids) and come back and pick up where you left off. This kind of flexibility simply isn’t available if your schedule revolves around bus timetables and classroom opening times.

Plus, it’s really awesome to be able to study a few steps away from your fridge and pantry – and just a few steps away from your bed for those late night study sessions.

If studying without travel time sounds like an ideal option for you, get in touch today to learn more about our flexible airline, travel and tourism qualifications.

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Regional tourism highlights: February

Posted on 26/02/2020 by

Beautiful Marlborough – one of the regions covered in this month’s regional news update.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

Despite the disruptions caused by coronavirus (COVID-19), the tourism industry has still been busy throughout the country.

Here are some of the top headlines from February. 

New website launched to promote Marlborough

The website MarlboroughNZ.com includes sections dedicated to the ins and outs of Marlborough including reasons to live, work and invest in the region.

$90m for Queenstown roads to include bus lanes

A $90 million spend on Queenstown’s roads will help ease congestion issues but millions more need to be spent on the district’s transport infrastructure, Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult says.

Central Otago wine pioneer joins Tourism Advisory Board

Rudi Bauer, respected award-winning Quartz Reef winemaker, is the newest member of the Central Otago Tourism Advisory Board. 

Cruise ships to keep coming back to Timaru

The second of three cruise ships destined to visit Timaru this summer berthed at the town’s port on Friday morning bringing hundreds of passengers keen to explore the area.

Kaikoura marina redevelopment in planning stages

A project hoped to boost Kaikōura’s tourism offerings is in the planning stages, the council’s chief executive says. 

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of November with more updates. If you want to stay up-to-date in real time, please subscribe to our Industry News Bulletin.

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How to impress employers with your study from home skills

Posted on 19/02/2020 by

Studying from home shows employers that you’re self-motivated, organised, and committed to your goals – just to name a few!

Although studying from home is becoming more popular, not every employer is familiar with all the benefits of this flexible study option. 

When applying for jobs, it’s worth highlighting the skills you learned while studying from home – these skills could set you apart from other candidates.

For example, study from home students tend to be very:

  • Motivated
  • Self-driven
  • Conscientious
  • Organised

 
They’re also excellent at time management and thinking outside the box when it comes to solving problems.

If you identify with these traits, try to reference them on your CV and in job interviews.

Talk about how studying from home helped you to become a master at time management and motivated to succeed. 

Explain how setting your own study schedule and ultimately being in charge of your own time helped you to stay organised and prioritize effectively.

Skills like this are invaluable in the tourism industry, which has high demand for ambitious, hard-working people.

The only potential gap in your study from home resume might be customer service experience.

If possible, try to get a part-time customer service job while completing your qualification. Even if you only work a few hours a week, this will help you build confidence when interacting with people face-to-face, and prove to potential employers that you have what it takes to succeed both in people-facing roles and in the back office.

The main thing to remember is to be proud of your study from home skills and shout them from the rooftops. It’s not easy completing a qualification via distance learning – it’s a huge achievement, and one that employers will want to hear all about.

Want more study tips and tricks? Follow us on Facebook for our latest blog posts or check back here every Wednesday.

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Tips for studying from home in a busy house

Posted on 12/02/2020 by

Kids or other housemates cramping your study style? Here are some tips.

When most people think of studying from home, they imagine studying in a peaceful, quiet house. Perhaps with some calm music on in the background or a cat curled up at their feet. 

However, this isn’t always the case!

Many people study from home in a busy house, surrounded by family, flatmates, or friends. 

If you share a house with others and find peace and quiet hard to come by, this blog is for you. Here are some tips to stay focused in a shared environment. 

1. Carve out a space of your own

See if there is anywhere you can claim in the house as your own study space. This could be your bedroom, the kitchen table, a corner of the lounge. 

Ideally, you’ll want somewhere that fits a desk and is away from the noise and chaos of the rest of the house. 

2. Communicate with everyone in the house

Let everyone in the house know how important your studies are to you and ask for their support.

Share your study schedule so everyone knows when you have big assignments due or when you really need some peace and quiet to focus.

3. Consider noise-cancelling headphones

Young kids or loud housemates might do their best to be quiet, but ultimately struggle to give you the peaceful environment you need.

Noise-cancelling headphones can help to combat this problem. Just put on some relaxing study music and escape to your own little world. 

4. Socialise during your breaks

Let your housemates know that you’re available for chit-chat during your breaks. 

Try to save the social time for morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Gently tell them that for the rest of the time, you need to concentrate. 

5. Decide who does what chores

Decide upfront who is in charge of what chores – and when – so you’re not stressing about unloading the dishwasher when you’re meant to be studying.

If possible, create a chore schedule so that everyone knows when they are responsible for cleaning, cooking and other household tasks. 

6. Remember, it’s not forever

Studying in a busy house might not seem like your idea of perfection, but it’s a temporary challenge for long-term success.

Find little ways of coping with the mayhem and you’ll be one step closer to your dream: a qualification in the airline, travel and tourism industry.

Want more study tips and tricks? Follow us on Facebook for our latest blog posts or check back here every Wednesday.

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Procrastination king/queen? Try these study tips to stay on track

Posted on 05/02/2020 by

Spend more time scrolling social media than studying? Here are some tips to help you overcome procrastination.

We’ve all been there. 

You’ve got a huge assignment looming and plenty of study to do. But you find yourself scrolling through social media, staring at the fridge, on the phone to a friend. Doing anything other than actually studying!

Procrastination. It’s a common struggle – and one that can really hold you back from being your best.

So, how can you overcome procrastination? Especially if you’re a procrastination king or queen? 

Here are some study tips to help you stay on track.

1. Use a timer

Set a timer for 30 minutes and commit to focusing 100% on your studies during that time. No social media, no phone, no fridge-gazing!

You’ll be more likely to focus if you know you can take a break once the buzzer goes off. Often all you need to do to avoid procrastination is to get started. Using a timer helps you start on the right foot – and hopefully continue that way. 

Once you get one 30-minute success under your belt, you just need to rinse and repeat the process. Study distraction-free for 30 minutes, take a break, then repeat the cycle. Aim for as many 30-minute study sessions as you can, and before you know it, you’ll have put in plenty of hours.

2. Work towards rewards

Instead of rewarding yourself before you start studying (hello, eating lunch at 9 am), promise yourself a treat once you complete a block of study.

For example, if you start studying at 9 am, set yourself the reward of a delicious lunch at 12 pm. If you study well in the morning, you get to treat yourself to your favourite at-home lunch. If you procrastinate, it’s just plain toast for you!

Use this reward system throughout your week so you always have little joys to look forward to. Rewards can be as simple as watching an episode of your favourite TV program at night or enjoying your favourite chocolate bar for dessert.

3. Focus on one task at a time

Procrastination is most tempting when you feel overwhelmed or exhausted. To keep your brain feeling fresh and alert, try to focus on one task at a time.

Split your to-do list into clear, separate tasks and work on them in isolation. Methodically move your way through the list and you’ll be surprised at how much you get done.

4. Follow a study schedule

A clear study schedule is one of the greatest tools against procrastination. It’s easy to procrastinate if you think you have “all the time in the world” to study. But, if you know you only have a few precious days per week, you’ll be more likely to get stuck into your studies knowing you don’t have a second to waste.

Plan your study schedule at the beginning of each week, factoring in other commitments such as family life and work. Get super honest with yourself about exactly how much time you have to focus on your assignments, then use that time wisely.

5. Plan for procrastination time

Even if you’re super organised and motivated, you’ll still procrastinate every now and then. It’s totally normal.

Allow for a little bit of ‘procrastination time’ every day. If you don’t use it, that’s great – you’ll get ahead. And if you do use it, then that’s OK too, because you planned for some downtime.

As with most things relating to study, if you approach procrastination with a plan, you’ll be less likely to get caught off guard. You’ve got this!

Want more study tips and tricks? Follow us on Facebook for our latest blog posts or check back here every Wednesday.

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Regional tourism highlights: January 2020

Posted on 29/01/2020 by

New flights between Auckland and Invercargill are proving a game changer for the Southland region.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

Auckland-Invercargill direct flights a ‘game changer’ for Southland

Southlanders are embracing a new direct jet flight connecting them to Auckland with more than 46,000 seats already sold.

Multimillion-dollar wharf project to boost Kaikoura tourism

A project aimed at revitalising Kaikōura’s southeastern coastline has been given a $10 million injection by the Provincial Growth Fund.

Visitor numbers bounce back in Franz Josef

The Department of Conservation’s latest track counter data for the Franz Josef Glacier Valley recorded its busiest day ever with 7,137 visiting on 1 January 2020.

Queenstown tourism operator targets premium market

A well-established Queenstown tour operator is taking a new direction in response to changes in overseas markets and dynamics.

Sky’s the limit for Matata Dark Sky Sanctuary potential

The tiny Bay of Plenty town Matatā could become a Dark Sky Sanctuary if one councillor’s vision comes to fruition.

‘Uniquely Northland’ festival will be back in 2021

The organiser of the Bay of Islands Music Festival hopes to build the event up into an eclectic, one-of-a-kind concert drawing music fans from around the country.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of November with more updates. If you want to stay up-to-date in real time, please subscribe to our Industry News Bulletin.

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Discover if tourism is for you at an Open Day or Info Session

Posted on 22/01/2020 by

Study From Home is enrolling now for 2020. Attend an Open Day, book an Info Session, or call us anytime to find out more.

If you’re on the fence about whether to study tourism in 2020, the best way to learn more is by attending an Open Day or Information Session.

At Study From Home, “every day is an open day” – you’re welcome to call us at any time on 0800 868 747 to explore your options.

However, if you’re based in Auckland, you’re also welcome to visit one of our Auckland Campus Open Days to meet with staff and discover more about our teaching philosophy.

Auckland Campus Open Days

Our open days run from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 1 pm on weekends on the following dates:

  • Thursday 23rd January
  • Thursday 13th February
  • Thursday 20th February
  • Thursday 5th March
  • Thursday 12th March
  • Thursday 19th March
  • Thursday 9th July
  • Thursday 16th July
  • Saturday 3rd October
  • Thursday 8th October
  • Thursday 22nd October
  • Thursday 19th November
  • Saturday 28th November
  • Thursday 10th  December

Our Auckland locations are below:

South Auckland Campus

Level 1, The Fashion Pavilions,
Fountain Lane, Botany Town Centre, Chapel Road,
South Auckland

Auckland City Campus

Level 4, ITC House,
9 City Road, Auckland
(just behind The Cordis Hotel)

Can’t make an Open Day?

No worries! You can also book an Information Session online for a time that suits you.

The info session is an opportunity to discuss our course options and speak with a friendly course adviser. It’s a great place to start if you want to learn more about the industry, and it’s completely free and no obligation.

Eager to learn more?

Booked an info session or Open Day but can’t wait to learn more? Take a look at our blog and our student success stories for a glimpse into life with ITC Study From Home.

We look forward to meeting you or hearing from you soon!

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Make 2020 count with a tourism qualification

Posted on 15/01/2020 by

We have tourism courses starting in February – the perfect time to start studying after a fun summer!

The beginning of a new year is filled with possibilities. What will the next 12 months bring? Where will you go? What places will you see and experiences will you enjoy?

Sometimes, though, the possibilities can feel overwhelming. With so much choice can come indecision. What is the ‘right’ next step? 

Of course, only you can answer that! 

But, if you are thinking of studying, allow us to make a small (although slightly biased) suggestion. Tourism.

A qualification in airline, travel or tourism can open many doors – whether you dream of travelling, working in customer service, or simply expanding your horizons.

It’s a great stepping stone into many exciting careers. Our graduates are working on cruise ships and airplanes, at travel agencies and adventure tourism offices, and as travel agents and sales superstars.

If you love interacting with people, learning about the world, and helping people have incredible experiences, then tourism could be the industry for you.

And, did we mention that it’s one of the fastest growing industries in New Zealand? There’s a high demand for skilled workers – and you could be one of them after just six months of study.

So, make 2020 the year that you get your tourism dreams off to a flying start. We have courses starting in mid-February – the perfect time to knuckle down after a fun summer.

Get in touch today to register your interest and learn more about the incredible world of airline, travel and tourism. 

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The year in review: 2019 highlights from Study From Home

Posted on 11/12/2019 by

In this blog post, we reflect on our top stories from 2019.

With Christmas and the new year fast approaching, it’s time for our inaugural highlights blog.

This is when we reflect on the past 12 months and share some of our top stories from the year.

Here’s our favourite blogs from 2019.

Study From Home graduate wins prestigious cruise industry award

Shelley Williams – a Study From Home graduate and the director of Clevedon Travel – won a prestigious award at the CLIAS.

ITC student shares her best tips for combining work and study

One great perk about studying from home is the flexibility to work while you study.

Student interview: Marise Barrett

We spoke to graduate Marise Barrett who is now working at Helloworld in New Plymouth.

Backyard tourism gets a big tick from SFH student

Jacqueline Buksh embarked on a road trip with her family from her hometown of Christchurch. She says the road trip was all the more incredible thanks to her studies.

‘Challenge yourself and you will be rewarded’ says graduate

“The tourism industry is booming and making the decision to study with ITC gives you the relevant tools, experience, endless support, and foot in the door to making your dreams come true,” says Cheytarna Scott.

Are you inspired by 2019’s highlight reel? Book an information session today to become part of the ITC family in 2020.

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Online booking now available

Posted on 04/12/2019 by

You can now book an information session with a Study From Home course adviser straight from your computer or mobile device.

Great news! Online booking is now available for Study From Home information sessions.

If you would like to speak with an ITC course adviser about your study options, you can now book a session via Calendly

This makes it even easier to find out more about studying towards a qualification in airline, travel, and tourism.

All you need to do is follow this link, choose a date and time that suits you, and voila – you’re all booked in!

A Study From Home course adviser will call you at your preferred time and answer any questions you might have.

What’s an information session?

An information session is an appointment with a course adviser, where you will get to:

  • Explore our course options
  • Discuss your dream career goals
  • And learn more about what makes ITC Study From Home great

 
“The information session is your first step towards a bright future in the airline, travel and tourism industry,” says ITC Marketing Manager Mel Jenkins.

“It’s completely free and no-obligation. The purpose of these sessions is to give you as much information as you need to make an informed decision about your future. We’re here to help you discover the right path, whatever that might be.” 

Find out more about information sessions here.

Why online booking?

Online booking is the way of the future, so ITC is extremely excited to offer this option.

With online booking, you can see available appointments in real-time and book your preferred day and time within moments. No more bothering with email exchanges or phone calls.

And the best part? You can make an online booking after hours, which means you don’t need to wait until the next business day to secure your ideal appointment.

Book today to get your 2020 off to a great start

Head on summer break knowing you have an awesome plan for 2020. Book an information session in December to get a head start on the new year.

Book your information session now

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Regional tourism highlights: November

Posted on 27/11/2019 by

A company has launched direct flights to Hobbiton, which is predicted to further boost tourism to Matamata.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

With just a few days until the start of summer, more and more tourists are flocking to regional New Zealand to experience the best this country has to offer.

Here are some of November’s top headlines. 

NZ flight to take Hobbiton fans on a journey to Middle Earth by plane

Hobbiton visitors can now journey through the sky, with two daily flights available to and from Middle Earth.

AJ Hackett takes over Taupo bungy operation

AJ Hackett Bungy’s purchase of Taupō Bungy is set to take effect in late November.

Redwoods Tree Walk working on $1.5m expansion

Yet another example of Rotorua tourism businesses at the top of their game.

Whakatane tourism film captures people and place

A new film showcasing Whakatane to visitors hopes to give viewers a glimpse of the true essence of the Eastern Bay of Plenty town, by featuring locals enjoying what they love about the place.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst enroute to New Zealand

Hollywood megastars Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst are poised to brighten up the South Island over the summer holidays.

Christchurch named among best places to visit in 2020

The Garden City is the only New Zealand destination to make a popular travel guide’s list of the top 52 places to visit in 2020.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of November with more updates. If you want to stay up-to-date in real time, please subscribe to our Industry News Bulletin.

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‘Challenge yourself and you will be rewarded,’ says graduate

Posted on 20/11/2019 by

Cheytarna and her partner on a recent holiday in Vanuatu.

Making the decision to study can be daunting.

It’s a big commitment and can involve a steep learning curve. 

But, it could also change the entire course of your life – for the better. 

A few years ago, Cheytarna Scott was procrastinating her dream of studying towards a tourism qualification.

She knew she wanted to work in the travel and tourism industry, but she wasn’t sure how to start. And, every time she went to begin, she got cold feet.

Until, finally, she took the jump – now, she wishes she started sooner.

“Don’t be scared, don’t hold back!” Cheytarna says to future students.

“Challenge yourself and you will be rewarded. The tourism industry is booming and making the decision to study with ITC gives you the relevant tools, experience, endless support, and foot in the door to making your dreams come true.”

Cheytarna now works as a travel consultant for Flight Centre and has completed both her Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications.

She was also awarded Study From Home ‘Student of the Year’ at her graduation ceremony.

If she could go back to speak to her past self, she’d have some clear advice.

“I would say, ‘you are making the right decision. Stop procrastinating’. I should have done it earlier. There is no better time than now.”

Cheytarna adds: “To be very honest, studying at ITC is one of the best decisions I’ve made and I am very proud that I did.”

Are you inspired by Cheytarna’s story? Get in touch today to learn how ITC Study From Home can help get your travel and tourism career off to a flying start. 

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Slow study week? Here’s how to bounce back

Posted on 13/11/2019 by

Tips for staying on top of your studies even when life gets busy.

Like any study path, studying from home has its ups and downs. Sometimes, you feel on top of your workload, and other times you’re pulling all nighters and early mornings to finish assignments. 

The question is, how do you bounce back after a challenging week – without falling further behind?

Here’s how to get back on top of your studies after a busy time. 

Add extra hours to your study schedule for a month

Whether you stopped studying due to family commitments, illness, or work, you have to make up those hours at some point. Add a few extra hours to your study schedule for a month to get ahead. It might make for a busier month than usual, but remember – it’s just one month.

Talk to your tutors

Be honest with your tutors if you start falling behind or feeling stressed. All of our tutors have years of experience – they’ve seen it all! They will be able to give you plenty of tips for succeeding at your studies. 

Talk to your friends and family

If you’ve fallen behind, you might not have as much time for friends and family until you catch up. Give them a heads up that if you’re slow to respond to text messages or can’t make a few social events, it’s because you’re concentrating on your studies. If you’re juggling studying with raising kids, you might also want to ask if your family can provide any extra support (you’ll never know unless you ask).

Avoid the multitasking trap

When you have more to do, it can be tempting to try to do everything at once – but this will only slow you down. Avoid multitasking and concentrate on ticking off one task at a time. (Remember, checking social media or emails while studying counts as multitasking). Try to chunk your time into bursts of focus (e.g. 45 minutes) and save social media and other distractions for your breaks.

Be gentle on yourself

Everyone has tough weeks every now and then, and sometimes life doesn’t go to plan. If you’re open and honest about your challenges and you take steps to get back on top of your studies, then you should be fine – even with a few setbacks along the way. Remember to talk to your tutors and, when you do sit down to study, stay focused. You’ve got this! 

Want more study tips and tricks? Follow us on Facebook for our latest blog posts or check back here every Wednesday.

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Study from home tips to suit your personality type

Posted on 06/11/2019 by

How to make your study from home dream work for you, no matter what your personality type.

Thinking about studying from home? Or already studying and looking for ways to boost your productivity?

This blog post is for you. Read on for study tips to suit your personality type so you can create your ideal study from home experience.

Tips for introverts

If you’re an introvert, you probably enjoy your own company and love studying from home in your own space. Introverts gain energy from being alone and prefer small groups to large gatherings. 

Given your personality type, studying from home is a great fit! However, be careful of becoming too socially isolated. Your challenge is to make time to socialise throughout your week. Whether that’s booking a few catch-ups with friends or working from your local cafe, it’s important that you spend time around other people. 

Tips for extroverts

If you’re an extrovert, you might find it challenging to study from home at first. Extroverts gain energy from being around other people and thrive in social settings (such as classrooms!). 

But, you can still make studying from home work for you. The key is to recreate a social experience. For example, you might make an effort to connect with a few of your classmates and check-in with them on the phone each day. Or, you might study from a shared space, such as a cafe, library, or a family member’s home.

As long as you’re aware of your extroverted tendencies, you can take steps to fill your social cup.

Tips for ambiverts

Not sure whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert? Many of us are a mix of both! And sometimes we feel different depending on what else we have on.

The best thing to do is to check in with yourself at the beginning of each week when you’re creating your study schedule. Ask yourself questions such as ‘do I need more time around other people this week?’ or ‘when was the last time I worked from a public space’? 

You might need to change things up each week to keep feeling your best. Happy studying!

Want more study tips and tricks? Follow us on Facebook for our latest blog posts or check back here every Wednesday.

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Regional tourism highlights: October

Posted on 30/10/2019 by

Te Puke – the heart of Kiwifruit country – is one of many regions to make headlines this month.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

With just one month to go until the start of the summer season, New Zealand’s regional tourism industry is humming along nicely.

Here are some of the top headlines from October.

Air New Zealand ramps up regional services

Air New Zealand is adding additional capacity to some of its regional routes in December following Jetstar’s withdrawal of its regional services.

Kiwifruit a platform for Te Puke tourism

Graeme Crossman believes the global popularity of kiwifruit is a magnet that can draw tourists to the Te Puke area.

Bay of Plenty tourism operators awarded for work in sustainability

Two Bay of Plenty tourism operators have been nationally recognised for their hard work in tourism sustainability innovation.

Another record cruise season kicks off

Local businesses and tour operators can look forward to a boost over the coming months, courtesy of a strong cruise season for 2019/2020.

New Zealand towns that are about to arrive on the tourist radar

Tourists are increasingly in search of experiences off the beaten track. So here are some of the towns set to benefit.

Queenstown Airport records biggest increase in overseas arrivals in August

An increase in direct trans-Tasman flights led to a big jump in the number of Australian visitors arriving at Queenstown Airport in August.

Skydiving gets green light at Pukaki Airport

Skydive Mt Cook has been given the all clear by Mackenzie District Council’s (MDC) planning department to land parachutes at Pukaki Airport.

Stars align in Wairarapa for astro-tourism business

Star Field, located south of Martinborough, launched last weekend and was set to ride the crest of a wave of astro-tourism as the region bids to become an international dark sky reserve.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of November with more updates. If you want to stay up-to-date in real time, please subscribe to our Industry News Bulletin.

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Simple ways to stay social when studying from home

Posted on 23/10/2019 by

Studying from a cafe every now and then is a great way to get some social interaction when distance learning.

Studying from home with ITC offers incredible freedom and flexibility.

If you’re a night owl, you can study while the rest of the country sleeps – no questions asked.

Morning person? No problem! Class can start at 5 am on the dot if you choose.

All this autonomy is fantastic, but it’s still important to make time to socialise throughout your day – or you might find yourself craving more human connection.

Here are some fun and easy ways to connect with people even when studying from home.

1. Pick up the phone at least once a day

Call a friend, family member, classmate, or even your tutor. Check in with someone different each day to maintain social connections and fill your social tank.

2. Eat out every now and then

Venture out to a cafe or sushi bar for a bite to eat once a week or so. Just being around other people will give you a little social boost. If you can meet a friend for lunch, even better!

3. Study from a public space

Take your study notes to the local library, a cafe with free wifi, or anywhere else that will allow you to do some focused study while being around other people.

4. Add ‘social time’ to your study schedule

When planning out your study and life commitments, see if you can add one social catch-up a week to your calendar. This might be a 30-minute coffee date with a friend or a big family day every Sunday. See what you can fit in!

5. Make the most of technology

Texting, calling, FaceTime – these are all great ways to stay in touch with friends and family if you’re too busy to arrange face-to-face catch ups. While they aren’t as good as the real deal, using technology to keep in touch will give you a social boost even during your busiest times.

Want more study tips and tricks? Follow us on Facebook for our latest blog posts or check back here every Wednesday.

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How to transition between study mode and home life

Posted on 16/10/2019 by

Writing a to-do list at the end of each study session is a great way to transition from study mode to home life.

There are lots of negatives associated with commuting from home to work or college – the time, the cost, the reliance on public transport. 

But, one good thing about commuting is that it helps you transition from home life to study mode (and vice versa).

When you Study From Home, it all blends together. Most of the time, this is awesome. But sometimes, it can make it hard to switch off.

If you find yourself thinking about your studies all the time – or you feel distracted when you’re with your family – you might find it beneficial to create some healthy transitions between studying and home life.

Here are some ideas.

Get dressed for your desk

Take the time to shower, get dressed into something presentable (no trackies!) and do your hair. The simple process of getting ready will signal to your brain that it’s time to study. 

Once you’ve finished studying, do the opposite – ditch your professional clothes for your favourite around-the-house fashion.

Follow your study schedule

When you join ITC Study From Home, you’ll be prompted to create a study schedule. This is where you visually map out the hours you have available for study throughout the week.

Try to follow your study schedule as closely as possible. During allocated study hours, focus on your studies. And during downtime, let yourself relax – knowing that if you follow your study schedule tomorrow, you’ll catch up.

Pack away your study things

At the end of each study session, pack away your study gear (or throw a sheet over your desk). Out of sight, out of mind!

Make sure you switch off all your devices, too.

Write a to-do list for tomorrow

When your study session is coming to an end, spend some time writing tomorrow’s to-do list. 

The act of writing a list will help you feel organised for the next day, so you can relax and enjoy your evening.

Go for a walk

After a long day of studying, you’ll probably need to clear your head. Lace up your walking shoes and pound the pavement for a stress-relieving post-study ritual.

You might also enjoy swapping out a walk for something like yoga, reading, or dancing.

Find what works for you

Separating study life from home life is one of the biggest challenges of studying from home, but ultimately – it’s a blessing. You have a huge level of influence over your day and the opportunity to create little rituals and routines that work for you.

Whether that’s finishing your study session with a walk or throwing a towel over your desk, that’s totally up to you. 

Do you have any helpful tips for transitioning from study life to home life? Share your tips in the comments below.

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5 great reasons to Study From Home over summer

Posted on 09/10/2019 by

Summer isn’t only for beach days and BBQs – it can be a great season to throw yourself into your studies.

Summer in New Zealand is traditionally a time to head to the beach, relax, and put your feet up.

But what if this summer was a little different?

What if you used your downtime to pursue your dream – your dream of an exciting career in airline, travel or tourism?

Study From Home has three qualifications starting on October 21, which means you could be well underway by the time summer rolls around.

Here are five reasons to consider studying from home this summer. 

1. The days are longer

With early sunrises and late sunsets, in summer it simply feels like time is on your side. You’ll have plenty of daylight hours to enjoy walks, eating outside, and soaking up the sunshine around your studies. 

2. You might have more support

If you’re juggling study commitments around raising children or other family commitments, you might find you have more support in summer. Maybe people will have time off work, and therefore might be able to lend a hand every now and then. 

3. Sunshine is a fantastic motivator

We all know winter can be depressing – all those bleak, rainy days! In summer, you’re more likely to feel energised uplifted. Plus, the thought of rewarding yourself with a walk along the beach is an excellent motivator to power through your assignments. 

4. You’ll get a headstart on 2020

The new year will be here before you know it, and with that a whole new set of goals and ambitions. Get a headstart on your dreams by starting your studies in October. By the time January 1st hits, you’ll already be well on your way to ticking off some big resolutions. 

5. You can still enjoy a holiday

Even if you start studying in October, you’ll still get a break for Christmas – the best of both worlds! You’ll spend October, November, and some of December getting up to speed with your qualification, then you can come back to your studies with fresh eyes in the new year.

Summer truly is a wonderful time to study, especially if you want to kickstart your tourism career next year.

Get in touch today to learn more about our Study From Home courses starting soon.

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How to manage distractions when studying from home

Posted on 02/10/2019 by

Keep getting distracted by social media? Try these tips to stay on track.

From social media notifications to text messages to the lure of a new Netflix series, distractions abound when you’re studying from home.

“Just one more episode.”

“Just one more scroll of Instagram.”

“Maybe I’ll sleep in today.”

These are just some of the distractions that might tempt you – and that’s without even mentioning the pantry and fridge!

The good news is, there are plenty of ways to avoid distractions and concentrate on your studies.

Here are our best tips for staying focused.

1. Use the Pomodoro method

If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’re probably sick of hearing us mention the Pomodoro method! But we keep talking about it because it really is that good.

The Pomodoro method is when you use a timer to study in 25-minute bursts. After each 25-minute burst, you can take a five-minute break to check your phone, emails, social media, or stare at the fridge. Once you’ve completed four Pomodoros, you can take a longer break – like eat your lunch or watch some YouTube. You do you!

The most important thing is to close down all distractions during each 25-minute study session. You can catch up on everything once the timer goes off. 

2. Put your phone on flight mode

If you don’t need to be contacted, put your phone on flight mode to remove all distractions. This is a great way of achieving peace and quiet from social media, phone calls, and text messages.

3. Block social media

If you need your phone to receive phone calls and text messages, but you keep getting distracted by social media, then consider removing all social apps from your smartphone during busy study times. You can always re-install them later!

Another tip is to block social media on your computer browser. There are several good apps out there – just Google ‘social media blocker’ to find one that suits you.

4. Create a study schedule

Another one of our favourite tips is to create a study schedule. When you sign up with ITC Study From Home, your tutor will explain the importance of a schedule and help you set one up that suits your lifestyle.

The beauty of a schedule is that it doesn’t leave much up to chance. You book in times for work, study, leisure, and – providing you follow it – you can fit in everything you need each week.

5. Bounce back from hard days

Even if you’re the most disciplined, organised person in the world, you will still have slow study days every now and then.

Be gentle on yourself and remind yourself that studying from home is challenging, and that you’re doing a great job! It’s OK to struggle once in a while – just make sure you communicate with your tutors and try to bounce back the next day. Try not to let bad days turn into bad weeks or months. Your tutors can offer you advice and tips around how to stay on-track.

6. Learn what works for you

Everyone is different. Experiment with different study schedules and methods to find an approach that works for you. If you’re passing your assignments and feeling positive about your studies, then you’re doing all the right things!

Want more Study From Home tips? Check back here every Wednesday for a new blog post. In the meantime, get in touch if you’d like to learn more about studying airline, travel and tourism. 

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Regional tourism highlights: September

Posted on 25/09/2019 by

Waikato features a few times in this month’s update, including ranking as a top 50 bucket list destination.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

The first month of spring has been great for regional tourism, with plenty of exciting projects in the pipeline.

Here are the top headlines from September. 

Taranaki crossing to boost region’s tourism earnings

Taranaki’s tourism earnings are set for an annual boost of about $4 million a year after confirmation of a $13.3 million Provincial Growth Fund investment in Egmont National Park.

The Great Kiwi Beer Fest to hit Hamilton

Hamilton will host one of the South Island’s favourite events as the Great Kiwi Beer Festival launches in the city next year.

New day-long cycle loop to showcase iconic Rotorua features

A day-long cycle loop incorporating Redwood trees, geothermal activity, Māori culture and stunning views is close to reality for Rotorua.

Waikato on world’s top 50 bucket list

Waikato has become a global bucket-list destination alongside the likes of Los Angeles, Kruger National Park in Africa and Santorini, Greece, according to a 2019 survey.

Southland visitor numbers expected to soar

Southland’s national parks can expect an additional 140,000 visitors in the next six years, according to the Government’s new visitor forecast tool. 

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of July with more updates. If you want to stay up-to-date in real time, please subscribe to our Industry News Bulletin.

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Time blocking: Have you tried it?

Posted on 18/09/2019 by

Time blocking is a great way to stay focused while studying.

One of the latest productivity buzzwords to take the internet by storm is ‘time blocking’.

Time blocking is the opposite of multitasking. It’s when you set aside a set amount of time to focus on one task only, free from other distractions.

Here are some tips for applying time blocking to study. 

Create a study schedule

Before you can block out any set time for study, you need to create your study schedule.

Here’s how to create a study plan (and stick to it!)

Remove all distractions

Time blocking won’t work unless you remove all distractions and focus 100% on the task at hand. 

That means turning off your phone and shutting down emails. 

Use a timer

If time blocking works well, you’ll find yourself ‘in the zone’. Set a timer so you don’t go overtime and cut into time allocated for other tasks.

A timer will also stop you from checking the time every few minutes, therefore keeping you on track.

Consider the Pomodoro technique

The Pomodoro technique is when you work in 25-minute bursts followed by 5-minute breaks (and a longer break for every 4x 25-minute bursts). 

You could also create your own version – for example, working in 45-minute bursts followed by 10-minute breaks. 

Time block other activities

Time blocking isn’t just for study – you could also consider time blocking other activities such as family time, exercise time, or work time.

The less you multitask, the more productive you’ll be. 

Use a digital calendar

Use an online calendar such as Google Calendar so you can easily colour code different blocks of time, set up recurring events, and share your schedule with family members (if needed).

Test, test, and test again

Time blocking isn’t a technique that will work perfectly overnight. You will need to test and experiment until you find a pattern that consistently works.

Try to track your progress in a notebook or the Notes app on your phone to get an idea of what works and what doesn’t. 

After a few weeks, you’ll get the hang of it. Good luck!

Want more Study From Home tips? Check back here every Wednesday for a new blog post. In the meantime, get in touch if you’d like to learn more about studying airline, travel and tourism. 

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Five study rewards that don’t involve sugar

Posted on 11/09/2019 by

Creative ways to reward yourself for a hard week’s study, without just hitting the sugar!

Do you reward yourself for a hard week’s study?

If not, it could be a good time to start. Rewarding yourself for a job well done can be great motivation for getting up and doing it all over again the next week.

Typical reward ideas include chocolate, ice cream, and all things delicious. But if you’re also trying to get a good night’s sleep and encourage better eating habits, celebrating with sugar might not be your best bet.

Here are some fun study rewards that don’t involve sugar (or any other similar vices!).

1. Go to bed early

Some people might laugh at this one – but what used to be a punishment as a kid feels like a reward as a tired, hardworking adult! Is there anything more rewarding than hopping into bed early after a long day? Even if you’re not tired, you could curl up with a book or movie.

2. Go for a walk in nature

When was the last time you went for a leisurely stroll on the beach or through a beautiful stretch of scenery? Lace up your walking shoes and head to your favourite nature spot to relax and unwind.

3. Play tourist in your backyard

If you’re looking for a big reward, treat yourself to a tourist activity in your town or city. This could be something thrilling, like a jet boat road, or something relaxing, like a dip in a hot springs! Whatever you choose, it will tick two boxes – rewarding yourself for your efforts, and teaching you more about your local tourism industry. Win-win.

4. Give yourself a day off

Feeling on top of your work and ahead of the game? Give yourself a relaxing day off to recharge, day dream, watch TV, hang out with friends and family – whatever you feel like doing to refuel your tank. Not only will you love this reward, you’ll also come back to study the next day feeling refreshed and motivated.

5. Do something fun with friends

When you’re studying, your social life can take a backseat. As your next study reward, put your friends front and centre and do something fun together. Whether that’s a movie night, dinner out, or just a good old chat on the phone, schedule that social time to fill your cup.

Want more Study From Home tips? Check back here every Wednesday for a new blog post. In the meantime, get in touch if you’d like to learn more about studying airline, travel and tourism. 

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Do you need to Marie Kondo your study space?

Posted on 04/09/2019 by

Want a study space Marie Kondo would be proud of? Read on for some decluttering tips.

If you haven’t yet heard of Marie Kondo, you’re missing out.

The Japanese decluttering expert is an internet and Netflix sensation, famous for her books ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying’ and ‘Spark Joy’.

Marie Kondo believes keeping tidy, minimalist homes can do wonders for our wellbeing.

“Our goal is to help more people tidy their spaces by choosing joy, and we are committed to developing the simplest and most effective tools to help you get there,” reads her website, konmari.com.

Does your study space spark joy or feel overwhelming? Do you have a clean space to work from or is it cluttered and messy?

Having a tidy and well-organised study space could help you study better, stay focused for longer, and enjoying sitting at your desk each day.

If your study space needs a Marie Kondo makeover, here are some tips for starting the decluttering process.

  • Set aside enough time. Marie advises to get all of your decluttering done in one go, rather than letting piles build up over time. She also advises removing everything you’re throwing out on the same day you’re decluttering, so it doesn’t take up space sitting in your garage. So, set aside a weekend day where you can clear out your space, decide what you want to keep, and also drop off goods to bins or charity shops.

 

  • Create digital back-ups of important files. Don’t be too hasty to throw out your paperwork. Make sure you have digital back-ups of all important files (if you’re not sure, take a photo just in case).

 

  • Clean while you declutter. Make the most of your decluttering spree by giving your study space a good spring clean. Vacuum behind your desk and crank out the spray and wipe.

 

  • Create an efficient filing system. It’s amazing how quickly things can pile up. Create a system so that as you start to collect more paperwork, you’re not heading right back to where you started.

 

  • Complete a digital declutter, too. When was the last time you backed up your computer, organised your files, and cleared your desktop of random files and distracting icons? If you have enough time, do a digital declutter, too.

 

Want more Study From Home tips? Check back here every Wednesday for a new blog post. In the meantime, get in touch if you’d like to learn more about studying airline, travel and tourism. 

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Regional tourism highlights: August

Posted on 28/08/2019 by

Fox Glacier has been named as one of the greatest places on Earth by Rough Guides, along with Franz Josef.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

The last month of winter has been a bumper one for regional New Zealand tourism.

Here are the top headlines from August. 

Two regional NZ destinations named ‘the best places on Earth’

The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and Queenstown have been named as two of the greatest places on Earth by Rough Guides.

Unique view on a multi-million dollar astro-tourism attraction

Stuff.co.nz writer Alice Geary shares her thoughts on Tekapo’s new Dark Sky Project.

Hobbiton’s plans to increase tourist numbers approved by Council

Major tourist attraction Hobbiton has the all clear to welcome up to one million visitors a year.

Public to get say on Napier’s $51m aquarium dream

The Napier City Council may start public consultation this year on plans for the major expansion of the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

New Zealand’s best off-the-radar towns

These smaller centres have some hidden gems.

Taranaki beats other regions to host national tourism industry conference

The 2020 Tourism Export Council of New Zealand conference will be hosted in Taranaki for the first time in more than 20 years. 

Bumper cruise season nears

This summer’s cruise season promises to be a bright spot for New Zealand tourism. 

Top six most beautiful New Zealand towns narrowed down

The list of New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Towns has been narrowed down to six – Cambridge, Pukekohe, Hutt City, Whanganui, Waihi (pictured), and Hanmer Springs.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of July with more updates. If you want to stay up-to-date in real time, please subscribe to our Industry News Bulletin.

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Five sample study routines for distance learners

Posted on 21/08/2019 by

Following a routine is a great way to make the most of the hours in every day.

When you study from home, finding a routine that works for you is paramount.

Here are some examples of great routines to inspire you to create your own. 

1. The earlybird routine

A morning person, you’re usually up with the birds (sometimes earlier!). You get some of your best study done from 5 am onwards, coffee in hand. By lunchtime, you’ve already worked the equivalent of a full day – time to clock off for a nap! 

2. The 9-5 routine

You treat study like a full-time job, hitting the books during traditional work hours. This routine is ideal if your partner or other people in your life work a Mon-Fri, 9-5 job, as it means you’ll have weekends and evenings off together.

3. The part-timer routine

You’re studying part-time so you can fit in study alongside a part-time job. Each week looks slightly different, so planning your days out in detail on a Sunday evening is essential. It’s hard for you to find long, uninterrupted stretches of time to study, so you do what you can, when you can, as often as you can. It’s not perfect, but it works well for you – and you get the best of both worlds.

4. The school routine

Studying while the kids are at school? You’re super productive between 10 am and 2 pm and often put in some extra hours over the weekend. If the kids are up for it, you might also do some study in the afternoons while they do their homework. 

5. The night owl routine

You love staying up late. At 10 pm, when everyone else is drifting off to sleep, you come alive. You enjoy studying in the stillness of the night and get lots done between the hours of 9 pm and 2 am – peaceful in the knowledge you can sleep in the next day.

What’s your dream study routine?

Do you consider yourself more of a morning bird or night owl? Are you a part-timer or 9-5er? While you probably won’t fit into one routine, these examples will help you narrow down the routines that appeal to you. Then comes the fun part – building your own. Don’t hesitate to ask your tutors for help if you’re struggling to create the perfect study schedule for you.

Are you inspired by the flexibility of studying from home? ITC Study From Home is enrolling now. Get in touch today to learn more about our distance learning qualifications. 

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

How to set regular study hours and avoid ‘study creep’

Posted on 14/08/2019 by

Keep study from creeping into all areas of your life with these helpful tips.

One challenge of studying from home is knowing when to clock off.

Unlike a classroom environment, there’s no firm end to your day – you have the freedom to set your own hours. 

Of course, this flexibility is a huge benefit – but only if you strike the right balance between work and rest. 

Here are some tips to help you set regular study hours and avoid ‘study creep’ (when study creeps into all areas of your life).

1. Create a study plan

Map out the time you will allocate to study and other commitments. Your study plan will become your guiding light, helping you to prioritise your time accordingly. 

When you start studying with ITC Study From Home, your tutors will help you develop a study plan. In the meantime, read ‘How to create a study plan (and stick to it)’ for more information. 

2. Set up a home office space 

One of the best ways to define the start and end of your ‘study day’ is to create a dedicated space just for study.

When you walk into your study space, you’re in study mode. And when you leave, you’re off duty! Of course, this isn’t always possible, especially if you don’t have an extra room. 

If you’re short on space, try draping a tablecloth over your computer and study tools when your study day is over, so you can feel a sense of detachment. 

3. Track your time

Instead of studying for regular hours (e.g. from 9 am to 5 pm each day), some people find it helpful to aim to study for a certain number of hours each week (e.g. a minimum of 20 hours).

Whenever you sit down to study, track your time so you can get a good sense of how long you’ve spent studying that week. If it gets to Thursday and you’ve only clocked up four hours, you’ll know you need to put in more time over the weekend. 

4. Prioritise sleep and exercise

If you can, try to get enough sleep and incorporate some gentle exercise into each day – even if it’s just a 20-minute walk around the block.

Rest and exercise will make you more productive when you do study, meaning you’ll hopefully get through the work in less time.

That said, fitting in sleep and exercise into your study schedule can be trial and error. If you fall behind or simply have a lot on, you might have to pull a few late nights to make up for lost time.

5. Talk to your tutors

All the Study From Home tutors are experts in time management and can help you make the most of your precious hours, while still leaving enough time for family and work.

The tutors want to see you thrive, not just survive, throughout your Study From Home journey, so make the most of their expertise, tips, and knowledge.

They can help you to determine how much time you should be putting into study and how much time you can set aside for other commitments.

Would you like to learn more about Studying From Home with ITC? Get in touch today to learn how we can help you get your airline, travel and tourism career off to a flying start.

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Tips for finding your first customer service job

Posted on 07/08/2019 by

A customer-facing job, such as working in a cafe or restaurant, will look great on your CV when applying for jobs in the tourism industry.

Do you know one thing that can help increase your chances of finding work in the tourism industry (in addition to a tourism qualification)?

Customer service experience. The tourism industry is all about people, so employers will be looking for staff that have great people skills and feel confident interacting with travellers from all walks of life.

Here are some tips for landing your first customer service job.

1. Be open-minded

Not all customer service jobs are glamorous, but if this is your first proper job then it’s important to stay open-minded and make the most of opportunities that come your way. Now is probably not the time to be too picky. 

2. Make a great first impression

Whether you make a first impression by emailing your CV or meeting the employer in person, aim to impress.

Aim to be polite, professional, and warm. If meeting in person, never underestimate the power of a warm smile and a confident handshake. If emailing, keep your tone professional and clear and make sure all your communication is free of spelling mistakes. 

3. Keep your CV short and sweet

If you’re applying for one of your first jobs, your CV doesn’t need to be five pages! Aim for one page if possible, providing a quick glance of your experience or education to date. If you don’t have a lot of experience to talk about, include a blurb about your goals.

For some more CV tips and support, please reach out to our Employment Consultants.

4. Be enthusiastic

Enthusiasm goes such a long way! Employers want to hire people who are enthusiastic about their business and driven to do a great job.

Don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm and let your ambition shine. 

5. Focus on the people you’re serving

Once you get your first job, you might find some aspects boring or challenging. That’s totally normal! Every job comes with ups and downs. To stay motivated, think of the people you’re serving – be that the tired mum at the supermarket checkout or the busy businessman at the petrol station. Focus on making their day a little brighter, and you’ll feel happier as a result.

And remember: your first job won’t be your forever job. You just need a foot in the door to start your career.

Want to learn more about working in the exciting airline, travel and tourism industry? ITC Study From Home is enrolling now. Contact us to learn how we can help get your career off to a flying start. 

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Regional tourism highlights: July

Posted on 31/07/2019 by

The government is funding the restoration of Mauri north of Matapouri Beach (pictured).

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

It’s been another busy month for tourism. Here are the latest regional tourism headlines from around the country. 

New ad campaign aims to sell Taupo and New Zealand to the world

Taupō locals embrace the latest Tourism New Zealand worldwide advertising campaign. 

Southland’s Hump Ridge Track named nation’s newest Great Walk

The remote 61km trail west of Invercargill will receive a $5 million upgrade to be added to New Zealand’s top tier of hikes by 2022.

$1.1m from government to restore Mauri north of Matapouri Beach

The money comes from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF).

$3.6m to boost tourism in Canterbury

Millions will be invested into rubbish bins, toilets and camping facilities in a bid to improve tourism throughout Canterbury.

Christchurch Airport grows against national trend

Christchurch Airport’s annual visitor arrival growth between July and May is 8.5 per cent. 

Tauranga tourism gets support from national body

The national tourism body has thrown support behind Tauranga sector leaders.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of July with more updates. If you want to stay up-to-date in real time, please subscribe to our Industry News Bulletin.

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Batch tasks to boost productivity (here’s how)

Posted on 24/07/2019 by

Batching similar tasks together is an excellent way to stay organised.

When you study from home, you’re not only in charge of your own learning – you’re also in charge of time management, administration, technology, email communication, and all of the other little things that come with remote study.

If you’re not careful, you could find yourself spending an entire ‘study day’ doing tasks like emailing your tutors, updating your laptop or smartphone, or making tweaks to your study schedule.

Before you know it, you’ve lost a whole day to ‘admin work’ that’s not actually getting you much closer to completing your assignments.

This type of work is still important, but only if you manage your time wisely.

The magic answer? Batching tasks.

When you batch similar tasks together, you’ll boost productivity and save precious time wasted on switching between jobs.

And the best part is, batching tasks is easy. All it requires is a little forward-planning and a dash of discipline – two things you’ll already be good at as a study from home student.

Here are some tips.

Identify common tasks

The first step to becoming a task-batching-master is identifying which little jobs are similar. Review all of your responsibilities and categorise them under similar titles. 

For example, ‘admin’ might involve email and computer updates; ‘research’ could be for doing research work about your assignments, and ‘review’ could be for doing the final proofread over your work before you submit it to your tutors. 

Set email boundaries

Many successful entrepreneurs only check emails once a day at a specific time (for example, every morning at 9 am). Then, for the rest of the day they close their inbox to focus on other tasks – in your case, actually studying.

Of course, whether or not you can ignore your email will depend on the communication with your tutor and how much support you require. If you’re considering setting boundaries around email, it’s a good idea to speak to your tutor first.

Batch tasks by hour

If it’s too hard to clear an entire day to focus on one type of task, try batching tasks by hour, instead. You’ll still get the productivity benefits of grouping certain types of tasks together, while also doing a variety of work each day.

Incorporate batching into your study schedule

By now you’ll know that your study schedule is your golden document – the weekly or fortnightly calendar which tells you exactly when you’ll fit study in around your other commitments, such as work or family.

Once you’ve batched your tasks, layer these into your study schedule. For example, make Monday a day for doing research, Wednesday a day for concentrating on your assignments, Thursday a day for revising your work, etc.

Don’t give up! 

Sometimes, it won’t be possible to batch tasks. Other days, interruptions will appear out of nowhere. The trick to long-term success is to get back into the routine of task batching even after a rough day or week.

Remember: it’s what you do most of the time that counts the most. So don’t let one challenging day throw off your entire month.

Would you like to learn more about studying from home with ITC? Get in touch today to learn how we can help get your airline, travel and tourism career off to a flying start. 

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3 things distance learning students can learn from remote workers

Posted on 17/07/2019 by

Sharpen your Study From Home skills with inspiration from remote workers.

Studying From Home has a lot in common with working from home. Both involve high levels of motivation and self-discipline, as well as excellent time management skills. 

Here are three things distance learning students can learn from remote workers.

1. Pick up the phone

When working or studying from home, it can be easy to rely too much on email, instant messaging or text. 

Instead, carve out time in your schedule to talk to your tutors or your classmates on the phone or via video conferencing software such as Zoom.

Talking on the phone is the closest you can get to face-to-face contact. You can pick up on people’s tone-of-voice, mood, and it’s a much faster way of discussing complicated information.

Plus, it’ll help you feel connected to the world outside your home’s four walls, which is always a bonus!

2. Make sure your tech is reliable

You know what makes it almost impossible to study or work from home? A broken laptop or slow internet speed.

When you choose to study remotely, your technology is important.

While we’re not suggesting you rush out and purchase the latest and greatest laptop, at least make sure your current model is equipped to meet the course requirements.

If you’re not sure what you need, send one of our tutors an email or give us a call – we’ll be more than happy to talk you through the course requirements and help you assess whether your current technology can bear the load.

3. Find out how you study best

Everyone is different. Some people study best first thing in the morning, other people are night owls that come alive after 8 pm. 

Figuring out how you study best will be a gamechanger for your productivity. Once you know your ‘best hours’, you can rearrange your schedule to suit, essentially allowing you to get more done in less time. 

Are you interested in studying from home with ITC? Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help you get your airline, travel and tourism career off to a flying start. 

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Tips for setting ‘Half Year Resolutions’

Posted on 10/07/2019 by

With less than six months to go until the end of 2019, now is the perfect time to review your New Year Resolutions.

Happy Half Year!

We’re just over halfway through 2019, which makes now a fantastic time to review your New Year Resolutions and set some ‘Half Year Resolutions’ for the next six months.

Here are some tips to help you make the next six months count.

1. Review your 2019 goals

Dust off your goals from January and see how you’re tracking. Have you ticked off any goals from the list? Are you yet to start some? Are there goals you no longer care about? Update your list to reflect your current mindset.

2. Make a plan

A goal without action is just a dream. Make a plan to achieve your goal by blocking off time in your calendar, arranging the required meetings, or talking to people who can help. Make it your mission to do at least one thing towards achieving your goals by the end of the week. 

3. Set yourself some rewards

What will motivate you to work harder? Set yourself a reward for when you achieve your goal to inspire you to put in the effort. Put your goals and their associated rewards somewhere you see them every day so you stay focussed. 

Is one of your goals to study airline, travel or tourism? ITC Study From Home has qualifications starting on 29 July. Get in touch today to learn more. 

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10 ways to make studying from home easier

Posted on 03/07/2019 by

Want to be more productive when studying from home? Try turning all your social media notifications off.

If you’re studying from home (or thinking about doing so), here are ten quick ways to make studying easier and more enjoyable. 

1. Create a study plan

One of the first things we encourage all new students to do is create a study plan. A good plan makes it easy to see exactly what needs to be done and when, so you’re never wondering where to begin. 

2. Batch similar tasks

Jumping between tasks (or multitasking) is said to halve productivity. Instead, batch similar tasks together where possible. For example, allocate a day to focus on research, a day to focus on writing, a day to focus on editing, etc.

3. Dress to impress

Did you know getting dressed as if you’re leaving the house can do wonders for your mindset? Instead of studying in your favourite pajamas, try putting on your favourite outfit, instead. You’ll be amazed at how much it helps you focus. 

4. Find a study buddy

Partner up with another student in your class for support, encouragement and accountability. Having someone in your network who just ‘gets it’ give you a huge motivation boost. 

5. Take regular breaks

Whether it’s a walk around the block, coffee at your favourite cafe, or a quick stretch from your desk, regular breaks will help you maintain energy throughout the day. 

6. Meal prep

Do you spend a lot of time thinking about food, wondering what you’ll eat for lunch and walking to the fridge and back countless times per day? Stop wasting time staring into the pantry and prepare your meals in advance, instead. 

7. Listen to a study playlist

Putting on some background music can give you a great boost of energy. Here are some of our favourite playlists for studying

8. Turn off all notifications

When you’re in study mode, turn off all social media and email notifications. Writing an assignment can take triple the time it’s mean to if your phone keeps going off. 

9. Schedule in downtime

When you’re creating your study plan, don’t forget to schedule in downtime at the end of the week, such as a Friday night movie. You’ll find it easier to stay on track with your studies if you have something to look forward to. 

10. Get a change of scenery every now and then 

Sometimes, the best way to stay productive is by changing things up. Head to a cafe or library to study for a day and it’ll make you appreciate your home office all the more.

Would you like to learn more about studying from home with ITC? Get in touch today to find out about our upcoming courses. 

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In memory of our cherished colleague Richard Euston

Posted on 27/06/2019 by

Richard Euston was a cherished colleague and friend and we all miss him so much.

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the sudden death of Richard Euston. Richard was the Team Leader of our Study From Home team, and had been at ITC since 2015. He was a dedicated team member who always went above and beyond for his students, he loved hearing about their success and was genuinely devoted to helping people into the industry he loved.

He was the most diligent, hard-working and amiable guy who we all loved working with, and he would happily accept all challenges. He was also funny, smart, humble, resourceful and the most flexible of people, nothing was too much trouble.

We will all miss him so much. Everyone he worked with cherished his humour, good heart and caring nature. We are so saddened, shocked and our love and thoughts are with Stacey and his family.

Richard’s life will be celebrated on Saturday 29th June – 11am Howick Funeral Home. All students are welcome to attend and pay their respects.

This is also a very sad time for the ITC team as we have lost a cherished colleague and friend, so thank you in advance for your kind words, love and understanding.

We also understand that many of you may be feeling shocked and grieved by this news. If you would like to speak to someone, please call Lifeline (open 24/7) on 0800 543 354.

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Regional tourism highlights: June

Posted on 26/06/2019 by

The government’s investment in rail transport could be a good thing for regional tourism.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

It may be the first month of winter, but the New Zealand tourism industry continues to heat up – there’s been plenty of exciting news around the country.

Here are some of the top regional tourism headlines from June.

Exciting times as Budget Investment gets rail back on track

More money for rail transport is good news for New Zealand, says the chief executive of KiwiRail. 

Queenstown and Wanaka vote in favour of visitor levy

Over 80% of voters support the plan to impose a visitor levy in Queenstown and Wanaka. 

Backyard tourism: Police museum great Porirua drawcard

The police museum is well worth a visit to Porirua, says Piers Fuller in this edition of ‘Backyard tourism’. 

Fiordland lobster snaps China trade win

Fiordland Lobster Company was the Supreme winner at the New Zealand China Trade Association awards this month.

Tararua to receive $4.4 million for Dannevirke rail centre

Funding for the centre comes from the Provincial Growth Fund for Hawke’s Bay.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of July with more updates. If you want to stay up-to-date in real time, please subscribe to our Industry News Bulletin.

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Tips for studying from home during the school holidays

Posted on 19/06/2019 by

The school holidays are just around the corner – below are some tips to help you prepare.

If you study from home with school-aged children, you’ll know the July school holidays are just around the corner.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the interruptions to your study schedule the school holidays will likely bring.

1. Get ahead (if possible)

With just under three weeks until the school holidays begin, try to use this time to get ahead on your studies. Can you put in some extra hours (even on the weekends) so that you can enjoy the holidays with your kids? The extra work now will be worth it once that school bell rings and you can take a two-week study break.

2. Create an amended school holiday study schedule

Your study schedule is going to look a little different during the school holidays – make sure you update it so you go into each day with a clear direction, instead of assuming you’ll be able to get the same amount of work done as when your kids are at school. Having a clear, realistic plan will help you feel less overwhelmed.

3. Talk to your kids about your study

Spend some time explaining to your kids that you might need to study a bit during the school holidays. Talking about it in the lead-up will mean it comes as less of a shock when the holidays arrive. If they are old enough, ask what they’d like to do while you study. For example, would they like that to be movie time each day or would they like to colour in alongside you?

4. Call on your village

Now is the time to see if anyone is available to help out with childcare over the school holidays. Could your kids spend some time at their grandparents or with a family friend? Could you do play-date swaps with other parents from school, where you invite their kids over to play one day and they have your kids the next?

5. Adjust your expectations

As awesome as it is to have the kids at home for two weeks, the school holidays can be tiring. Try to adjust your expectations and acknowledge that things might not run perfectly to plan – and that’s okay. If you think they will dramatically impact your studies, please talk to your tutor for advice and to discuss options.

One of the best things about studying from home is you can balance parenthood with studying. We have courses starting at the end of July (after the school holiday chaos!) – please get in touch if you’d like more information.

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Backyard tourism gets a big tick from SFH student

Posted on 12/06/2019 by

Lake Tekapo – one of the incredible destinations in Jacqueline’s corner of New Zealand.

Have you heard of backyard tourism?

It’s means being a tourist in your own backyard. In other words, taking the time to explore the country you live in as a visitor would.

That’s exactly what Jacqueline Buksh, a Study From Home student, recently did.

A few weeks ago, she embarked on a road trip with her family from her hometown of Christchurch. She says the road trip was all the more incredible thanks to her studies.

“I drove my family to Wanaka for the weekend and, I must say, if it wasn’t for the research I had to do with one of my assignments (as part of the Destination NZ units), I would have never known much about what the South Island had to offer in terms of tourist destinations,” says Jacqueline.

The Destination NZ and Tourism Destination units help students better understand the country’s top tourism towns, cities, and attractions.

Jacqueline certainly picked a good route for her road trip, covering popular destinations such as Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, and Arrowtown.

“We left Christchurch at 4 am in time to watch the sunrise of Lake Tekapo. You have got to experience it to truly appreciate the beauty,” she explains.

“We enjoyed breakfast in Lake Tekapo, continued on to Wanaka and had enough time to check out Puzzling World. The maze was fun, especially for the kids. We also checked out the Illusions Room, which was awesome!” she adds.

That concluded day one of the family’s weekend road trip. The next day, they went to Arrowtown.

“Our trip to Arrowtown was unplanned and we were surprised to find the Arrowtown Autumn Festival was on. We explored the town and visited the museum. It was so worth the trip.”

Finally, to round out their epic adventure, they also made time to visit Queenstown.

“I can say I was not disappointed at all. The scenic drive is breathtaking! And Fergburger is a must-do when visiting the South Island.”

Overall, Jacqueline had a magnificent time exploring nearby towns and cities.

Wherever you live in New Zealand, we’d highly encourage you to jump in the car and see where the road takes you!

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Struggling to study? Tips for becoming a better learner

Posted on 05/06/2019 by

Studying doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but like every skill, it can be learned.

Many people struggle to study. Everyone learns in different ways and at a different pace, and it’s okay to find studying hard.

The important thing to remember is: you can learn how to become a better learner.

Like anything, studying is a skill. With some practice, healthy habits, and a good dose of motivation, you can improve your ability to study.

At least, that’s what a professor from Oakland University in Michigan recently spoke about in an interview with NZ publication Education Central.

According to Professor Barbara Oakley, one of the best things that can help students who struggle to study is to understand how their brain works.

Some people have a strong working memory that allows them to learn lots of things quickly, while other people can’t retain information as easily and need to employ other memory techniques to learn.

Professor Oakley says she’s saddened when she sees students give up on themselves.

“It’s just because they don’t understand how their brain works. They don’t realise that if they don’t grab it quickly, they can still learn it very well and sometimes even more deeply.”

In other words: learning quickly doesn’t make you a better learner. It’s just the way your brain is wired. Even if something takes you a long time to learn, it doesn’t mean you’re not a ‘good student’.

Professor Oakley has a few tips for people who struggle to study.

  • Be creative. “If your brain isn’t naturally geared – you can be more creative!”
  • Take breaks.Even a few minutes of break can really be helpful for students.”
  • Study often. “For example what happens when you learn something with your teacher but you don’t practice it for another two weeks? Well, your little synaptic janitor comes and sweeps away some of the connections! And that’s why you can’t understand when you are looking at it again.”
  • Don’t give up. “Persistence is key.”

 

Would you like to learn more about studying from home? Get in touch today to learn about our qualifications and the support available.

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Regional tourism highlights: May

Posted on 29/05/2019 by

The tourism boom continues to attract more visitors to the regions, especially to popular resort towns such as Queenstown.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

May has been another big month for New Zealand tourism, especially with TRENZ in Rotorua.

Here are some of the top headlines from around the country.

Auckland to Cambridge motorway due for completion next year
Motorists will soon be able to drive 100km from Auckland to Cambridge on a four-lane highway without passing through Hamilton. The motorway is due for completion next year and will likely boost tourism to the region.

Auckland Bungy: Could the city’s new bridge be a tourism attraction?
Hamilton Council is exploring the possibility of adding a bungy platform to a new bridge across the Waikato River.

New Holiday Inn planned for Queenstown as tourists flock to the region
IHG is set to open a new Holiday Inn in Queenstown as the tourism boom continues.

Queenstown sets the stage for Travel Bootcamp this spring
The Travel Bootcamp (an event for travel content creators, bloggers, and social media experts) will be hosted in Queenstown for the first time this spring.

Dunedin a hit with cruise ship passengers
Almost 153,000 cruise ship passengers visited Dunedin and surrounds during the cruise season, bringing much tourism to the city.

Local Focus: Rotorua tourism shines at TRENZ
In May, Rotorua once again hosted TRENZ – the tourism industry’s biggest annual trade show. The city impressed domestic and international visitors alike with its tourism offerings.

Air New Zealand and ChristchurchNZ inspire NZers to visit the city
Air New Zealand and ChristchurchNZ have together launched a new campaign designed to encourage more New Zealanders to visit the city.

Dates announced for TRENZ 2020 in Christchurch
Tourism Industry Aotearoa has revealed that TRENZ 2020 will be held at Horncastle Arena, Christchurch, 18-21 May 2020.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of June with more updates. If you want to stay up-to-date in real time, please subscribe to our Industry News Bulletin.

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Student interview: Marise Barrett

Posted on 22/05/2019 by

Meet Marise Barrett, a recent SFH graduate who now works as a travel agent for Helloworld.

Every month, we interview a Study From Home student (past or present) to provide insight on what it’s like to study travel and tourism from home with ITC.

This month, we spoke to recent graduate Marise Barrett who is now working at Helloworld in New Plymouth.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I was born and bred in Taranaki and grew up in the big smoke of Hawera. I’m now living and working in New Plymouth at Helloworld. I LOVE MY JOB. Moving to the travel industry was the best thing I’ve done. Previous to working at Helloworld, I was working in the building industry for 12 years. It’s safe to say changing careers has been a HUGE but rewarding change.

I’ve been married to my husband Daniel for four years and I couldn’t have studied from home without his support. There were a few weekends where I was stuck in my assignment or coursework. Needless to say, when I told him I got the job he was just as excited as I was! It look about six days from when I applied until I got the phone call offering me the job.

We have a few nephews and nieces who keep us on our toes. I love getting out and about in the weekends, whether it be in New Plymouth along the walkways, hanging out with friends or getting away in our little campervan. We are always on the go.

What inspired you to study from home with ITC?

I have wanted to work in the travel and tourism industry for quite some time. About six years ago I did a Diploma in Business Administration because I could not find a course that was done via correspondence for Travel. I saw an ad pop up on my Facebook page for ITC. I looked into it a bit more, contemplated doing it and not doing it. I sat on the fence for a long time because I wasn’t sure about going back to study again. But it was the best decision I ever made.

What qualification(s) did you complete?

The New Zealand Certificate in Tourism (Level 3) with a Strand in Tourism and Travel and the New Zealand Certificate in Travel (Level 4).

What did you enjoy most about studying at ITC?

Meeting the other people on my course, the course work, and all the support from the ITC tutors. There was no such thing as a stupid question!

What travel destinations are on your wishlist?

Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Rarotonga, Europe (London – to see Big Ben and the Shakespeare House, Paris – to see the Eiffel Tower), Scotland, New York, the Greek Islands, the Maldives, Tahiti. Possibly the whole world! But these are my top destinations.

Do you have any tips for people thinking about studying at ITC?

If you’re passionate about travel, then just do it! Take the plunge. It’s been the best thing I’ve ever done. Now I’m in a job where I can see I LOVE my work.

Any final tips or words of wisdom for future students?

Never be afraid to ask what you think is a silly question, the tutors are always there to help you. Never be afraid to move ahead with your assignments. Don’t wait for your assignment to be marked before starting the next course, as you never know what might come up in life where you don’t want to worry about your assignments. If you get ahead, then you won’t need to worry so much about falling behind.

Are you inspired by Marise’s story? ITC Study From Home is enrolling now. Get in touch today to learn more about our airline, travel and tourism courses.

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How a food routine could help you study smarter

Posted on 15/05/2019 by

Being organised when it comes to food can help you be more productive on your study days.

One of the undisputed perks of studying from home is having all-day access to the fridge, pantry, and kettle.

However, is your kitchen proving to be more of a distraction than a benefit?

Studying from home can throw your entire schedule out of whack – including your meal times.

A good tip is to try to stick to a regular, consistent eating routine. Try to take regular meal breaks as if you were in class or in an office. For example, start your day with breakfast, take a lunch break, and take short breaks for morning tea and afternoon tea.

This might not sound like rocket science, but taking regular breaks to refuel is great for your brain, your energy levels, and your productivity.

Another tip is to meal plan. Knowing what you’re going to eat each day (and when) will save you valuable time staring into the fridge. It’ll also stop you from procrastinating and doing a 2-hour cook up on a study day.

Unlike when you study in a classroom or work in an office, you can’t just nip out to grab a takeaway lunch (unless you happen to live next door to some shops!). So, it’s also important to keep your fridge and pantry well-stocked with quick meals that are good for your brain.

You could also use your eating routine as an opportunity to socialise with friends and family. When you have a consistent routine, you can let family members know that you’ll be breaking for lunch at 12.30 pm every day – and that’s when they should call or visit.

Following an eating routine may seem a little strange at first, especially if you’re used to all-day snacking. But, after a few days, you’ll likely notice huge improvements in your mood and productivity levels.

As with most things about studying from home, it really comes down to creating and following a clear, achievable study plan. The study plan is at the heart of everything!

If you need help with your study plan, check out our article: How to create a study plan (and stick to it).

Are you thinking about studying from home? Get in touch today to learn how we can help you get your airline, travel and tourism career off to a flying start.

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Five ways to stay social when you study from home

Posted on 08/05/2019 by

It’s important to incorporate socialising into your schedule when you Study From Home.

The advantages of studying from home are obvious: flexibility, freedom, comfort, and of course being able to study five paces from the fridge!

But this way of studying doesn’t come without its challenges.

One of the biggest challenges of studying from home can be loneliness, especially if you don’t work a part-time job or live with family.

But never fear, this is a challenge that can be easily fixed.

Here are five ways to avoid loneliness and find ways to socialise when you study from home.

1. Make the most of ITC’s support

The ITC Study From Home team is only ever a phone call or email away. We’re not just here to help you with questions about airline, travel and tourism – we can also give you tips on studying from home in general, including advice on how to stay motivated and connected to your community. Please contact us if you need some tips on adjusting to the Study From Home lifestyle.

2. Attend the in-person workshop at the start of your course

We run an in-person workshop in Auckland at the beginning of both our Level 3 qualifications. While this workshop isn’t compulsory (we understand it’s not always possible to travel to Auckland), it is a fantastic way to meet your classmates who will likely become treasured friends throughout your course. Read this story for inspiration on how you can form close friendships while studying from home.

3. Take ‘social’ breaks

See if there are ways to make your breaks a social experience. For example, instead of eating lunch alone at home, consider treating yourself to something from a local cafe once a week or taking your lunch to a nearby park on sunny days. While you might not have any in-depth conversations while you’re out, just being out of the house will help to reduce feelings of loneliness. Another way you could make breaks social is by spending them with your family, going for a walk with a neighbour, or calling a friend. The moral of the story? Just try not to spend all of your downtime doing isolated activities, like watching television or reading.

4. Follow a study schedule

This is one piece of advice we try to drum into all our students: follow a study schedule! A schedule will clearly outline when you’ll spend time studying and when you have free time to spend with friends, family and leisure activities. Sure, you might only have a few hours of ‘fun’ a week but if it’s there on the schedule it will motivate you to enjoy this sacred time, instead of feeling like you have to study 24/7.

5. Call people

Get on the phone! It’s amazing how a 15-minute phone call can lift your mood. Even if you don’t share your physical space with classmates, you can still create your own little network by calling other people on your course or checking in with friends and family. Never underestimate the power of a short phone call. And of course, don’t forget that the Study From Home team is available during business days, too.

Want to learn more about studying from home at ITC? Get in touch today to learn how we can support you on your journey to join the airline, travel and tourism industry.

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Make May the month you kickstart your tourism career

Posted on 01/05/2019 by

Jump into the exciting world of airline, travel and tourism this month by contacting ITC Study From Home today.

Think you have to wait until 2020 to start studying towards a qualification in airline, travel or tourism

Think again!

We have three qualifications starting next month, which means you could have a qualification under your belt by the end of the year (our Level 3 and Level 4 courses take around 20 weeks to complete if you study full time).

Make May the month you take action by reaching out to us to discuss your study options and secure your place on one of our upcoming June courses.

Here’s an overview of the qualifications that start next month.

New Zealand Certificate in Tourism Level 3

A fantastic introduction to the world of travel and tourism, with modules on destination geography, customer service, cabin crew training, and more. Includes one in-person workshop in Auckland at the start of the course, but then you can study from home at your own pace from anywhere in New Zealand. You can also complete the workshop via video conference if it’s too difficult to travel to Auckland.

This course takes 20 weeks to complete if you study full-time or 40 weeks if you study part-time. We have courses starting in June, July and September. Find out more today.

New Zealand Certificate in Tourism with a Strand in Aviation Level 3

Dream of working at an airport or for an airline? This is the qualification for you. This course has a strong focus on aviation, covering topics such as airport security, passenger handling, airline operations, aircraft types, and cabin crew training. The aim of this qualification is to help you feel more confident and knowledgeable when applying for jobs in the competitive airline and aviation industry.

The Level 3 with a Strand in Aviation takes 20 weeks to complete if you study full-time or 40 weeks if you study part-time. It includes an in-person workshop at the beginning, which is a great opportunity to meet your classmates. Find out more today.

New Zealand Certificate in Travel Level 4

Take your existing travel and tourism knowledge to the next level with the New Zealand Certificate in Travel Level 4. This is an ideal qualification for students who already have some experience in the sector (perhaps from work experience or from studying tourism at school) and want to build on their skills. Many of our Level 3 students also pathway into this course to get a more comprehensive education.

The course has a strong international focus and covers topics such as online fares and ticketing, reservations, Amadeus, and the cruise ship industry. It also includes a CV and Career workshop to help you prepare for job interviews and applications. Find out more today.

Need some help figuring out which qualification is right for you? Send us a message or give us a call – we’d be happy to talk you through your options. You can contact us here.

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Regional tourism highlights: April

Posted on 24/04/2019 by

The Wairarapa region is being dubbed as an ‘undiscovered gem’.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

Can you believe it’s nearly May already?

April was a big month for New Zealand tourism, with plenty of positive news to report from around the country.

Here are some of the top regional tourism headlines.

Queenstown tour operator given $900k funding boost

Destination Queenstown’s budget has been increased by close to $1 million, signalling this tourist hot spot will receive more investment in the near future.

Tourism workers in high demand as visitor numbers surge

The demand for skilled tourism workers is still high around the country, Newstalk ZB reports.

The Luminaries TV series tipped to be tourism ‘gold’ for Westland

Filming is underway for the television adaptations of Eleanor Catton’s The Luminaries, a Booker Prize winning novel set in Hokitika.

TIA calls for govt to use GST to fund local govt tourism activities

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) is recommending that the Government considers using GST to fund local tourism activities and infrastructure.

Wellington tourism campaign offers to make you younger

Apparently, a trip to the capital could turn back the clock.

Wairarapa tourism matures with a new online tourism campaign

A new video targeting Australian tourists hopes to attract more visitors to this region, which is being dubbed as an ‘undiscovered gem’.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of May with more updates. If you want to stay up-to-date in real time, please subscribe to our Industry News Bulletin.

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Tips for enjoying public holidays when you have to study

Posted on 17/04/2019 by

Maybe you could plan a fun Easter egg hunt for after you’ve done a few hours of study.

Do you plan on studying over the long weekend?

When you study from home, it can be difficult to switch off and enjoy public holidays – it’s not like your ‘classroom’ is closed!

But that doesn’t mean you can’t make your long weekend special. Even if you have to do some study, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy Easter, too.

Here are our tips for studying on a public holiday.

Reduce your study hours if possible

What’s the bare minimum you need to do to stay on top of your workload? See if you can reduce your study hours slightly so you can enjoy some quality time with your friends and family.

Of course, we would never encourage falling behind – so it’s really up to you to make a sensible decision here. But if you think you can afford to take a short break, go for it! Short holidays are really beneficial to your mental health and overall wellbeing. You’ll return to your studies feeling refreshed and even stronger.

Set yourself holiday-themed rewards

A mini chocolate egg for every page you read or write? A family Easter egg hunt if your kids leave you to study in peace for a few hours? An Easter movie night if you meet your study goals? Make the most of the Easter spirit – you might just find it helps you to stay motivated and energised. And if in doubt, chocolate always helps!

Mix up your study routine

Even if you always study on a Saturday morning, it might feel harder when it’s a long weekend – you’ll probably feel a bit out of sorts. Instead of sticking to your normal study routine, mix it up a bit. This will help you feel less like a fish out of water! And it will help you accept that this weekend might feel a little different, and that’s okay.

Consider using the holiday to get ahead

If you haven’t got many plans for Easter, you could actually use this time to get ahead in your studies. The short-term pain could be worth the long-term gain of finishing your qualification slightly earlier. Plus, you can always plan another four-day weekend once you’ve completed your studies.

Cut yourself some slack

Easter is an important holiday for many people, especially those of certain faiths. If you have a busy weekend with friends and family, try not to spend the whole time stressing about your studies – public holidays only come around every once and awhile, so it’s important to enjoy them if they are meaningful to you. If you’re really anxious about meeting your deadlines, chat to your tutors – they might have some further tips to help you stay on top of your workload.

Whatever you have in store for Easter, we hope you enjoy it and strike the perfect study-leisure balance for you. Happy holidays!

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Tips for making studying fun

Posted on 10/04/2019 by

A good playlist can transform your study from dull to delightful – just make sure you don’t get too distracted!

For many people, studying from home is the dream. You can study at your own pace, in familiar surroundings, just a short stroll from the fridge – ideal! And forget the time-consuming commute to and from the classroom – you can be at your desk in moments.

That said, from time to time studying from home can feel a little dull. With only yourself for company, you might find it hard to have fun. While it’s good to take your studies seriously, it’s also nice to enjoy what you’re learning.

Here are some tips for adding more fun into your study from home routine.

1. Make the most of your online community

The first step to having fun while studying from home is to connect with your classmates and tutors. They might not be in the classroom with you, but you all share a virtual classroom! Make a point of checking in on the online forum or picking up the phone when you need help. You’ll be amazed at how friendships can blossom via distance learning. Three of our recent students – Savita, Cathy and Selina – formed an amazing bond while completing their Study From Home qualification.

2. Listen to music

The right study soundtrack can put you in a great mood – and make your home feel less quiet and lonely. That said, it’s important to choose one that won’t distract from your assignments (you don’t want to accidentally drop a Drake lyric into a paragraph about airport security!). Check out our blog Music to study by: Five Spotify playlists to try for some great ideas.

3. Make it a competition

Set yourself competitive targets throughout each day and week. For example, use a timer to keep you on track or make a commitment with one of your course-mates to complete the same amount of study each week. Make sure you reward yourself with little treats upon completion (otherwise it’s no fun!).

4. Go on work experience

See if any travel or tourism businesses in your area would be happy if you came in and did some work experience – even if just for a few hours. Work experience is a fantastic way to meet potential employers, gain skills for your CV and maybe even make some friends.

5. Be a tourist in your town

If you hit a study slump, remind yourself of why you’re studying travel and tourism by getting out and about and doing a tourist activity in your town or city. Go on a hike, visit a special monument or even hop on a tour bus. Immerse yourself in the beauty of tourism and you’ll find you can’t wait to get back to your studies and complete your qualification.

Would you like to learn more about studying from home with ITC? Get in touch today to learn how we can get your career off to a flying start.

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Three game-changing time management tips to try today

Posted on 03/04/2019 by

Did you know the best time of the day to complete your most challenging tasks is first thing in the morning?

You’ve seen the meme: ‘We all have the same amount of hours in a day as Beyonce’.

The point? It’s what you do with those hours that’s important.

To make the most of your precious time, you need to become a time management expert.

Here are three game-changing time management tips to try today, to help you channel your inner Beyonce and achieve your dreams and goals!

1. Set a time limit for each task

How often do you start an assignment without any idea how long it will take to complete? A wise person once said that “work expands to fill the time available”. Meaning that, if you give yourself all day to complete a task, it will take all day – even if the task only needed three hours.

The trick here is to try to avoid giving yourself too long to complete tasks. Be honest about how long the task should take and set a time limit to reflect that. If you think you can finish an assignment in four hours, set a timer for four hours and try your best to hit that goal. This will help you avoid any unnecessary distractions, like scrolling your phone or watching telly. Setting time limits ensures you stay focused and productive.

2. Do your most important tasks first

Have you heard of MITs? MIT stands for ‘most important task’ – and these are the tasks you should be doing first thing in the morning. The challenge? Often, your most important tasks are not the easiest tasks. For example, an MIT could be to proofread an assignment, tackle a tricky question or record a video presentation. MITs are usually a little bit daunting, which is exactly why you should do them first!

When you don’t do your MITs first, you will procrastinate them all day and spend your time doing less important tasks – like emailing people back and forth or browsing the internet. You might convince yourself that you’re studying, but unless you’re working on your MITs, you’re probably not actually getting any closer to finishing your qualification. If you start your day with your MITs, you will be amazed at how much more you get done.

3. Say no to multitasking

Multitasking is clever, right? Actually, not really! Studies show that multitasking significantly reduces your productivity. You might be doing a lot of things at once, but you’re probably doing an average job of every task. But if you focus on one task at a time, you will probably do a fantastic job – because you won’t be distracted.

In today’s world, multitasking is everywhere. Multitasking is simply having your emails open or your phone in front of you while you’re writing an assignment. If there is anything that distracts you from the task in front of you, then you are multitasking! Try to minimise all distractions and focus wholeheartedly on one task at a time (and that includes putting your phone away while you study).

Want more time management tips?

At ITC Study From Home, you’ll learn about more than just airline, travel and tourism (although this will be the main focus, of course!). You’ll also learn how to become a master of time management. Our tutors have amazing tips and tricks for making the most of your precious time, and will be on-hand to guide you when you need advice and support. Get in touch today to learn more about studying from home with ITC.

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ITC student shares her best tips for combining work and study

Posted on 27/03/2019 by

Working in a customer service job while you study is a great way to set yourself up for success when you graduate.

One great perk about studying from home is the flexibility to work while you study.

However, combining study and work can be a challenge – after all, there are only so many hours in the day!

According to ITC student Casey Stare, the challenge is worth it. Casey works part-time at a hotel and studies at ITC’s Christchurch campus.

Although Casey studies in the classroom (not via distance learning), she has some excellent time management tips for on-campus and Study From Home students alike.

Below she shares her best tips for combining work and study.

Adopt an ‘attitude of gratitude’

“I will admit, it is exhausting and can be frustrating if I have homework or I just want to sleep, but it’s worth it. Ruby (my tutor) reminds me that I’m so lucky to already be working in the tourism industry and she’s correct.”

Become a time management whizz

“It is all about time management. I never used to be good at this, but now I plan almost everything. My notes on my phone are filled with things that need to be organised and once they are done, I will tick them off. If I have homework, this is my main priority.”

Write lists

“Having a list of things that need to be done really helps me because then I can physically see it. I even write down things like: friends I haven’t caught up with for awhile or cleaning my car or tidying my room. Since I work and study, I feel like I never have time for these things so I try to tick them off one-by-one.”

Be organised

“Being organised before work or class is a huge help. If I know I’m working, I’ll make sure my uniform is clean and that I have everything I need, so when I leave course there can be a smooth transition to work, and vice versa. If I finish work late and start studying early the next morning, I prepare my morning tea, bag, and what I’m going to wear the next day before work so there’s no stress.”

Aim to be early

“I never used to be this type of person! I was never organised! But most of the time now I’m 10 minutes early to class and 10 minutes early to work because I have taught myself about time management and the importance of being prepared.”

Keep your eyes on your end goal

“You really need to be determined and keep your eyes on the end goal. I think it’s very important to work while you study, the money is a big plus but working in the travel industry is all about customer service experience. I know after finishing this course I will be able to apply for tourism jobs and go straight into the industry because I have the customer service experience behind me.”

Are you inspired by Casey’s story? Get in touch to see how we can help you get your airline, travel and tourism career off to a flying start.

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Student interview: Kylie Harris from Wairarapa

Posted on 13/03/2019 by

Meet Kylie Harris, a Study From Home graduate from Carterton.

Every month, we interview a Study From Home student (past or present) to provide insight on what it’s like to study travel and tourism from home with ITC.

This month, we spoke to Kylie Harris who recently completed the Certificate in Travel and Tourism with a strand in Aviation (Level 3).

Kylie has an illness that prevented her from attending in-person classes, which made ITC Study From Home the perfect fit.

Thanks to distance learning, she was able to complete her qualification from the comfort of her home in Carterton, Wairarapa.

Below, she gives us an insight into her journey so far, as well as shares some tips for students considering studying from home with ITC.

What inspired you to study travel and tourism?

I really enjoyed studying tourism in school and liked the thought of being a flight attendant.

What did you enjoy most about studying from home?

The ability to control your schedule. Being sick meant I had certain times of my day that I could study, and those times were ever-changing. It was great to know I wouldn’t fall behind and I could catch up in my own time.

Did you find anything challenging about studying from home?

The hardest part was probably self-motivation, but that’s easy to get past once you get into the groove of studying.

Do you have any tips for students who are thinking about studying from home?

  • Make sure to take breaks.
  • Set yourself a really good timetable.
  • Have time away from the computer.

 
ITC Study From Home is enrolling now. Get in touch today to learn how we can help you get your airline, travel and tourism career off to a flying start.

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Study From Home graduate wins prestigious cruise industry award

Posted on 06/03/2019 by

Shelley Williams was named Rising Star NZ by the Cruise Line International Association at a glitzy awards evening in Sydney.

A few weeks ago, we revealed that Shelley Williams – a Study From Home graduate and the director of Clevedon Travel – was up for a prestigious award at the CLIAsWe can now share the fantastic news that Shelley won the Rising Star NZ Award at a glitzy awards ceremony in Sydney in late February. Below, Shelley gives a personal account of the awards night, including how she felt the moment she realised she won. 

The awards night was very glam and red carpet-like. The before-dinner drinks were sponsored by Ponant and served by women in burlesque outfits in counter-type outfits that they wore like dresses and would pick up and move around. There were 500 guests from CLIA, cruise lines and travel agencies from around Australia and New Zealand.

There were table plans up by the doors and I could see I was at table 12 – in the second row of tables. I think there were 52 tables! The Star venue in Pyrmont was super glamorous and set up very beautifully. There were booklets made up for the event listing all the nominees and congratulatory messages from sponsors, as well as the order of events. At my place setting was a finalist certificate for me. The sales managers for Carnival & Princess/P & O/Cunard for New Zealand were at my table (I was invited as a guest by their company), so it was great chatting to them (and getting to see a few advance photos of upcoming ship features).

The MC for the evening was Tim Campbell (he was on Home & Away & Dancing with the Stars). He started the night with a fantastic rendition of ‘Let Me Entertain You’ which was the theme of the night. We had our entrée served at the table & a few awards before Rising Star was announced.

I had no idea in advance I was going to win so it was a surprise when they said my name. It was up on the big screen and everything! I made my way to the stage quickly and accepted my award from the sponsor, Tony Smith of Francis Travel Marketing. Thankfully there were no speeches necessary, just a photo on stage. Then they whisked me away for photos and a little later came back to grab me to record a podcast for CLIA.

After dinner, we had The Boys in the Band play and I swear most of the 500 guests were up dancing – they were so good even I got up and danced (and I didn’t even dance at my own wedding). Then we had the ‘main’ awards for cruise consultant & agencies before a dessert buffet and another band that went until 1am – way past my bedtime.

Since the awards night, I’ve been contacted by quite a few cruise companies offering congratulations and help with marketing which is amazing and much appreciated.

I’d like to aim for a cruise consultant or cruise champion trophy next year, but they are super tough categories so I’ll just have to try my hardest and hope for the best!

Are you inspired by Shelley’s success? ITC Study From Home is enrolling now with courses starting in April. Get in touch today to find out how we can get your airline, travel and tourism career off to a flying start.

Posted in News, Student Success |

Regional tourism highlights: February

Posted on 27/02/2019 by

Russell, Bay of Islands. Northland has been in the spotlight this month, with at least three headlines focusing on this region.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

February has been another bumper month for regional tourism news, with plenty of events (big and small) happening around the country.

Northland in particular has had a busy month, with everything from its new ad starring a Game of Thrones actor to the Hundertwasser toilet block getting news coverage.

Here are the regional headlines that caught our attention this month.

Game of Thrones and Shortland Street stars in new ad promoting Northland

Air New Zealand and Northland Inc have teamed up to promote Northland this summer. They’ve recruited stars from Game of Thrones and Shortland Street to star in a new commercial which showcases some of Northland’s most spectacular sights.

Toilet tourism: Hundertwasser’s Kawakawa throne is flush with visitors

Did you know 250,000 tourists a year head north to Kawakawa to visit a famous toilet block? The Hundertwasser toilet block has become an unlikely source of tourism for the far north.

World wine writers put Northland on the map

Wine writers from around the world recently visited Russell, where they spent two days visiting wineries and sampling local wines. Many are hopeful that the coverage will attract more wine tourism to Northland.

Queenstown working on a local visitor tax on top of government levy

Queenstown may introduce another tax for tourists, such as a bed tax or a wider levy across businesses, to help manage strong tourism growth in the city and relieve some of the pressure on infrastructure.

Skyline Queenstown’s redevelopment approved

The multi-million dollar redevelopment of Skyline Queenstown has been granted resource consent by The Environment Court. The redevelopment includes a new gondola, carpark, and lower terminal building.

Iconic Art Deco festival makes waves overseas

The Hawke’s Bay Art Deco Festival has attracted international attention, as well as significant domestic interest. Hawke’s Bay Tourism estimates that 40,000 people attended the festival over five days.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of February with more updates. If you want to stay up-to-date in real time, please subscribe to our Industry News Bulletin.

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SFH graduate could be the next ‘CLIA Rising Star’

Posted on 20/02/2019 by

Shelley Williams onboard the Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas last week.

Study From Home graduate Shelley Williams has been nominated for an exciting international award.

Shelley is a finalist for the CLIA Rising Star Award for New Zealand.

CLIA stands for Cruise Lines International Association and is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association.

Shelley joined CLIA in May 2018 to further her cruise industry knowledge, which in turn helps her to confidently sell cruises to her clients. Shelley runs a boutique travel agency called Clevedon Travel (you can read all about her journey from SFH student to business owner here).

According to CLIA, the Rising Star award “recognises consultants who have worked in the industry for less than two years and who have shown tremendous achievements over this period, including a dedicated investment in CLIA training and engagement.”

Shelley definitely fits the bill, having taken every module available through CLIA’s Learning Academy since she joined. She’s even launched a new brand of her business called Love to Cruise NZ. Shelley has big plans to grow this part of the business, which is already performing exceptionally well and attracting many cruise customers.

Richard Euston, Shelley’s SFH tutor, says she was an exceptional student and that the entire SFH team is very proud of her success to-date.

“We at Study From Home and ITC are extremely proud of Shelley’s achievement. In her time as a student, Shelley was outstanding. It just goes to show that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and have an amazing career in the travel industry,” says Richard.

The CLIA Rising Star Awards are being held in Sydney on February 23. Shelley will be attending the awards with her husband as a formal guest of World’s Leading Cruise Lines (who represent Cunard, Princess, Carnival, Seabourn and more).

“I’m super happy to make it as a finalist!” says Shelley.

“I’m incredibly proud to be considered. It’s lovely having my training and knowledge rewarded.”

You can find out more about Shelley’s business, Clevedon Travel, by visiting her website or Facebook page.

Are you inspired by Shelley’s story? ITC Study From Home is enrolling now – get in touch today to secure your spot in our next intake. 

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How to study in noisy places (yes, it’s possible!)

Posted on 13/02/2019 by

A pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be a great investment for studying. You’ll also use them a lot when you travel, so the purchase won’t go to waste. 

In a perfect world, you’d be able to study from home in idyllic peace and quiet, with nothing but the birds chirping in the trees for background noise.

Unfortunately, study doesn’t always work out that way. Many Study From Home students are juggling study with busy family lives, part-time work, and other demands. This means that sometimes you might find yourself needing to do some study in a noisy environment.

But all is not lost – here are five hacks for studying in noisy places.

1. Invest in noise-cancelling headphones

If you are often in noisy environments, a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones could be the best investment you’ll ever make. Not only will they help to drown out the background noise, they’ll also be worth their weight in gold next time you’re on an airplane.

2. Set expectations with family members

See if you can convince your kids to enjoy some ‘quiet time’ when you need to study. This might sound like an impossible task, but you never know unless you try! It might help to get creative. For example, you could buy them a special set of colouring books or paints that only come out when you need to study, or perhaps you could choose a TV show they could watch with headphones in for half an hour while you review your notes.

3. Choose easy tasks when you’re in a noisy environment

If you know you’re going to be in a noisy environment, write an ‘easy’ to-do list for that day. Pick tasks you’ll be able to achieve even if you’re a bit distracted, like emailing your tutors for advice or brainstorming ideas for your next assignment.

4. Listen to music

Some music is excellent for studying, such as classical music or house music (without lyrics). Put your earphones in and drown out the noise with some relaxing Bach or Beethoven! Check out our blog ‘Music to study by’ for inspiration.

5. Focus on your assignments, not the noise

When you’re in a noisy environment, it’s easy to focus on the source of the noise. Instead, see if you can use all your mental energy to focus on the task at-hand. If you achieve a deep level of concentration, you’ll find the noise will fade away into the background because you’ll be so absorbed on your assignment. It’s difficult to sustain this level of concentration for long periods of time, but it is possible if you try hard enough. Hint: it’s easier if you’re really, truly interested in the topic you’re studying.

Would you like the flexibility to Study From Home with ITC? Get in touch today to learn how we can help you get your airline, travel and tourism career off to a flying start.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

Student interview: Savita Hira

Posted on 06/02/2019 by

Savita (centre) with her study mates Selina and Cathy.

Every month, we interview a Study From Home student (past or present) to provide insight on what it’s like to study travel and tourism from home with ITC.

This month, we spoke to Savita Hira, an exceptional student who recently completed the Level 3 New Zealand Certificate in Tourism.

Savita’s story is a special one, as despite studying from home she made some amazing friendships on this course. Savita, Cathy Puna, and Selina Bui formed a close bond and supported each other through the ups and downs of distance learning.

“Savita, Cathy, and Selina show it’s possible to make close friends and have genuine peer support while studying from home,” says SFH Team Leader Richard Euston.

“They are a great example of how distance learning can be just as enriching as on-campus learning,” Richard adds.

Here is Savita’s story, in her own words.

SFH: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Savita: I’m originally from India. New Zealand is my adopted country and I love to be a part of Kiwi culture.

What inspired you to Study From Home with ITC?

I work at the airport, where I meet, serve, and talk with many airline staff and am always inspired by them. I never stop dreaming about working in the tourism industry, so I began searching online for a correspondence course that would allow me to study from home without giving up my job. That’s when I found ITC and felt very excited about the possibilities.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

Every chapter I studied throughout the course caused my interest in the tourism industry to grow. For example, I learned about the rules and regulations of the airline industry and about various cultures and different meanings of gestures within those cultures. I also learned how to provide excellent customer service to passengers with special requirements, plus so much more.

And I was very lucky to have study mates, we have been supporting each other in our studies and it’s made our journey so enjoyable.

Do you have any advice for people thinking about studying at ITC?

I am already in my 50s and I used to think ‘it’s too late’ or ‘you do not have time’ with full-time work and family commitments. But I’m sure you can do it! In the end, I believe it’s worth it if it gives you the chance to achieve your dream job. You may find it difficult at the start but you can make minor sacrifices here and there and give yourself a shot.

Also, whenever you struggle to understand any topic, the tutor is just a phone call or an email away. The tutors have been very supportive right through our study and beyond.

Could you tell us more about the friends you made while studying from home?

I made two online study friends (Selina and Cathy). We had a quick chat at the end of the Orientation Day (at Botany Campus) and began chatting to each other via text messaging. Whenever we found difficulty, we used to chat by text message and have been there to encourage each other.

I feel very lucky to have study mates. I believe even after the conclusion of the course, we’ll continue to keep in touch.

Are you inspired by Savita’s story? ITC Study From Home has travel and tourism qualifications starting in February. Get in touch today to learn more.

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Regional Tourism Highlights: Jan 2019

Posted on 30/01/2019 by

Stewart Island made headlines this month when it was named one of the only five International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

Welcome to the first Regional Tourism News Update of the year. As expected, 2019 has got off to a busy start, with plenty happening all around the country.

Here are some of the top regional tourism headlines for the month.

Rise in DOC spending aimed at educating tourists

The Department of Conservation is investing more money in educating tourists in the hope they will not harm New Zealand’s environment over summer.

Stewart Island tourism ready to capitalise on dark sky status

Stewart Island has been recognised as one of only five International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world; a recognition that’s expected to help drive local tourism.

The best NZ regions to visit in 2019

Did your region make this list from Stuff.co.nz?

Hobbiton applies to increase tourist numbers

Matamata could see even more tourists coming through town if Hobbiton’s bid to increase tourist numbers is successful.

The numbers stack up on Wellington runway extension

In this opinion article, Stuff.co.nz columnist provides an update on the latest happenings (or non-happenings) of the proposed Wellington Airport runway extension.

Cycleway for Manawatu-Hawkes Bay highway a step closer

Transport officials are considering a cycleway as part of the Manawatu Gorge replacement road.

Ambitious changes planned for Milford Sound

Changes could be afoot for tourists visiting Milford Sound, according to Newsroom journalist David Williams. Could tourists have to pay more to visit this attraction in the near future?

How art tourism could put Whanganui on the map

The art scene in Whanganui could help drive more ‘arty tourists’ to the city.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of February with more updates. If you want to stay up-to-date in real time, please subscribe to our Industry News Bulletin.

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Airline, Travel or Tourism: What will you study in 2019?

Posted on 23/01/2019 by

Wondering what to study in 2019? One of our airline, travel or tourism qualifications could be perfect for you.

As far as we’re concerned, there are only three career choices worth considering: Airline, Travel or Tourism.

Okay, we might be a little biased!!

But in all seriousness, these are three epic career paths that offer incredible opportunities for professional growth and development.

New Zealand’s Airline, Travel and Tourism industry is booming, with more workers than ever before needed around the country to keep up with the increasing number of international tourists visiting our shores.

So, if you’re unsure what to study in 2019, one of these three topics could be a great choice, with high chances of employment on completion, and ample opportunities all around the country.

Here is an overview of each qualification. These courses start on February 18 so get in touch soon to secure your space.

The New Zealand Certificate in Tourism Level 3

This course is the perfect introduction to the tourism industry, covering topics such as:

  • New Zealand destination geography
  • Customer service skills (customised for the industry)
  • Cabin Crew training (ITC Online Certificate)
  • And so much more

 
The course includes one full-day on-campus workshop (optional) which is a wonderful way to connect with other students and get to know your tutors.

The New Zealand Certificate in Travel Level 4

This course is an ideal follow-on from the Level 3 qualification. If you want a comprehensive education in all things Airline, Tourism and Travel, combining the Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications into one year of study is the way to go.

In the Level 4 qualification, you’ll learn:

  • International destination geography
  • Online ticketing systems such as Amadeus
  • Cruise ship training (ITC Online Certificate)
  • Advanced customer service skills (customised for the industry)
  • And so much more

 
Combining the Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications will give you so much confidence in your skills, abilities, and knowledge of the tourism industry. Once you’ve graduated, watch out employers!

New Zealand Certificate in Tourism with a Strand in Aviation Level 3

Do you dream of working at an airport or for an airline? When you know, you know. And if you know that’s what you want to do with your career, then this qualification is an ideal place to start.

You’ll learn about all things Aviation, including:

  • Flight attendant training
  • Cabin crew training (ITC Online Certificate)
  • Airport security
  • Passenger handling
  • Airline operations
  • Aircraft types
  • And much more

 
This course includes a full-day workshop at either our Auckland City or Botany campus, an ideal opportunity to meet your tutors and fellow students, and also to check out our Airport Training Centre.

So, which course will you choose? Get in touch today for more information, we’d love to hear from you!

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Student interview: Joanne Walker

Posted on 16/01/2019 by

This month’s student interview is with Joanne Walker from Te Kuiti.

Every month, we interview a Study From Home student (past or present) to provide insight on what it’s like to study from home with ITC

This month, we interviewed Joanne Walker from Te Kuiti. Joanne is a dairy farmer turned tourism student with a huge passion for travel.

Joanne has overcome many personal challenges to be where she is today, and we’re so proud of her for pursuing her tourism dreams. Her story is an inspiration to all; we hope you enjoy it.

1. What inspired you to study from home with ITC?

After giving up 20 years of dairy farming in 2015, I had to make a decision about what I would do next. I have always loved travelling and thought that re-training in this field would be perfect for me, but instead I purchased a business in town. Unfortunately this business failed due to lack of support and I ended up shutting the doors in 2017. I had to put my plans to study travel on hold again as my father had an accident, and I then had to find a part-time job that worked around his farm work, as well as providing an income to support my two children (I am a single mum). Finally, in 2018, I was able to pursue my passion and jumped at the chance to enrol at ITC.

2. What inspired you to study travel and tourism?

I just love to travel and experience new cultures and adventures. Hearing about other people’s travel adventures is great, but I get so jealous because I want to travel all the time but unfortunately finances don’t allow this. When I gave up dairy farming I had no formal training in any field (except a certificate in Hairdressing), as I had been hands on dairy farming for almost 20 years. Giving it up was a huge and scary decision as I knew finding a job with no actual qualifications at my age, as a single mum would not be the easiest thing to do. I did purchase a local business which I knew was financially risky from day one but it was a great learning curve in customer service and how wholesale/retail works so even though it didn’t work out it has a positive outcome in this regard. Always in the back of my mind though I was thinking about studying travel and tourism as a way to move forward and branch out.

3. What is your dream job?

Employment options are limited in my home town. I would like to become a travel consultant and I would eventually love to work from home…or even on the road providing a service to clients who find it hard to get into town during normal working hours. I don’t really know what my dream job would be as long as I could get the opportunity to travel and explore new activities and places with it. I would give anything a go until I found the job I knew I was perfect for.

4. What do you find most enjoyable about studying from home so far?

Flexibility and the time commitments aren’t too strenuous. I could have finished this course much, much sooner but sometimes life takes over. With work and kids and helping out on the farm when needed, the ITC Distance Learning has been a great way to get study done but not bee too pressured by time.

5. Do you have any advice for students who are thinking about studying from home?

I would say go for it and don’t over think things. Even though the time needed to complete the course looks daunting when you start, many of the Units can be finished well ahead of schedule and getting ahead early helps later on if something happens and you cannot study for a week or so. It is a great way to get a qualification while working or being a mother or both and the satisfaction at the end of it is well worth the effort put in.

Are you inspired by Joanne’s story? Discover the flexibility of studying from home yourself; we have courses starting in February 2019. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you kickstart your career in airline, travel and tourism.

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How to get back into study mode after summer

Posted on 09/01/2019 by

Returning to study after a summer holiday can be tough; below are some tips to make it easier.

With Christmas and New Year behind us, chances are you’re starting to get back into your Study From Home routine.

Or maybe you’re considering starting fresh with a new course (you can check out our 2019 qualifications here).

Wherever you’re at with your study journey, here are some tips to get back into study mode after the break.

1. Re-visit your study schedule

Your study schedule is your guiding light; it outlines the time you will spend studying around other commitments in your life such as childcare or part-time work.

Why not refresh your study schedule for the new year to make the most of the summer weather? For example, you could wake up earlier with the sunrise and do some study before the rest of the household wakes up. Or maybe you could make the most of the evening light and do a few hours after dinner (since it’s light outside, you might find you feel less tired in the evenings).

If possible, you could also add a few fun summery rewards into your schedule. Like a beach trip each Sunday if you meet your weekly study goals.

2. Reach out to your tutors and fellow students

Get in touch with your tutors and peers to wish them a Happy New Year. The simple act of speaking to people in the same boat as you will help you feel more motivated to get back to study as you won’t feel like you’re doing it alone.

If you’re in a particularly tough slump, don’t hesitate to ask your tutors for some advice – they are full of tips to help you stay motivated throughout your qualification.

3. Make your wellbeing a priority again

It’s no secret that Christmas and New Year is a time of indulgence. And that’s great! But now that you’re back into study, it’s a good idea to focus on your health and wellbeing again.

Try to prioritise getting enough sleep and eating well so you feel energised when you sit down to study.

Don’t be surprised if you feel really tired during your first few days of study. Your brain might need a few days to catch up after the break! Just keep at it and you’ll refind your flow soon.

We hope these tips help you start off 2019 in a good frame of mind.

Do you have any tried and tested tips that help you regain focus after a break? Share in the comments below!

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The best of the blog in 2018

Posted on 19/12/2018 by

Just some of the wonderful students we’ve featured on the blog this year.

As 2018 comes to an end, we’re reflecting on some of our best stories for the year.

Here is the best of the Study From Home blog for 2018.

Wise words from a Study From Home graduate

Earlier this year, we spoke to Study From Home graduate Leeah Wilkinson who shared her tips for succeeding at distance learning, applying for jobs once you graduate, and following your dreams.

‘Thank you for the learning adventure’ says SFH graduate

Graduate Cheytarna Scott called her time with ITC Study From Home a “learning adventure”. In this blog post, she reflects on her experience and shares some tips for balancing study with family and work life.

Regions benefiting from rise in international visitors, says Tourism NZ

This year, many articles on the blog focused on how the tourism boom is benefitting the regions. This article gives a good overview of how the rise in international visitors is helping regional New Zealand.

How one Study From Home graduate started her own travel business

Read about how Shelley Williams launched her own travel business after she graduated with a qualification from Study From Home. She is the proud owner of Clevedon Travel, a boutique travel agency.

Student interview: Kristen from Christchurch

In October, we launched a new feature on the blog: student interviews. First up, we spoke to Kristen from Christchurch who is studying towards the New Zealand Certificate in Travel Level 4.

Five minutes with travel agent Racheal Pearce

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a travel agent? Study From Home graduate Racheal Pearce gives us a peek behind-the-scenes into her job as a travel agent for You Travel in Eltham.

Thanks for reading along with us, and we look forward to sharing more wonderful student success stories in the New Year. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about studying with us, please get in touch: we’d love to hear from you.

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Five minutes with travel agent Racheal Pearce

Posted on 12/12/2018 by

Racheal on a recent trip to Rarotonga, where she visited 21 resorts. Thanks to her research, she can confidently recommend resorts to clients wishing to travel to Rarotonga.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work as a travel agent?

Study From Home graduate Racheal Pearce has been working as a travel agent for You Travel in Eltham for 18 months. We recently caught up with Racheal to find out how her job is going.

Below, she shares some insights into what it’s like to work in an office after studying from home, how she made a good impression with her employer, and how she continues to learn in the workplace.

SFH: What’s it like to work in the travel industry?

Racheal: I love the industry, no two days are the same. I’m learning about many new destinations for clients. If you love to travel or anything to do with aviation, this is the best industry. You’re constantly learning about new and amazing places, and it’s guaranteed your travel bucket list will keep growing.

What are the best things about working as a travel agent?

Hearing all the stories when the clients return. We follow up within 2 weeks of their return, via email or phone call, and most of them call in and rave about how much fun they had and book a new trip.

I specialise in cruising, I discovered when I was studying this was a passion of mine. I’ve been on two cruises this year and I’m going to Rarotonga soon for a 10-day working holiday.

Do you have any tips for making a good first impression with your employer?

Find out how they like their drinks (tea, coffee, etc) and study their routines. This got me in the good books very fast. Also, keep asking about any further training you can do to increase your knowledge. And don’t be afraid to pick their brains, as they may have a brilliant idea that will secure the sale.

How do you process all the new learning that comes with the job?

You will not stop learning for the rest of your life. My boss has been in the industry for over 30 years and is still learning. I have spoken to other agents who have been in the industry for over 40 years and they have mentioned they are still learning.

I’m currently studying with CLIA (cruise line training) and I have just gained my second tier. For the final tier, I have to sit an assessment.

When you become a travel agent, you might need to do online training to use another GDS if they use Sabre or Galileo. I had to learn Galileo, but it was very similar to Amadeus so there is no need to stress.

How did studying from home prepare you for your job?

The main skills I learned were time management, prioritising your workload, and managing deadlines. I use these skills every day in my job. For example, you only have 24 hours to get a proposal out to a client. When you have to get three out at once, time management skills come in handy!

Do you have any other tips for students about to start studying from home with ITC?

My best advice is to never be afraid to ask questions. If you’re thinking about joining the industry, ITC is the best place for you to get into this career. There are so many different fields to go into, from consultancy to air hostess to cruise ship staff to wholesale support.

Once you’ve started your training, follow what is taking your interest most and talk to your teacher about getting into that side of the industry. You won’t regret it!

To find more about Racheal’s Study From Home journey, click here.

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5 productivity hacks to maximise your time

Posted on 05/12/2018 by

Feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? Try turning off your social media notifications to free up more precious time.

We all have the same number of hours in a day: it’s what you do with these hours that counts.

If you want to make the most of your time, get more done, and stay on top of your assignments, here are five productivity hacks to try.

1. Turn off notifications on your phone

You make a hot drink, sit at your desk, and just start to study, when your phone beeps. It’s a notification from Facebook. You quickly open your Facebook app to check, then you get distracted by your news feed. Before you know it, 15 minutes have passed by and all you’ve done is watched weird cat videos.

Social media is a huge time waster, but there is a simple solution: turn off all social media notifications on your phone. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

If phone calls or text messages are distracting, put your phone in ‘Flight Mode’ or ‘Do Not Disturb’. This means you can still use your phone to check the time but you won’t be distracted by incoming messages or calls.

2. Check emails 3 times per day

Are you constantly distracted by your email inbox? Unless you’re waiting for a particular email from a tutor, try to limit checking your emails to three times per day. For example, once in the morning (around 9am), once at lunchtime (12pm) and again in the late afternoon (4pm). Or whatever times suit your schedule.

This means you won’t spend all day getting distracted by emails as they come in, but you will still be able to respond to important emails in a timely manner. If the content of the email is extremely urgent, someone will probably call you.

3. Use the Pomodoro technique

We’ve written about the Pomodoro technique before on this blog: it’s where you use a timer to study in 25-minute bursts. Every 25 minutes you can take a short break (say five minutes). After four Pomodoro bursts, you can take a longer break.

The golden rule of Pomodoro is during the 25-minute burst you must study intently without distractions – no social media, no email, no getting up to make a cup of tea. You can only do things like that during your breaks.

4. Take smart breaks

We all need breaks. But do your breaks from study energise you or make you feel even more exhausted? If you spend your whole study break scrolling social media, you’ll probably feel pretty average when you sit back down to study. But if you go for a walk, cook something delicious, or chat to your best friend on the phone, you’ll probably feel great.

Try to take ‘smart’ breaks throughout the day that lift you up and help you feel motivated. Make your breaks count and you’ll be far more productive in the long run.

5. Break tasks into achievable chunks

Don’t just write ‘study’ on your to-do list. Break your day into specific chunks. For example, 10am-11am: respond to emails and check in with tutors. 11am-12pm: write first draft of assignment. And so on.

This approach will help you feel as though you’re achieving things throughout the day and give you a rush of positive energy and accomplishment each time you tick a task off your to-do list. It will also help you feel less overwhelmed by your assignments and more in control.

Enjoy these productivity hacks? At ITC Study From Home, we’re all about providing a way for you to study tourism at your own pace, in your own place. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can get your airline, travel, and tourism career off to a flying start.

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Regional tourism highlights: November

Posted on 28/11/2018 by

Pictured: punting on the Avon River in Christchurch. The ‘Garden City’ is the focus of a new marketing campaign to attract visitors from Australia.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

2018 may be coming to an end, but the peak tourism season is just beginning. The regions are gearing up for a big summer with huge numbers of tourists expected to visit all corners of the country.

Here is a summary of the regional tourism headlines for November.

Travellers invited to act as guardians of New Zealand

As New Zealand’s tourism industry continues to grow, there have been some concerns over protecting our environment and respecting our culture. Tiaki – Care for New Zealand is a new initiative that addresses these concerns in a thoughtful way. The initiative is a joint venture between seven key tourism organisations (including Air New Zealand and Tourism Industry Aotearoa). It publishes and promotes resources, marketing material, and other useful information to tourists to help educate them on what makes NZ special and how they can look after our country while visiting.

Air New Zealand releases new ‘Kiwi as’ safety video

Several South Island towns are in the spotlight in Air New Zealand’s latest safety video. Towns such as Naseby, Hokitika, and Balclutha have their moment on screen, in a clever ‘Kiwi as’ video that showcases and celebrates small communities with big hearts.

Research to help regions plan for tourism growth

A new research project is underway at Lincoln University. ‘Sustainable Tourism for Regions, Communities, and Landscapes’ will explore how to benefit from NZ’s growing tourism industry while “restoring, protecting, and enhancing the quality of regional destinations”.

It all starts in Christchurch

Christchurch is the focus of a new Tourism New Zealand campaign encouraging Australian visitors to visit the garden city in 2019. The campaign is a joint initiative by Tourism New Zealand, Christchurch Airport, and Christchurch NZ.

Air New Zealand boosts Tauranga travel

More flights to and from Tauranga will be available on Air New Zealand’s network from April 2019. The airline will add an additional 10 one-way services per week.

That’s all for this month, and we’ll be taking a break from Regional Tourism Highlights over Christmas. We’ll be back at the end of January with more tourism updates.

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5 essential life skills studying from home teaches you

Posted on 21/11/2018 by

Studying from home teaches you essential life skills such as time management, problem-solving, and tenacity.

When you study from home with ITC, you’ll learn skills for working in the airline, travel, and tourism industry. You’ll also gain essential life skills that you can apply in all areas of your life – from work to family to travel.

Here are five life skills that studying from home teaches you. (Of course, you could learn these skills in a classroom, too, but they would probably take you longer to master).

1. Time management

Studying from home requires excellent time management. You’re in charge of your own time, so it’s up to you to make the most of it. You’ll quickly learn how to overcome procrastination, minimise distractions, and stick to your study plan if you want to succeed. By the end of the qualification, you’ll be a pro at planning and managing your precious time.

2. Problem-solving

As you study, you’re bound to encounter some tricky topics or small problems. Your tutors are there to answer any questions you might have during business hours – but what happens if you’re studying at 9pm at night? You’ll find your problem-solving skills start to kick in. You’ll become an expert at looking for a solution before you ask your tutor, and will be surprised at how often you can answer your own questions.

3. Initiative

Studying from home takes a lot of initiative and self-motivation. It takes determination to choose studying over television every day! The great thing is, initiative is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. By the time you graduate, using your initiative will be second-nature – a skill that will make you very employable.

4. Computer literacy

Our distance learning qualifications are taught online, which means you’ll improve your computer literacy skills, as well as your online communication skills. You’ll become more confident at using online programmes and communicating with your peers professionally via email. Most tourism jobs require a high level of online professionalism, so this is a great skill to put on your CV.

5. Tenacity

It takes tenacity to study from home every day – especially when you’re surrounded by distractions like housework, television, and your comfy bed. By completing your study from home qualification, you’re showing employers that you have what it takes to stay focused on your goals and that you don’t need someone hovering over your shoulder to make sure you’re working. You’re showing them that you’re a go-getter and a self-starter.

All of these life skills will make you more employable once you start job hunting. They will also help you build confidence in yourself and your abilities. Studying from home is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen your professional skill-set and grow as a person. We’re enrolling now for 2019 courses; get in touch today to register your interest.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, Study From Home Tips |

Student interview: Cathy from Auckland

Posted on 14/11/2018 by

Cathy is studying aviation from home in the hope of one day working at Auckland Airport.

Welcome to a new feature on the Study From Home blog: student interviews.

Every month, we interview a Study From Home student to provide insight on what it’s like to study from home with ITC.

This month, meet Cathy from Auckland who is studying towards the New Zealand Certificate in Tourism with a Strand in Aviation.

1. What inspired you to Study From Home with ITC?

The convenience of studying at your own pace, alongside family and full-time work.

2. What inspired you to study travel & tourism?

I’ve always wanted to experience what it would be like to work in the travel industry (aviation).

3. What is your dream job?

To work at the airport as a check-in agent with Air New Zealand then work my way up the career path within the industry.

4. What do you find easiest or most enjoyable about studying from home so far?

I find it really fascinating to learn about aviation. The industry is extremely interesting and I really enjoy everything I’m learning.

5. What do you find hardest about studying from home so far?

Distractions. It can be hard to focus when studying from home. You need to set aside at least three to four hours (or more) to study alone every day.

6. Do you have any advice for students who are thinking about studying from home?

  • Allocate a set time to study every day. It’s really important to study for three to four hours every day.
  • Try not to get distracted. Working in a quiet area is really helpful as it allows you to think clearly.
  • Don’t attempt to do any quizzes or exams when you’re really tired. Choose a time when you feel fresh and clear-headed.
  • Use your tutors for help.

 
ITC Study From Home is enrolling now for 2019. Get in touch today to learn how we can get your airline, travel and tourism career off to a flying start. 

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Tips for studying from home when you’re an extrovert

Posted on 07/11/2018 by

Crave the company of others when studying from home? Read on for tips on how to succeed at distance learning when you’re an extrovert.

Extroverts are typically social, outgoing, confident people who feel energised when they spend time with people. They tend to thrive in group settings and love socialising.

Does this sound like you?

If so, you might find studying from home a little more challenging than introverts do (introverts love their own company and feel energised when they are alone).

But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways you can make studying from home fun and social. Here are our best tips for studying from home when you’re an extrovert.

1. Get out of the house every day

Make sure you leave your cozy home office every day for some human interaction. This could be as simple as going to the supermarket or getting a coffee. Try to head somewhere there will be other people as this will help you feel energised.

2. Find a study buddy

There’s bound to be other extroverted students in your course. See if they want to buddy up and meet for weekly catch-ups to discuss the course content. If you’re not in the same city, you could chat over FaceTime or Skype.

3. Participate in the online forums

ITC Study From Home has excellent online forums. Use them to ask questions, interact with classmates, and chat with tutors. This will help you feel connected to your classmates and feel less alone when you’re studying from home

4. Consider getting part-time work

Could you study part-time and work part-time? Or work a few hours a week while studying full-time? A customer service job is a great way to boost your CV and will also help you fill your extrovert energy tank.

5. Schedule regular time with friends and family

Make socialising your reward for getting your study done each week. Lock in regular catch ups with friends and family, and use these as an incentive for studying. Make a deal with yourself that you don’t get to catch up with friends if you fall behind.

6. Change up your study environment

Put on upbeat music, go to a cafe or library to study or move your study notes to a new part of the house. Changing your study environment is a simple, easy way to get an energy boost. If you hate studying in silence, check out our favourite Spotify playlists for studying.

Studying from home might not be the perfect fit for your extroverted personality, but take heart that it’s not forever. The sooner you finish your studies, the sooner you will be qualified to apply for awesome, sociable jobs out in the tourism industry.

Study From Home is enrolling now for 2019. Get in touch to learn how we can help you get your airline, travel and tourism career off to a flying start.

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Regional tourism highlights: October

Posted on 31/10/2018 by

Stunning Lake Wanaka made headlines this month as Lake Wanaka Tourism is up for an award.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

It’s been another busy month for tourism boards and businesses around the country. With stories like these coming off the back of winter (traditionally our off-peak season), imagine what summer might bring.

Campaign encourages visitors to explore more of New Zealand

Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand ran an online campaign in September offering a free domestic flight to North American visitors. The goal of the campaign was to encourage visitors to explore beyond Auckland.

NZ guest nights at record in August as tourism boom continues

Guest nights around the country continued to climb to record heights in August, a direct reflection of rising numbers of domestic and international travellers.

Southland tourism revs up to earn $1 billion by 2025

Venture Southland has big tourism goals for 2025, and will soon be starting public consultation to gather input for its tourism strategy.

Lake Wanaka Tourism shortlisted in marketing awards

It’s always nice when New Zealand tourism businesses get noticed across the ditch. This time, it’s Lake Wanaka Tourism who is up for an Australian award in the Mumbrella Marketing Awards.

Tourists provide good end to winter in Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay experienced a “particularly strong” end to the winter season, with guest nights up 11 per cent compared with August 2017.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of November with more tourism updates.

Do you want a career in New Zealand’s thriving tourism industry? Get in touch today to learn more about our airline, travel and tourism qualifications.

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Tips for studying with small kids at home

Posted on 24/10/2018 by

Studying at home with small kids certainly keeps you on your toes, but it’s very worthwhile in the long run.

If you’re a parent to very small children, you’ll know getting your kids dressed, fed, and bathed every day is a huge accomplishment let alone studying.

Yet, many parents choose to Study From Home, and do a marvellous job of it. Although it can be tricky at times, it’s hugely rewarding, and a great way to balance out all the washing and cooking that comes with little ones.

If you’d like to study from home towards a tourism qualification with ITC, here are some tips for making it work with minimal stress and maximum enjoyment.

1) Set realistic study goals

Being over-ambitious about what you can achieve in a day is a fast path to burnout. All you will do is feel disappointed as the sun sets each night, wondering why you didn’t tick off every item on your to-do-list. It’s not worth it!

Instead, set some realistic study goals. At ITC Study From Home, we offer part-time and full-time study options. Choose the option that best suits your schedule (and the one that gives yourself some room to eat and sleep!).

2) Study when the kids are asleep

It’s possible to study when the kids are awake and playing near you, but you’ll probably find that you’ll get interrupted every five minutes. When the kids are awake, try to tackle simple tasks like emailing your home tutor or brainstorming ideas for your next assignment. Save the big, time-consuming tasks, like writing an assignment or preparing a presentation, for when the kids are asleep.

Nap time and bed time will become your designated study sessions. Try to set it up so that you can get straight into study mode as soon as your kids’ heads hit the pillow!

3) Get support if you can

Do you know anyone who could watch your kids for a few hours a week? You’d be surprised at how much you can get done in just a few hours of quiet, uninterrupted, kid-free time. See if any friends or family members would be prepared to lend a hand. You never know until you ask.

4) Study on the weekends

It’s often easier to find people to watch the kids on the weekends. For example, your partner might be home from work and happy to spend time with them. Or family members who work Monday-Friday might be able to watch them for a few hours while you catch up on study. You will probably also need to stick to your ‘study while the kids are sleeping’ rule on the weekends, too.

5) Get out of the house every day

When you have a lot on your plate, it can be tempting to keep the whole family home in pajamas all day. But getting out of the house every day – even if it’s just for a short walk – does wonders for your mood. You’ll find the kids will probably be better behaved after some time in nature. Wear them out at the playground in the morning so they have a big nap in the afternoon!

6) Aim for quality over quantity (when it comes to both family and study)

As a studying parent, you’re never going to feel like you have a lot of time. So aim for quality time over quantity. When you spend time with your kids, try to be truly present with them. Read books, sit with them and play peek-a-boo for a hundred times in a row, just give them your undivided attention. Then, when it comes time for you to study while they play next to you, you will have peace of mind that they have had some quality time.

The same approach applies to study. When you’re studying without your kids around, make sure it’s quality study time. Don’t waste a single precious second on Facebook or Instagram!

7) Stay focused on the big picture

Studying from home with small kids requires some sacrifice. Often you will sacrifice things like watching television or going to bed really early. There’s no denying it; studying with kids is hard. But it’s not forever. It’s just a few short months of your life (or perhaps a year if you’re studying part-time). That will seem like nothing in the scheme of things – and especially once you have found a job in the tourism industry. So, keep the bigger picture in mind and remember it’s not forever. Studying from home with small kids is just a season, and you have the inner strength you need to weather any storm.

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Student interview: Kristen from Christchurch

Posted on 17/10/2018 by

Kristen Reid is studying Level 4 while working at the YHA.

Welcome to a new feature on the Study From Home blog: student interviews.

This is your chance to learn more about what it’s like to Study From Home from people who are currently completing a qualification (or who have recently graduated).

First up, meet Kristen from Christchurch, a second-year student who is studying towards the New Zealand Certificate in Travel Level 4.

Below, she shares her story, tells us about her fantastic job with YHA, and shares some tips for future students.

SFH: What inspired you to Study From Home with ITC?

Kristen: I had been working in the industry for a year and decided I wanted to advance my career. I came from a totally different career background, but when that didn’t work out I moved on to tourism. A friend of mine was actually studying at the time and mentioned he was studying through ITC. I decided to give it a go.

Why did you choose to study travel and tourism?

I was fresh in the industry and didn’t have much knowledge as I came from a completely different industry. I wanted to know as much as I could. My mum was also a huge part of the reason why, I wanted to share my knowledge with her like she has done about the world for me!

What is your dream job?

This time last year I would of told you working for a travel agency selling international products – but now, as cliche as it sounds I have to say it’s my current job. I work for the Youth Hostel Association New Zealand, selling products for inbound tourism. Most of the time it’s also for tourists who are in my age bracket, which makes understanding their needs easy as generally they are like-minded people. It’s amazing and I love every minute of it. Helping people who are coming to our beautiful country is the best part! It also helps that YHA is an amazing place to work.

What do you find most enjoyable about studying from home so far?

Learning at my own pace. I’ve definitely benefited from this. I struggled to keep up at school as I always found it hard in subjects that weren’t art related. So studying from home was the best option. Also being able to study when I was ready was awesome too. There are obviously time limits to when topics are due etc but it worked around my life not the other way around!

What do you find challenging about studying from home?

Self motivation. It’s hard to stay motivated sometimes especially when you work full time as well as study (like myself). It does take a lot of motivation to keep going, but it’s well and truly worth it when you get the results for working hard.

Do you have any tips for students who are thinking about studying from home?

Do it! You will not regret gaining more knowledge! Gaining industry knowledge will only help you grow as a employee and also as a person.

Inspired by Kristen’s story? Study From Home has qualifications starting on October 22 – get in touch to register your interest.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Student Success, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

Could studying before sleep make you smarter?

Posted on 10/10/2018 by

Research suggests that studying before sleep could help you remember more information.

Most people choose to study in the morning when they are fresh and well-rested.

But could studying before you go to bed make you smarter?

According to an article in Lifehacker, several studies suggest that studying before you go to sleep – be it for the night or for a nap – can help your brain retain more information.

The idea is that sleep helps your brain form new connections.

“If you want to cement new knowledge in your brain, recent sleep research demonstrates that a good night’s sleep following your studies has a significant impact on your ability to retain information,” the article reads.

There is only one way to find out if this technique works for you: give it a try!

Next time you’re struggling to remember something, write it out a few times on a piece of paper right before you go to sleep. Then see how much you remember when you wake up.

This study technique will likely come as good news for people who study after work or late at night – for example, when the kids are asleep.

Sometimes when you study from home, you have to fit in study whenever you can – and that’s not always first thing in the morning when you’re feeling rested.

At least now you know that your brain can still retain important information at the end of the day. 

Next time you fall into bed exhausted after a study session, just think: your brain will be doing lots of hard work forming new connections when you sleep.

Even sleep makes us smarter. Pretty cool, right?

Just don’t forget that quality of sleep is important, so try to follow these simple tips for getting a good night’s rest:

  • Avoid looking at a screen at least one hour before bedtime (this includes phones, laptops, TV). If you’re studying, use a pen and paper instead.
  • Avoid caffeine or sugar too late in the day. Have a soothing chamomile tea before bed.
  • If you have trouble relaxing before bed, listen to some relaxation music or download a free meditation app like Headspace.
  • Keep a pen and paper by your bed to write down any anxieties if your busy brain is keeping you awake. Writing down your worries can help you to relax and ‘switch off’.
  • Read a few pages of a ‘boring’ book – that’s almost guaranteed to help you drift off.

 

For more tips on getting a good night’s sleep, read our blog 5 Tips For A Good Night’s Sleep.

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Music to study by: Five Spotify playlists to try

Posted on 03/10/2018 by

Listening to music while you study can improve concentration and help you focus.

Ever noticed how quiet the house can seem when you’re studying from home? Just you, your thoughts, and maybe the distant hum of the fridge to keep you company.

No wonder studying can make you feel sleepy and lethargic sometimes!

A good way to stay energised is to listen to music while you study. Many people avoid the radio because it’s too distracting, but thanks to Spotify, there are plenty of study playlists to choose from to help you focus.

Here are five Spotify study playlists to try next time you’d like some background noise.

1) Deep Focus

A beautiful selection of calming yet uplifting songs to help you find your study rhythm. These songs don’t have vocals and can be best described as atmospheric rock. The music is upbeat enough to give you an energy boost but not intense enough to be distracting.

2) The Office Stereo

Love discovering the latest tunes but don’t want to listen to the radio because of the ads and the presenters? Try The Office Stereo, instead. Just be warned: you might find yourself dancing along as you study.

3) Peaceful Piano

Is there anything more relaxing than listening to someone play the piano? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your study to-do list, put on the Peaceful Piano playlist and you’ll immediately start to unwind and boost your productivity.

4) Intense Studying

The name of this playlist says it all. Intense Studying is for when you really need to minimise distractions and get stuff done! Make a cup of coffee, put this playlist on in the background, and get to work.

5) Atmospheric Calm

The songs on this playlist are probably best described as chilled-out house music (with a bit of piano thrown in there). The tunes are very relaxed but have enough upbeat energy to keep you feeling fresh.

What are your favourite songs to study by? Share in the comments below.

Would you like to study airline, travel, and tourism with ITC Study From Home? Get in touch today to learn how we can get your career off to a flying start.

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Regional tourism highlights: September

Posted on 26/09/2018 by

The South Island is the focus of a new Tourism New Zealand campaign this month, promoting the south as a popular tourism destination for Australians in autumn.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

This month, the news has centred around growth, growth, and more growth. Or should we say boom?! As the tourism industry grows, so do the job opportunities, infrastructure demands, and funding requirements.

Here are the top regional tourism stories from September.

It’s never been a better time to enter a tourism career in New Zealand

While this isn’t strictly regional news, it’s important news for those living outside NZ’s major cities. The tourism industry is thriving around the country and it’s never been a better time to pursue a tourism career.

Tourism funding will benefit regions

In case you missed last week’s article, the government announced a further $19.6 million for tourism infrastructure around the country, such as car parks and public toilets.

Campaign promotes the South in autumn

The South Island is the focus of a new Tourism New Zealand marketing campaign encouraging Australians to visit the South in autumn.

Hawke’s Bay Tourism scoops national award

The regional tourism organisation received the MBIE Industry Alignment Award at the 2018 New Zealand Tourism Awards in Christchurch.

Air New Zealand calls for new Central Otago Airport

Could a new airport be on the cards in Central Otago? Air New Zealand believes an additional airport in the region is needed to accommodate growing visitor numbers.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of October with more regional tourism updates.

Do you want a career in New Zealand’s thriving tourism industry? Get in touch today to learn more about our airline, travel and tourism qualifications.

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NZ regions to benefit from tourism funding boost

Posted on 19/09/2018 by

The government has announced further funding for tourism infrastructure around New Zealand.

Local councils are welcoming the government’s decision to invest a further $19.6 million in tourism infrastructure around New Zealand.

The Tourism Infrastructure Fund goes towards essential tourism infrastructure such as toilets and carparks.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts says improved infrastructure in the regions will encourage tourists to stay longer.

“Tourism in New Zealand is continuing to grow and our visitors are venturing further off the beaten track. If the regions have the infrastructure they need to support tourism, visitors will be encouraged to stay longer and spend more with local businesses, so everybody benefits,” Mr Roberts said.

If local councils or tourism groups have specific requests for funding, they can make an application direct to the fund.

“TIA strongly encourages councils and community groups to put in applications to the next funding round,” says Mr Roberts.

“Take advantage of the opportunity to secure investment for good projects that will support the growth of tourism in your communities.”

Anything that enhances the visitor experience in New Zealand’s regions is good news for those who are keen to join the tourism industry in their local community.

As regional tourism continues to go from strength to strength, more job opportunities are created in small towns around New Zealand.

Tourism is not just a career for those living in the big cities: it’s a viable option for people all throughout the country.

And with ITC Study From Home, you can study anywhere in New Zealand and gain a recognised airline, travel or tourism qualification.

We have courses starting in October 2018. Get in touch today to learn how we can get your tourism career off to a flying start.

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Study tip: Pretend to be a teacher

Posted on 12/09/2018 by

Teaching someone about a topic is one of the best ways to further your understanding.

Did you know that pretending to be a teacher could help you ace your assignments?

Imagine you have to teach someone about the topic you’re studying. Could you explain the concept to them in a clear, concise way? If you can, that means you have a strong understanding of the topic.

This study approach is called the Feynman Technique, named after a Nobel-prize-winning physicist called Richard Feynman who was famous for being able to explain complex concepts in plain language.

The idea is that it’s only possible to explain something if you truly understand it.

Here are some other ways pretending to be a teacher can help you with your studies:

  • Talking out loud helps you retain information for longer

  • Talking confidently about a topic is good practice for job interviews

  • Explaining concepts to a friend or family member will generate discussion and bring up ideas you hadn’t considered before

  • Talking about a topic reminds you of why you’re passionate about it and find it interesting (you’ll probably find you could talk about travel for hours!)

If this study tip appeals to you, why not pair up with a classmate from your Study From Home course and take turns explaining concepts to each other over the phone or via Skype?

You’ll learn a lot and it’s a great opportunity to get to know your classmates (we know distance learning can feel isolating sometimes).

You could also explain travel and tourism topics to your friends, family members, or even make conversation with your local barista – who knows, they might be interested in the tourism industry? It is booming, after all!

Next time you’re struggling with a topic, just remember: pretend you’re a teacher. It will help you think about the topic in a completely different way. Good luck! 

Want to learn more about our airline, travel and tourism qualifications? Get in touch today to find out how Study From Home can get your travel and tourism career off to a flying start.

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How one Study From Home graduate started her own travel business

Posted on 05/09/2018 by

Shelley Williams started her own travel agency after completing a Level 4 travel qualification with ITC Study From Home.

Meet Shelley Williams: a recent Study From Home graduate and a new business owner.

Shelley is the company director of Clevedon Travel, a boutique travel agency. She founded Clevedon Travel after she completed the New Zealand Certificate in Travel Level 4 with ITC Study From Home.

Now Shelley is her own boss. Perks of her job include working from home (or by the school pool!), spending more time with her two daughters (aged 7 and 9), and even getting to travel on famil trips (this year she went to Laos). Inspiring, right?

We caught up with Shelley to find out how she started her own tourism business. Below she shares her story, including some tips for anyone keen to work in travel.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m 42 and live on a farm with my husband, my 7 and 9 year old girls, and lots of animals.

What inspired you to study from home with ITC?
When both of my girls started school, I thought it was good timing to go back to work. I realised I wanted a career that allowed me to spend time with my family. I really loved travel, but I needed a formal qualification to get into the industry. ITC offered a great Study From Home option that I could complete while the girls were at school.

What did you enjoy most about the NZ Certificate in Travel Level 4?
I liked the industry knowledge I learned. I especially enjoyed the assignments that gave my brain a workout.

Can you tell us a little bit about your career history? How did you get to where you are today?
My career history is very long! I started working at The Warehouse when I was 16, and after many years there I moved on to office-based customer service and sales jobs. By the time I went on maternity leave nine years ago, I was a PA and had been doing that for several years. While my PA role involved a lot of booking travel for my bosses, I was never in the travel industry.

Tell us about Clevedon Travel. What does your job involve?
My current job is as company director of my own travel agency, Clevedon Travel Limited. I work from home or wherever I can take my laptop (in summer this was often at the school pool). I find clients through local contacts, word of mouth, and online groups (e.g. Facebook).

Since January, when I started the company, I’ve done everything from designing my own website, to booking cruises, organising a 5* honeymoon for a Texan VIP, and I even went on my first famil trip to Laos.

What’s it like being your own boss?
It’s not for the faint-hearted. I’m lucky to have found a mentor in the industry that provides me with lots of support for free. In return, they take a percentage of the over-rides (a bonus commision negotiated with airlines on an annual basis). I’ve had plenty of times when I’ve felt stuck, but I’ve never been without help if I’ve asked for it.

Why travel and tourism?
I love being in the travel industry! The perks are amazing. I get to go to lots of events for free. For instance, last week I was at a Soulful Vietnam Showcase on Monday night (where I won 5* accommodation, a 3-course meal, and show tickets for Saigon! I’m going to give the tickets to the next client who books with me).

Last week I also attended a Buenos Aires event at the Air New Zealand Customer Experience Centre (where they had the most amazing food, wine, and live tango show), and a ship inspection of the Pacific Jewel on Wednesday (including the most fantastic 3-course lunch). There are usually free famil trips up for grabs although I haven’t been lucky yet!

All that said, industry events are not just about the food, drink, goodie bags, and prizes. They are about making contacts in the industry and learning about destinations, services, and other wholesale companies. I’ve met many experienced travel brokers through the events I’ve attended and they’ve been a great help to me.

What travel destinations are on your wish list?
I really want to take my family for a White Christmas in the next year or two. New York is magical at Christmas time, and I’d love to tag on a trip to Canada and Alaska to check out their extreme winter. I’d also love to sail on a Hurtigruten in Norway to check out the Northern Lights, and cruise everywhere on everything really!

Do you have any advice for students thinking about studying tourism with ITC Study From Home?
Do it! And do it to the best of your ability. All the resources are there for you, you just have to take advantage of them and ask for help if you need it.

Any final tips or words of wisdom for future students?
Keep learning. I never stopped when I completed my tourism qualification. I kept learning about anything and everything. There is SO much to learn in travel, I doubt I’ll ever stop learning. There are free web courses for the most popular destinations, all of the cruise lines, and even most of the airlines offer agent sites with training courses and information. The more you learn, the more of an expert you’ll become, and the better you’ll be able to help your customers.

Are you inspired by Shelley’s story? Get in touch today to learn more about our airline, travel and tourism courses. 

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Regional tourism highlights: August

Posted on 29/08/2018 by

Beautiful Napier made several headlines this month. Read on to find out what’s been happening in the Hawke’s Bay region.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel and tourism news from around New Zealand.

It may be winter, but NZ’s tourism industry is on fire! Forgive the bad pun… here, we’ll let this month’s regional tourism news speak for itself.

Napier-based tourism conference a record sell-out

More than 320 tourism delegates attended the Tourism Conference in early August. The conference was hosted by Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ). Hawke’s Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas described the event as the “most successful ever”.

Extra flights to boost business to the Bay

Air New Zealand has added several new flights between Napier and Auckland to its weekly schedule. Ian Collier — Air New Zealand’s Regional Affairs Manager — said this is in response to high demand from business travellers.

Coastal Pacific train service to return from December

KiwiRail’s beautiful scenic train journey between Picton and Christchurch has been out of action since the 2016 Kaikoura earthquakes. The Coastal Pacific service is set to begin again in December — great news for South Island tourism.

Package of options needed for local tourism infrastructure

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is proposing another visitor levy — called the Local Tourist Levy — for certain tourism towns. LGNZ believes this may help to “alleviate the burden on local ratepayers”.

Kaikoura: Crayfish worth travelling for, says Lonely Planet

In this fun news story, Kaikoura made international headlines for its delicious crayfish. Lonely Planet named the local crayfish as the 7th top food experience in a list of 500. Not bad!

Marlborough tops growth in spend by cruise visitors

Marlborough welcomed over 112,000 cruise ship visitors to its shores during the 2017/18 cruise ship season, and they spent up a storm. The visitors spent $18 million in Marlborough; an 80% increase on the previous year.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of September with more regional tourism updates.

Do you want a career in New Zealand’s thriving tourism industry? Get in touch today to learn more about our airline, travel and tourism qualifications.

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5 reasons to study tourism straight after high school

Posted on 22/08/2018 by

Wondering what to do when you finish high school? Here are five reasons to consider joining the tourism industry.

Are you finishing high school this year? Wondering what to do next?

Here are five reasons why studying tourism straight after high school could be a smart career move.

1. The tourism industry needs more young people

Young workers are in high demand in the tourism industry. With so many visitors coming to New Zealand, the industry needs more young people to enter the workforce and fill important frontline jobs, such as working in hotels.

In fact, the industry needs 35,000 more tourism workers by 2025 — that’s just seven years away. If you’re passionate about New Zealand, have great customer service, and love meeting people from around the world, then the tourism industry needs you!

2. You could have a tourism qualification in less than a year

Most of our tourism qualifications are around 20 weeks long (if you study full-time), meaning you could be qualified and in your first tourism job in less than a year.

Starting with a Level 3 or Level 4 tourism qualification could be a great way to get into the workforce quickly without spending three years (or more) studying. After all, you’ve just finished high school so it will be nice to have a break from study and earn some money out in the workforce.

3. Tourism has fantastic long-term career prospects

The tourism industry is New Zealand’s largest export earner, contributing over $14 billion to the economy each year. It has fantastic long-term career opportunities, including the chance to work for some of New Zealand’s biggest companies.

With so many tourism businesses around New Zealand and the world, you can look forward to a varied and exciting career.

4. You might get the opportunity to travel

If you’d love to travel, why not travel and earn money at the same time? A tourism qualification can open many doors overseas. You could consider a career as a flight attendant or work in hotels around the world.

Working for some travel agencies also gives you the opportunity to go on regular ‘Famil’ trips to other countries (so you can experience first-hand what you will be selling).

You could even end up working at Disney World in Orlando, like many of our graduates have done.

5. There are tourism jobs all throughout New Zealand

Another big attraction of studying tourism is there are tourism jobs all throughout the country, not just in major cities. With the cost of living in Auckland skyrocketing, it makes sense to join an industry that gives you some flexibility to work in regional areas.

Plus, with Study From Home, you can study tourism from anywhere in New Zealand — giving you the option to keep study costs to a minimum. Whether you’re in Kerikeri or Invercargill or anywhere in between, you can gain a tourism qualification and be ready to join the workforce in as little as 20 weeks.

Like the sound of a career in tourism? Get in touch today to learn more about our airline, travel and tourism qualifications.

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3 thought-provoking quotes about fear to help you achieve your goals

Posted on 15/08/2018 by

Use fear as fuel to achieve your dreams instead of letting fear slow you down.

Everyone has big, ambitious, exciting goals. But what’s one thing that holds many people back from achieving their dreams? Fear.

Fear that they will fail. Fear that it won’t work out. Fear that they aren’t good enough, smart enough, motivated enough. Fear is no fun! Too often it gets in the way of people pursuing their goals.

But what if we’re just thinking about fear in the wrong way? What if we could use it as fuel to help propel us towards our dreams, instead of away from them?

Here are three thought-provoking quotes about fear to help you gain a new perspective and achieve your study goals.

“When we deny our fear, we make it stronger.” – Seth Godin

Seth Godin believes we should use fear as a compass, not a barrier. That we should fully acknowledge our fears, move towards them, understand them — and move forward anyway.

He says that fearless people don’t live a life without fear. Instead, they accept that fear is part of the package, and make smart and brave decisions. He believes that by acknowledging fear, one “permits it to exist without strengthening it”.

“Our deepest fear is not that we’re inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we’re powerful beyond measure.” – Marianne Williamson

Marianne Williamson takes the unique perspective that we’re actually afraid of letting our light shine bright. We’re afraid to be brilliant, talented and fabulous — and this fear subconsciously holds us back from stepping into our full potential.

She believes “your playing small does not serve the world”. She encourages everyone to step into their light, and that “as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same”.

“Without fear there cannot be courage.” – Christopher Paolini

We live in a society that praises bravery and courage — but these characteristics cannot exist without fear. Fear is an opportunity to be brave and courageous. You might not always succeed, but you will almost always learn valuable lessons along the way.

So, use fear as fuel to embrace courage and pursue your dreams. Working towards your goals will always feel a little scary — but that’s normal, healthy, and what makes life interesting.

Do you have a dream to lead a successful airline, travel or tourism career? Achieving your goal could start here, at Study From Home. Get in touch today to learn about our distance learning travel and tourism courses.

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Struggling to find study-life balance? These tips might help

Posted on 08/08/2018 by

Feel like you have no life when you’re studying? These tips might help you find study-life balance.

Studying from home can feel overwhelming at times — but it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some tips for finding study-life balance even when you feel like there’s not enough hours in the day.

Talk to your tutors

First and foremost, call or email one of your tutors to let them know how you’re feeling. Tell them you’re experiencing some overwhelm and ask for tips on how to manage your workload. They have been teaching for many years and will have plenty of tips up their sleeve to help you stay on track.

Create a study schedule

At the beginning of each week, enter all of your commitments onto a weekly calendar. For example, block out time for work, sleep, childcare, and any other commitments you might have. Then, see how many leftover hours you have for study. If you’re studying from home full-time, you should have at least 40 hours a week to commit to your studies. If you’re studying from home part-time, you require at least 20 hours per week. If there’s simply not enough available study hours in your week, you might need to reassess some of your other priorities (such as work) and see if you can put these on hold until you’ve completed your qualification. Again, your tutors are the best people to advise you on this.

Find ways to blend study and fun

Do you love spending time in cafes or in nature? Why not combine study with one of your favourite activities? Set up in a cafe for the morning to review your study notes or work on assignment. Or, go for a walk if you need to make a phone call to your tutor instead of staying at home. One of the advantages of studying from home is flexibility; try to enjoy the freedom and make it work for you.

Safeguard your downtime

How often do you look forward to an evening of relaxing, only to spend three hours scrolling Instagram? The only thing worse than having little spare time is wasting any of the spare time you do have. Try to safeguard your downtime and do something you genuinely enjoy, instead of getting sucked into a social media spiral.

Try to look after your wellbeing

This tip is often easier said than done, but it’s worth keeping in mind anyway. You’re far more likely to ace your studies and maintain a positive attitude if you’re well-rested and well-fuelled. This means getting enough sleep and eating well, wherever possible. Of course, there will be weeks when you might be burning the midnight oil at both ends (that just comes with the territory of studying), but do your best to look after your health and wellbeing if you can.

If all else fails: remember study is not forever

Sometimes, study-life balance is near impossible to achieve — especially if you have young kids or a part-time job. If the thought of achieving any life balance feels like a pipe-dream, take heart: studying is not forever. It’s only for a short space of time. Once you’ve completed your qualification, you’re bound to have more spare time — and more opportunities — to explore. So, if all else fails, keep perservering in the knowledge that things will ease up once you graduate. You’ve got this!

Would you like to Study From Home with ITC? Get in touch to learn more about our airline, travel and tourism qualifications.

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Regional tourism highlights: July

Posted on 01/08/2018 by

The sun setting over Queenstown. One interesting article this month posed the question: Is Queenstown the backbone of NZ tourism?

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel and tourism news from around New Zealand.

July was another busy month for the New Zealand tourism industry, with big stories like Air NZ’s ‘Impossible Burger’ and the proposed border tax making national headlines.

But, what has been happening on a local level? Here are some of the regional tourism highlights from July.

Most local authorities recognise benefits of tourism
New research from Tourism Industry Aotearoa reveals that most local authorities (such as councils) recognise the opportunities that tourism can bring to their region. Read more

Airbnb set to keep growing in NZ despite council rules
New council regulations for Airbnb won’t curb the company’s growth in NZ, writes Suneil Connor in this opinion piece. Read more

Is Queenstown the backbone of NZ’s tourism industry?
An interesting question posed by Queenstown mayor Jim Boult. He speaks to Duncan Garner in this thought-provoking interview. Read more

Taking a hike: Why walking tourism is such a big deal
When peak season accommodation went on sale for the Milford Track, some nights sold out within minutes. One thing’s for sure: NZ’s Great Walks are a big deal for regional tourism. Read more

Tourism economy enriches New Zealand
An interesting article from Tourism New Zealand on how the tourism economy “makes Aotearoa a better place for Kiwis”. Read more

Stewart Island Levy a shining example for tourism
This Stuff article takes a look at how the Stewart Island Levy has worked for the Southland district. Read more

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of August with more regional tourism updates.

Do you want to work in New Zealand’s thriving tourism industry? Contact Study From Home today to study airline, travel or tourism from anywhere in New Zealand.

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Regions benefiting from rise in international visitors, says Tourism NZ

Posted on 25/07/2018 by

The number of international visitors to New Zealand is rising, which is good news for the regions. Pictured: Lake Tekapo in Canterbury.

The number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand increased by 5.3 per cent in the year to May 2018 — and Tourism New Zealand says this is having a positive impact in the regions.

“The regions are increasingly benefitting from the rise in international visitors with spend growth in the regions surpassing that of the gateways,” Tourism New Zealand chief executive Stephen England-Hall said in a recent press release.

“Over the past 12 months international visitors have injected $497 million into the regions,” he adds.

If you live in regional New Zealand, and you love travel and meeting new people, a career in tourism could be very rewarding.

As more international visitors flock to the regions, more tourism jobs are being created. Unlike some industries, tourism is not limited to New Zealand’s major cities; you can work in this industry in small towns all around the country.

Mr England-Hall even goes as far as to say that tourism is “the backbone of many communities”.

“International visitors choosing New Zealand as a destination makes Aotearoa a better place for Kiwis. Beyond the significant economic benefits it also grows employment, business opportunities and is the backbone of many communities,” he explains.

If you’d like to join the tourism industry in your community, a good place to start is achieving a tourism qualification.

With ITC Study From Home, you can study tourism from anywhere in the country. We offer four core qualifications with options to suit graduates, career changers, and experienced tourism professionals looking to upskill. We also offer a range of short online courses.

Our graduates have gone on to work for companies like Flight Centre, Disney World, Air New Zealand, and Tourism Holdings.

One graduate, Stacey Harris, shares this feedback: “If you’re passionate about travel, I urge you to take this amazing opportunity to further your skills and knowledge. Life sometimes gets in the way of the career you always wanted, but with Study From Home you can make it work.”

Would you like to study tourism with ITC Study From Home? We have qualifications starting on August 20. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help you kickstart your career in airline, travel or tourism.

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Five tips for studying on-the-go

Posted on 18/07/2018 by

With ITC Study From Home, it’s possible to study if you move around a lot — but it’s important to be organised and make study a priority.

One of the benefits of studying from home with ITC is you can study anywhere, anytime. Technically, you could complete your assignments from a hotel or a friend’s couch or a family member’s holiday home — anywhere you have reliable internet.

But, studying on-the-go is easier said than done. If you’re moving around a lot (perhaps for work or family reasons) you’ll need to take extra steps to make sure you’re still productive with your time.

Here are five tips for studying on-the-go.

1. Follow a study schedule

A study schedule is a must-have for any distance learning student. It’s a weekly calendar outlining the times you’ll spend studying each week. Here is our guide for creating (and sticking to!) a study plan.

2. Set clear boundaries

Protect your study time by setting clear boundaries with friends and family members. Share your schedule with them so they know not to interrupt you when you’re working on assignments.

3. Create a study bag or box

Put together a kit of all your study tools, such as your laptop, notepad, and pens & pencils. Keep all of your gear in one portable bag or box, so you always have everything you need at hand.

4. Make study your priority

Studying from home offers so much flexibility, it could be tempting to try to fit in lots of other activities alongside your assignments. But it’s important to make study your priority — not travelling or visiting friends and family or anything else. You’ll have plenty of time for that once you’ve completed all your qualification. Just remember, you won’t be studying forever.

5. Stay in touch with your tutors

If you move around often, remember to keep communicating with your tutors, especially if you’re not always at your primary address. Even though most communication is done online, it’s still important to keep them updated of any changes to your personal circumstances.

Are you interested in studying from home with ITC? Get in touch today to learn more about our upcoming courses.

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Most local councils recognise importance of tourism

Posted on 11/07/2018 by

Local councils are investing in tourism infrastructure such as hiking trails as part of their long-term community plans.

Tourism is one of New Zealand’s most important industries — a fact that most local councils take into consideration when creating their long-term plans.

According to Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), most councils around New Zealand recognise the benefits of tourism when making long-term plans for their communities.

TIA analysed more than 70 city, district and regional council long-term plans to gauge how they were preparing for tourism growth.

“It was important we undertook this mammoth exercise as local councils are a significant player in the $36 billion tourism industry,” says TIA chief executive Chris Roberts in a media release.

Mr Roberts said some examples of local councils investing in tourism include “funding for cycle trails, town revitalisation, tourism related developments such as the Taranaki Crossing project, and support for events to attract visitors”.

Seeing local councils preparing for tourism growth is not just good news for the economy and for tourists planning a trip to New Zealand — it’s also good news for people considering a career in the tourism industry.

When local councils invest in tourism projects, this often creates more tourism jobs throughout New Zealand.

If you’d like to join New Zealand’s thriving tourism industry, the time to study is now.

And the good news is, you can study from anywhere in the country with ITC Study From Home.

From Cape Reinga to the Bluff, we offer tourism qualifications via distance learning. All you need is a reliable internet connection, a computer, motivation, and of course, a passion for learning about airline, travel and tourism.

For more information on our courses, get in touch today. We’d love to hear from you.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Study From Home Tips, Tourism Spotlight | Leave a reply

“Thank you for the learning adventure” says SFH graduate

Posted on 04/07/2018 by

A self-described “adventure junkie”, Cheytarna loves getting out of her comfort zone.

Cheytarna Scott recently completed the New Zealand Certificate in Tourism with a Strand in Aviation with ITC Study From Home — an experience she called a “learning adventure”.

“I want to send a huge thank you to ITC Study From Home for assisting me through this learning adventure,” says Cheytarna.

“I enjoyed every single minute, unit and challenge set before me, and I feel a great sense of accomplishment.”

Cheytarna is now working for Flight Centre Manakau as a Novice Consultant. Below she gives us an insight into her journey so far and shares some tips for future distance learning students.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am 23 years old and am Cook Island Maori. I grew up in Clendon with my Nana and Papa. I’m the oldest of three and the oldest grandchild on both sides of the family, so I guess you could say I have oldest child syndrome! I’m a bubbly and outgoing character who loves to have fun and experience new things. I’m kind of an adventure junkie and am always eager to do activities that push my limits. I also appreciate art, music, and love a good book, and have a great passion for astrology.

I appreciate and live for moments that I can share with my family and partner, and I’m a true believer of making memories instead of gaining materials. I’m intrigued by the cultures and diversity of the world, which is what attracted me to the travel industry.

What inspired you to study with ITC?

The thing that attracted me the most was the Study From Home courses. I loved that I could study without having to give up work, and therefore my income. I was also impressed by ITC’s reputable academic success rate.

Attending Orientation Day, meeting the tutors, visiting campus and hearing all the success stories confirmed to me that I made the right decision.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

The assistance and support I received from all my tutors. Whenever I needed anything, they were always there and responded promptly. The website was easy to use and each unit was informative and intriguing, and the instructions were easy to understand and follow.

What is your dream job?

I do not have a specific dream job at the moment. I do, however, know that I would love to offer everybody the opportunity to travel, whatever background or social status you belong to. I want normal people like me, who have in the past thought it’s too expensive to get out and experience the world, to be able to do so. I want them to realise that with a little determination and goal-setting, it can be done.

Do you have any advice for students thinking about studying at ITC?

Remember to balance your study life with family life. Prioritise your time wisely, especially if you are studying from home. Make sure you study in a comfortable and quiet environment. Ensure you communicate with whoever you live with that you’re studying at home, so they can take that into consideration.

Any final tips or words of wisdom for future students?

Remember there is always support, always someone to ask for help. Don’t be shy to ask a “silly” question. And don’t be afraid to give yourself a pat on the back when you complete a unit. Set goals and aim to smash them!

Are you inspired by Cheytarna’s story? Get in touch today to learn more about our upcoming courses.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Student Success, Study From Home Tips |

Regional tourism highlights: June

Posted on 27/06/2018 by

June was a busy month for regional tourism news, with Air NZ, DOC, i-SITE, Hamilton, Queenstown and Dunedin all making headlines.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel and tourism news from around New Zealand.

In June’s regional tourism news, i-SITE and DOC put their heads together to improve the visitor experience, tourism is booming in Hamilton and the Waikato, Air NZ makes changes to regional flights, and more.

i-SITE and DOC visitor centres talk collaboration

The i-SITE Visitor Information Network and Department of Conservation are looking at ways to work together to improve the visitor experience at key locations throughout the country.

Tourism booming in Hamilton and the Waikato

Leisure and business tourism in Hamilton and the Waikato is contributing around $1.511bn to the economy annually.

Air NZ Queenstown-Wellington schedule a boost for business

Air New Zealand will make changes to its Queenstown-Wellington schedule to better suit business travellers.

Prince Harry’s and Meghan’s visit expected to generate millions of dollars for New Zealand economy

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are scheduled to visit New Zealand later this year, and their visit is expected to have a positive impact on the economy.

Tourists charged double for access to ‘Great Walks’ of New Zealand

DOC is to increase prices for tourists to access four of its nine ‘Great Walks’: Milford, Kepler, Routeburn and the Abel Tasman Coast.

Tourism and population growth sustain peaking Queenstown property market

A burgeoning population and steady tourism is sustaining the Queenstown property market, according to a new report.

Is Dunedin NZ’s most underrated city? CNN thinks so

Dunedin has attracted the attention of CNN, with the television network describing the city as having a “quiet, understated cool”.

That’s all for this month! We’ll be back at the end of July with more industry updates.

Do you want to work in New Zealand’s thriving tourism industry? Contact Study From Home today to study airline, travel or tourism from anywhere in New Zealand.

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Hamiltonians: Have you considered a career in tourism?

Posted on 20/06/2018 by

Hamilton’s tourism industry is booming — have you considered joining?

Tourism is growing fast in Hamilton and the Waikato, making it an attractive career option for local school leavers and anyone passionate about travel.

Several jobs are expected to be created over the coming years, with the industry set to receive further support from Tourism New Zealand.

“Tourism New Zealand want to help the Hamilton & Waikato region grow by $1 billion per annum by developing, implementing and promoting strategies that are regionally-focussed and align with gateways like Auckland which connect the region to the world,” Tourism New Zealand chief executive Stephen England-Hall told Stuff.co.nz.

These comments come after Tourism New Zealand held a board meeting in Hamilton, where key representatives had the opportunity to see the region’s growth first-hand.

Hamilton & Waikato Tourism chief executive Jason Dawson told Stuff this was a “fantastic opportunity” for the region.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region to the Tourism New Zealand board, and share some of the opportunities and challenges we face as an emerging visitor destination,” Mr Dawson said.

Waikato currently is the fifth most lucrative tourism region in the country, behind Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

If you’re passionate about showcasing the region and you love working with people, a career in tourism could be for you.

Thanks to ITC Study From Home, you can gain a leading tourism qualification without having to relocate to study. Contact us today to learn more about our upcoming courses and how we can help you qualify for this exciting, booming industry.

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3 (more) reasons to create a study plan

Posted on 13/06/2018 by

A study plan will help you make better use of your time — so you don’t get to the end of the week wondering where all your time went.

If you’re a regular reader of this blog – or a Study From Home student – then you’ll have heard us emphasise the importance of creating a study plan.

And here we are, writing about study plans yet again!

That’s because creating a study plan is one of the most effective ways to enhance your productivity. (If you’re still yet to create one, here is a step-by-step guide).

If you still need convincing that a study plan is worthwhile, here are three more reasons why you should give one a try.

1. Study plans encourage consistency

Consistent action is what will help you achieve your tourism qualification. So how do you show up and do the work?

According to writer James Clear, who writes about habits and decision making, the research suggests having a plan makes all the difference.

“Research has shown that you are 2x to 3x more likely to stick with your habits if you make a specific plan for when, where, and how you will perform the behaviour,” he writes in his recent article, The Scientific Argument for Mastering One Thing at a Time.

In other words: be specific about when, where and how you will study and you will be more likely to get it done.

2. Study plans remove ‘decision fatigue’

When you study from home, it’s up to you to manage your time and create a schedule. Sometimes this can feel overwhelming, leading to what is known as ‘decision fatigue’.

This is what James Clear has to stay about decision fatigue:

“Decision fatigue happens every day in your life… If you have a particularly decision-heavy day at work, then you come home feeling drained. You might want to go to the gym and workout, but your brain would rather default to the easy decision: sit on the couch. That’s decision fatigue,” writes James.

The point is to remove the decision altogether by making the action of studying automatic, so your brain doesn’t exhaust itself weighing up the pros and cons.

3. Study plans help you protect your time

Do you ever get to the end of the week and wonder: “where did all my time go?” It’s so easy to start fresh on a Monday and think that you have plenty of free time, only to get to Sunday evening and feel queasy at how little you achieved.

If you feel like this often, you might need to work on protecting your time. A study plan can help you protect the hours you dedicate to studying. If you’ve clearly marked out the hours you will study on your weekly schedule, you’ll be more likely to focus when the time comes. But if you leave your schedule wide open, it will quickly get filled with less important tasks – like watching television or spending three hours in the supermarket.

A study plan will help you regain a sense of control over your time and encourage you to protect it fiercely, so you don’t get to the end of the week wondering where all the hours went.

Ready to create your study plan? Here is our step-by-step guide for creating one (and sticking to it).

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Could multitasking be bad for your brain?

Posted on 06/06/2018 by

Research suggests multitasking could decrease productivity by up to 40 per cent.

When you study from home, it can be tempting to make the most of being at home to get ahead on household chores while you work on your assignments.

Hands up if you’ve ever tried to study while folding laundry, making dinner or playing with your kids?

Or perhaps you sit down to study, only to be distracted by the dirty dishes on the bench. You’re up and down like a yo-yo all throughout your study session, chipping away at chores in between writing your assignments.

At the end of the day, your house is sparkling clean — but is your study being compromised?

According to recent research, multitasking could actually be decreasing your productivity by up to 40 per cent.

The research suggests it’s better to devote all of your attention to one specific task — such as studying — instead of trying to do too many things at once.

With this in mind, here are some tips to beat your multitasking habit when you study from home.

Follow a study schedule

Create a weekly schedule and allocate specific time slots for studying, as well as slots for cleaning, childcare, and other household duties. Try to follow your study schedule closely so that you only study in the time allocated to study, only clean in the time allocated to clean, and so forth.

Out of sight, out of mind

If you find it hard to concentrate surrounded by unfolded washing and dirty dishes, try to find a place to study where you won’t be distracted. Set up a designated study space, choose the cleanest room in the house, or opt to study in a library or cafe instead.

Try the Pomodoro technique

The Pomodoro technique is when you study for 25-minute ‘bursts’ followed by a short break (no more than five minutes). During the 25-minute burst you devote your attention to one task without interruptions. The point is to wait until the 25 minutes is up until you check your phone, go to the bathroom or make a cup of tea. After four 25-minute bursts, you can take a longer break, such as lunch. This technique works well for people who are easily distracted — you may even find that you get quite competitive with yourself (in a good way!)

Practice makes perfect

If you’ve been a proud multitasker all your life, it might take some time before you feel comfortable devoting your attention to one task at a time. But, as with everything, practice makes perfect. Once you’re aware of your multitasking habit, and make an effort to change it, you’ll find focusing on one task becomes easier over time.

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Regional tourism highlights: May

Posted on 30/05/2018 by

Matapouri Beach, Northland. Retail spend increased in Northland last year, and tourism was a major contributing factor to this rise.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel and tourism news from around New Zealand.

This month, tourism spend rose in the regions, Air New Zealand committed to more regional flights, and much more.

Tourists continue to spend up large in Bay of Plenty

Visitor spending in the Bay of Plenty increased in the year to March 2018 thanks to local events and more tourists choosing to travel in off-peak times.

Air NZ eyes return to Wanaka and commits to current regional routes

Air New Zealand is considering restoring flights to Wanaka in the future. The national airline is also planning to grow its regional network by 20 per cent in the next five years.

Mountain race planned for new West Coast Great Walk

Plans are underway for a new running and mountain bike race on New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track.

Air NZ announces additional jet services between Dunedin and Auckland

Air NZ will add five new A320 services between Dunedin and Auckland per week in October. This will add around 70,000 seats to the route every year and increase overall seat capacity by close to 25 per cent.

Northland’s retail spend climbs to $2.7b in a year

Retail spend reached an impressive $2.7bn in Northland last year, with tourism one of the major contributors to this increased spending.

That’s all for this month! We’ll be back at the end of June with more industry updates.

Do you want to work in New Zealand’s thriving tourism industry? Contact Study From Home today to study airline, travel or tourism from anywhere in New Zealand.

Posted in News, Tourism Spotlight | Leave a reply

How to stop making excuses for not studying

Posted on 23/05/2018 by

Worried you might fail? That’s just one common excuse for not studying. Read on for tips to overcome this fear and other common excuses.

“There are only two options: Make progress or make excuses.”

We’re not sure who came up with this quote, but it’s a goodie.

Excuses are your worst enemy when it comes to studying from home. You will find excuses not to study everywhere you look. The fridge, the television, the unfolded pile of laundry, the couch, your cat, your Netflix subscription.

If you want to pass your Study From Home qualification, you’ll need to stop making excuses not to study. If you don’t study, you probably won’t pass, and your dream job in the tourism industry will remain just that: a dream. Harsh but true!

With that in mind, here are five tips to help you stop making excuses.

1. Remember that you won’t be studying forever

In the grand scheme of your life, you only study for a very short time. When you look back in a few years, it will seem like nothing. So put your head down, work hard, and focus on getting results as soon as you can. Netflix will still be there when you graduate.

2. Spend your time wisely

We all get the same 24 hours in a day. It’s how you spend this time that’s important. We advise drawing up a study schedule and following it as best you can. The idea is a study schedule will help you stay on track and avoid common distractions (like the fridge).

3. Be prepared to fail sometimes

You might not understand every topic immediately — but that’s okay. Studying is challenging, but see every failure as an opportunity to learn. It’s better to try and fall short than to give up altogether. Your tutors will provide feedback, support, and help you learn from your stumbles.

4. Create a vision board

This might sound a bit dreamy, but trust us, it works! Create a vision board (a collage of images) about your dream job. For you, this might be some pictures of the airline you’d love to work for, or maybe it will be images of a career in adventure tourism? The point is to visualise your dream job and put your board somewhere you will see it every day. It will serve as motivation to keep studying.

5. Try the 80/20 rule

Have you heard of the 80/20 rule? Most people use the 80/20 rule when it comes to food. They choose healthy options 80 per cent of the time and treat themselves 20 per cent of the time. You can also use this approach for studying. Aim to dedicate 80 per cent of your available time to non-negotiables (like study and work), but leave 20 per cent for fun or relaxing, such as watching TV or catching up with friends. If you try to study 100 per cent of the time, you might burn out or become exhausted. You’ll be more productive if you can enjoy the process — and sometimes that means taking a night off.

We hope these tips help you overcome common excuses for not studying. Remember, your tutors are just a phone call away if you need some extra support.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

Call or email? When it’s better to pick up the phone

Posted on 16/05/2018 by

Sometimes it’s better to make a phone call than send an email.

Studying from home comes with a lot of independence. You can study when you want, where you want. At home in your pajamas at 9pm? Sure! First thing in the morning at your favourite cafe? That works, too. You get the flexibility to create your own study schedule.

However, with this flexibility you may be tempted to “hide” behind your email address and never pick up the phone to talk to your tutors.

Yes, email is quick, easy, and has a lot of positives – but sometimes it’s better to make a phone call, instead.

Here are a few scenarios when you should probably pick up the phone instead of writing an email.

1) When your email is very long

If your email is longer than a few paragraphs, or is taking you ages to write, then it’s probably faster (and easier) to pick up the phone. You will probably solve the problem in half the time it would take you to write the email. This is often the case when you need help to understand coursework. Often writing down your confusion can make you even more confused! Whereas your tutors will be able to help you quickly and easily over the phone.

2) When you need motivation and/or support

Email is an excellent tool for communicating straightforward information – like assignment deadlines and coursework outlines. But when it comes to encouragement and support, a phone call is probably best. If you’re struggling to stay motivated, need a bit of a pep talk, or would just like some reassurance that you’re on the right track, a quick phone call to one of your tutors can work wonders.

3) When you’ve taken a long time to respond/you’re waiting for a response

If you realise you’re late getting back to someone via email (more than a few weeks), it’s a nice gesture to pick up the phone and apologise for taking so long to respond. Likewise, if you’re waiting for a reply and it’s taking a long time, you could give the person a courtesy call just to make sure your email arrived. Sometimes emails get lost and calling is the only way to get the conversation started again.

Are you thinking about studying from home with ITC? Call or email today, we’d love to hear from you – call 0800 868 747 or email us here.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

Three time management hacks to help you study smarter

Posted on 09/05/2018 by

Struggling to keep up with your studies? Here are three time management hacks to help you get back on track.

We all know the saying… “You have the same amount of hours in a day as Beyonce.” But how well do you use these hours? Are you smart with your time or could you use a little help?

Here are three time management hacks to help you get the most out of your days so you can study smarter, not harder. Just think: what would Beyonce do?

1. Schedule your day

Don’t leave your days up to chance. Write a schedule for each day, including things like study hours, meal breaks, and other life commitments such as part-time work or picking the kids up from school.

Without a clear daily schedule, you might find yourself getting to 7pm each night and wondering “where did my day go?”

A schedule helps minimise ‘decision fatigue’ so you don’t spend all day wondering which task to start first. Instead, you just get up, consult your schedule and get to work – no dilly dallying required!

2. Wake up earlier

One of the perks of studying from home is that you can wake up whenever you like. But is your love of sleeping in getting in the way of your studies?

Set your alarm for an hour earlier so you can get a headstart on your day. It might be hard but it’s worth that satisfied feeling you’ll get when you’ve tackled half your to-do list by 10am. You can always relax in the evenings, instead.

3. Review your progress every Sunday

Every Sunday afternoon, spend 30 minutes reviewing the week that’s been and planning ahead for the week to come. Review your progress, check how much study you have left to complete, and plan ahead accordingly.

This will quickly become a Sunday ritual and allow you to adjust your schedule depending on the success of the previous week. Some weeks you might be super productive; others you might struggle a bit. This is normal – and thanks to your Sunday planning sessions, it should all even out in the end.

Bonus tip: Remember, your tutors are time management experts and they have loads of tips to help you get the most of your time. Make sure you chat to a tutor if you’re struggling to keep up with the workload.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

Study From Home tip: Don’t rush

Posted on 02/05/2018 by

Rushing through your coursework may do a disservice to your ‘future self’. Try to study at a steady pace so you retain important information.

When you study from home, it can be tempting to rush through your coursework. With no one looking over your shoulder, who’s to judge if you speed read your notes?

Of course, one of the perks of studying from home is that you can set your own pace. But try not to be too speedy. If you rush, you could be doing your ‘future self’ a disservice.

Completing your coursework quickly might seem like a win today, but what happens when you forget everything you learned in a few months time?

Remember, the reason you’re studying is to get a good job in the tourism industry. You want to remember all the information you’re learning when you go for that important job interview.

We’re not suggesting that you study at the pace of a snail (you do want to hand in your assignments on time, after all!) but instead that you give yourself enough space in your day to study at a relaxed, steady pace. For example, you want to have enough time to proofread.

So how many hours should you study for?

If you’re studying part-time, we recommend devoting a minimum of 20 hours per week to your studies. If you’re studying full-time, you need to devote a minimum of 40 hours.

If you’re putting in a lot less than the recommended hours, you could risk failing some of your assignments and therefore taking longer than necessary to complete your qualification.

In other words, rushing now could actually slow you down.

Tips to avoid rushing

  • Create a study schedule (and stick to it!)
  • Seek help from family and friends with non-study related activities, such as cooking, cleaning, childcare
  • Consider taking a break from part-time work or decreasing your hours while you complete your qualification
  • Turn your phone on flight mode while you study to avoid social media distractions
  • Cancel subscriptions to things like Netflix and Lightbox

 
Remember, you won’t be studying forever – you’ll be graduating before you know it. So take your time, study at a steady pace, and try not to rush through your important coursework.

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Regional tourism highlights: April

Posted on 26/04/2018 by

Will Marlborough get its proposed wine fountain? This was just one of the interesting regional tourism stories to make headlines this month.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay updated with airline, travel and tourism news from around New Zealand.

April was a busy month for tourism, especially in tourist towns in the South Island.

Waikato crowned as most hospitable place in New Zealand

The results of a study by accommodation provider Airbnb shows that the Waikato is New Zealand’s most hospitable centre. The winner was determined by the number of five-star reviews left on the accommodation website.

Hotel conference to focus on regional growth

This year’s New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference will include a focus on how the current tourism boom can benefit the regions

Warbirds Over Wanaka and Sheeran concerts bring $11m to Otago

Two major events created an $11 million boom for the Otago region. The annual Warbirds Over Wanaka event featured a dazzling display of air acrobatics, paired with a car show, trade stands, market stalls, rides and food on the ground. Meanwhile, international pop star Ed Sheeran performed two sold-out concerts in Dunedin, attracting fans from all over New Zealand.

Dunedin to host biggest TRENZ activity afternoon ever

Next month, Dunedin will host the largest ever TRENZ afternoon as more than 600 delegates will take breaks from business meetings to enjoy a range of activities in the area. This includes tours of the Speight’s Brewery, high tea at Larnach Castle, and an off-road wildlife tour of the Otago Peninsula.

Jucy opens ‘pod’ hotel in Queenstown

Car rental brand Jucy has opened a 276-bed pod hotel in Queenstown, which is set to help with the shortage of tourism accommodation in the area.

Wine fountain proposed for Marlborough

A business leader has suggested installing a wine fountain in Marlborough to highlight the region’s vineyards.

TIA backs Christchurch request for more funding

Tourism Industry Aotearoa has backed the Christchurch City Council’s request for an extra $1.4 million annually to bid to host major events.

Do you want to work in New Zealand’s thriving tourism industry? Contact Study From Home today to study airline, travel or tourism from anywhere in New Zealand.

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Tips for preventing study burnout

Posted on 18/04/2018 by

Feeling burnt out? Here are some tips to help you stay motivated when studying from home.

Are you feeling stressed, exhausted or lacking motivation to study? Do you struggle to complete assignments and feel as though your brain is tired – more tired than you would consider normal?

If so, you might have “study burnout”. Symptoms of study burnout include intellectual exhaustion, mental fatigue, and low motivation. Of course, it’s important to rule out any other possible causes with your doctor before you conclude that study burnout is the culprit.

But if you do believe you are suffering from study burnout, here are some tips to help you get back on track.

Reassess your goals

Are you putting too much pressure on yourself? Take a moment to reassess your goals and identify areas where you could alleviate stress. For example, you could explore switching to part-time study. Or you could review your goals outside of study – like going to the gym or cooking from scratch every night – and relax about those goals while you make study your priority. There will be plenty of time to become a master chef once you’ve finished your qualification.

Seek support from friends and family

Studying can be challenging, so don’t be shy to ask for help from your friends and family. They might not be able to help you with your assignments, but they can help you with everything else, such as cooking dinner or assisting with childcare. Make the most of any offers to help out so you can focus on your studies.

Look after your health

It’s very hard to excel at coursework if you’re unwell. Try to prepare healthy, balanced meals, get regular exercise, and get enough sleep. We know – easier said than done, right? But it’s worth the effort, your mind and body will thank you for it. This doesn’t need to be time consuming, either. A short walk outside every day can do wonders for your mind, and you can stock up on healthy snacks from the supermarket.

Take regular breaks

One of the biggest causes of study burnout is a failure to take regular breaks. When was the last time you took a day off to do something you enjoy? And do you remember to take breaks when you’re studying? It’s a good idea to stop every few hours for food, some fresh air, or quick rest. Even though it seems counterproductive, taking breaks will actually help you stay on track. Just make sure you time your breaks – there’s a difference between taking 30 minutes to enjoy a healthy lunch and taking three hours to watch Netflix.

Ask your tutors for advice

It’s important to tell your tutors if you think you’re experiencing study burnout. They will have plenty of tips and advice to help you refocus and regain motivation. Sometimes all you need is a pep talk and some wise words of encouragement. So don’t be afraid to send your tutor an email or pick up the phone. They are here to help.

Would you like to Study From Home guided by supportive ITC tutors? Get in touch today to register your interest. We have courses starting in May.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, News, Study From Home Tips | Leave a reply

How to create a study routine that works for you

Posted on 11/04/2018 by

A good study routine will remove ‘decision fatigue’ and increase your productivity. 

If you want studying from home to be enjoyable, successful, and stress-free, then it’s a good idea to follow a study routine.

What is a study routine?

Great question! Similar to a study schedule, a study routine is when you plan to study at the same time each day/week. When you have a study routine, you also follow the same steps each time you sit down to study.

Here is an example of a common study routine:

  1. Make coffee or tea
  2. Check emails/student forum
  3. Write to-do list
  4. Spend 1hr on assignment
  5. Take a short break
  6. Spend 1hr on assignment
  7. Check emails/student forum
  8. Take a meal break
  9. Spend 1hr on assignment
  10. Proofread today’s work

 
Why are study routines helpful?

When you create a routine, you remove ‘decision fatigue’ from your day. You know exactly what you need to do, so when you sit down at your desk you won’t feel overwhelmed with indecision.

A routine will also help you from jumping back and forth between your email inbox and your assignments throughout the day. Multitasking only slows you down! It’s better to shut down your email inbox and student forum while you work on your assignments.

How do I create a study routine?

Think about how and when you work best. Here are some questions to help you create a routine that works for you:

  • Are you a morning person or night owl?
  • How often do you need to take breaks for coffee/tea/food to keep your energy levels up?
  • Do you prefer working in long blocks or short bursts?
  • How often do you need to check your emails?
  • Where do you study best? At home, at the library, in a cafe?
  • What other commitments do you need to include in your routine? E.g. childcare, part-time work?

 
An easy way to think of your study routine is like a to-do list for your day. The purpose of your routine is to outline what you’re doing and when, so you don’t suffer from indecision – it really is that simple.

Taking a few moments to create a routine that works for you will make a huge difference to your productivity levels.

And don’t forget to include some fun things in your routine, like short coffee breaks or a yummy dinner at the end of a long day.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

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How to refocus on your studies after the Easter break

Posted on 04/04/2018 by

Struggling to get back into study after the Easter break? Hint: it might be a good idea to put away your chocolate eggs.

Ahh, long weekends – a chance to relax, unwind, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy some delicious food. Long weekends are the best!

But, when you study from home, it can be tough to motivate yourself to get back into your assignments after a break.

Are you still on holiday mode after Easter? Did you eat too much chocolate and you’re experiencing a sugar crash? Do you need a bit of extra motivation to help you refocus?

Here are five tips to get back into your studies after the Easter break.

1. Revisit your study schedule

Short weeks can wreak havoc on your study schedule. Take a look at the week ahead and see if anything needs to be shuffled around so that you can fit in enough study hours. You might need to study later in the evening or on the weekend to make up for the time off. Don’t worry, things will be back to normal soon.

2. Start with an easy task

Normally we encourage you to tackle your most challenging tasks, first – so you don’t procrastinate. But after a long weekend it’s much nicer to start with an easy task so that you can celebrate a ‘small win’, and slowly get your brain back up to speed. Start with something simple like proofreading an assignment you wrote last week or brainstorming ideas for your next module.

3. Hide your chocolate

Still working your way through a pile of Easter eggs? Hide them somewhere safe – or, even better, send them to work with a family member so that you’re not tempted to spend all day eating chocolate instead of studying. Reward yourself with a hard-earned egg at the end of the day. Use the chocolate as motivation to keep studying, not as a distraction.

4. Turn your phone on flight mode

Put your phone on flight mode to avoid social media and other distractions. Try to do this for at least an hour at a time. As with the chocolate (see tip #3), use social media as a reward for studying. For example, after you’ve spent an hour working on your assignment, you can spend ten minutes scrolling Instagram.

5. Reach out to a classmate or tutor

One of the best parts of a long weekend is exchanging stories with other people. Call, email or text one of your classmates (or your tutors) to see what they did on the long weekend. Chatting with classmates is a good reminder that you’re all in the same boat – that you’re not the only one feeling a little tired and groggy after a weekend of eating chocolate.

We hope these tips help you get back into the swing of things. Remember, your tutors are a just a phone call away if you need some extra encouragement.

Do you dream of studying airline, travel and tourism? Get in touch today to learn how ITC Study From Home can get your tourism career off to a flying start.

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Regional tourism highlights: March

Posted on 28/03/2018 by

Wanaka made the headlines several times in March, with the pretty town preparing for a further increase in visitors.

Welcome to a new feature on the Study From Home blog. At the end of each month, we will bring you regional tourism highlights so you can see what’s been happening in small towns and cities around the country.

Summer may be over, but March was still a busy month for regional tourism in New Zealand. Here are some of the top stories to make headlines.

Neat Places expands across New Zealand

The innovative app ‘Neat Places’ has expanded throughout New Zealand. The app makes it easy for locals and visitors to find the best spots in their area. It now covers Wanaka, Hamilton, Dunedin and Whanganui in addition to Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.

New Zealand ski season hit record 1.6m visitors in 2017

NZ ski fields attracted a record-breaking 1.6 million visitors in 2017, and there are plans to increase that number to 2 million by 2020.

Lake Wanaka Tourism shortlisted in prestigious awards

Lake Wanaka Tourism has been shortlisted in the ‘Best use of native or content marketing’ category for the Mumbrella Travel Marketing Awards for their #skiWanaka campaign.

Taranaki Park to receive $5.9 million boost

Taranaki’s Pukeiti rainforest park will receive a $5.9 million boost, some of which will be spent on creating a new bike trail.

Wanaka prepares for tourism boom

Experts in Wanaka predict there is a “tsunami of tourists coming” and are encouraging the town to prepare for a further influx in visitor numbers.

Uber to launch in Dunedin and Queenstown

Uber is set to launch in Dunedin and Queenstown in May, adding a new option for locals and tourists to get around.

Do you want to work in New Zealand’s thriving tourism industry? Contact Study From Home today to study airline, travel or tourism from anywhere in New Zealand.

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Study From Home myth: “You don’t make friends”

Posted on 21/03/2018 by

Friendships look a little different when you study from home, but they can still be rewarding and meaningful.

One of the biggest myths about studying from home is that it’s socially isolating. We’re here to reassure you that it doesn’t have to be that way!

At ITC Study From Home, we take great care to encourage students to interact with their classmates and make lifelong friendships.

Students have ample opportunities to connect with their peers, including:

  • An in-person Orientation Day in Auckland at the beginning of your qualification (attendance is optional if you are unable to travel)
  • An interactive online forum where you can post questions and chat with your classmates
  • A formal graduation ceremony at The Langham in Auckland – an amazing chance to celebrate with everyone

 
It’s also common for students to forge their own friendships and chat with classmates via phone or email. Some students even arrange Skype study dates to exchange ideas.

And, of course, the Study From Home tutors are only a phone call away.

Study From Home graduate, Jay Patrick, believes that if anything, distance learning helped to strengthen his friendships.

“Being a distance learner, I did not spend much time on campus, but because of this, the class network was stronger and more helpful,” says Jay, who is now working as a Flight Attendant for Air Nelson.

“I miss the people; the friends and connections I made, and the tutors. In fact, a colleague of mine is currently studying with ITC and LOVES it. To be fair, I’m jealous as I wish I was still there!”

Are you inspired by Jay’s experience of studying from home? You too could make great friends and get a job out in the airline, travel & tourism industry. Get in touch today to learn more about our distance learning qualifications.

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