Posts by Jess O'Connor
Highlights from 2015
From appearing on a Good Morning Advertorial to enrolling three people from the same family, 2015 was a great year for Study From Home.
At the end of every year it’s nice to look back at what has been accomplished over the past 12 months. For the ITC Study From Home department, 2015 has been a big one! Here are our top three stories from this year.
3. A family affair: ITC graduate inspires daughters to study tourism
We’ve been lucky enough not to have one, not two but THREE members of the Hicks family enrol in a Study From Home course.
Mum Robyn was so impressed with the qualification she received from ITC that she encouraged her daughters to pursue this exciting career choice.
It’s been brilliant having the family with us – we look forward to seeing what they decide to do next.
2. Motivated mum of 7 sets up home office in wardrobe
If there’s ever been a shining example of ‘when there’s a will, there’s a way’, it’s Michelle Laidlaw. This motivated mum of 7 decided to set up her home office in her wardrobe when she was running short on study space.
If this story doesn’t inspire you to achieve your goals in 2016, we’re not sure what will!
1. Study From Home appears on Good Morning
The ultimate highlight of 2015 was going into the Good Morning studios to film an advertorial. ITC Tourism Education Team Leader Mel Fey and her beautiful six-year-old daughter Aria were the stars of our advert – Aria did an exceptional job.
This marketing opportunity allowed us to share our services with a wider audience, and we’ve enrolled several new students as a result. Thanks Good Morning!
Posted in News | Leave a replyHow to succeed at studying from home
Posted on 16/12/2015 by Jess O'Connor
One of the best ways to ensure study from home success is by creating a weekly or monthly study schedule – and sticking to it!
Nine times out of ten, studying from home feels like a dream. You can revise your notes in your favourite comfy pants, sit outside in the sunshine and drink as many cups of coffee as you want. And my personal favourite? When it’s raining you don’t have to face the elements – you can stay huddled under a blanket with your course books.
But sometimes having the freedom to study whenever you want can work against you. Ever found yourself sitting down to study only to start watching TV or browsing social media? One of the hardest things about studying from home is staying motivated and resisting the temptation of procrastination.
Fortunately over the years we’ve come across some excellent strategies for study from home success. If you’re feeling behind in your course work or worried distance learning isn’t for you, please have a read of these tips – you might be surprised at how one little change in your study habits can make such a difference.
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Tagged Study From Home Success, study tips |A family affair: ITC graduate inspires daughters to study tourism
Posted on 09/12/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Robyn Hicks and daughters Chelsea and Katharine studied tourism with ITC via distance learning.
Passion for travel and tourism runs strong in the Hicks family. When mum Robyn enrolled in a course at the International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC), little did she know she would soon inspire her daughters to do the same.
Fast forward a few years, and now Robyn’s two daughters, Chelsea and Katharine, are both well on their way to completing the New Zealand Certificate in Tourism Level 3 through ITC’s distance learning arm, Study From Home.
Posted in News | Tagged Distance Learning, study from home | Leave a replyIs it time to give your resume a makeover?
Posted on 02/12/2015 by Jess O'Connor
If you’d like to apply for tourism jobs over the summer it’s a good idea to update your CV.
As the busy summer tourism season gets underway, now might be a good time to make sure your resume is up-to-date. It can be all too easy to let your CV gather dust when you’re focused on studying, but reviewing it every few months will ensure you’re ready to put your best foot forward when the perfect job opportunity arises.
So why not do your future self a favour and make some time to polish your CV before Christmas? Below are a few things to keep in mind when you’re updating this important document.
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Tagged CV tips, resume writing, summer jobs, tourism | Leave a replyTourism Spotlight: Coromandel
Posted on 25/11/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Cathedral Cove, one of the Coromandel’s most recognisable landmarks. Photo credit: Wikipedia
This is the third post in our Tourism Spotlight series. Each month we report on a different tourism region in New Zealand, giving you the lowdown on local career opportunities and attractions. Enjoy!
Visible from Auckland on a clear day, the Coromandel Peninsula is one of the most popular summer destinations in the North Island. With the Hauraki Gulf and Firth of Thames to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, the peninsula is dotted with stunning white sandy beaches and quaint coastal townships.
Below is a summary of the region’s key tourism drawcards and the types of jobs it offers.
Posted in Tourism Spotlight | Leave a replyThree ways to study smarter, not harder
Posted on 18/11/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Do you find it hard to stay focused and motivated when studying? See below for tips on how to improve your study techniques and get better results.
Do you have a limited amount of time to study each day? If so, this post is for you. We understand that not everyone has eight hours a day to spend memorising their notes. This is why we encourage our students to ‘study smarter, not harder’.
So what does this mean, exactly? Smart study is all about making the most of the time you have available to you – whether it’s 30 minutes or two hours. Here are three ways you can maximise your study productivity so that not a second is wasted. You’ll be surprised at how much you can achieve within a short amount of time if you really focus!
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Tagged study tips | Leave a replyTIA: ‘Tourism supports 1 in 8 jobs in NZ’
Posted on 11/11/2015 by Jess O'Connor
The tourism industry is one of New Zealand’s largest sectors, supporting many jobs throughout the country, including in small towns.
Wherever you live in New Zealand, tourism could be an excellent career choice. As highlighted in a recent press release by the Tourism Industry Association (TIA), the sector supports many jobs throughout the country.
“Tourism supports one in every eight jobs in New Zealand,” says TIA chief executive Chris Roberts.
Mr Roberts acknowledged the nationwide importance of the sector in a press release about the Productivity Commission’s upcoming Tertiary Education Review. This review will assess New Zealand’s tertiary education system and consider new strategies moving forward.
The TIA is hopeful this review will reveal ways to ensure tourism education in New Zealand is of a high standard. As tourism grows, tertiary providers will significantly help prepare students for a career in this exciting industry.
“Our rapidly growing tourism industry requires many more people with the right skills to deliver outstanding experiences to both international visitors and New Zealanders travelling in their own country,” says Mr Roberts.
The TIA intends to work with the Productivity Commission throughout the review process “to identify the best ways to deliver tertiary education and training to tourism and hospitality students that meets the future needs of employers”.
As it stands, approximately 50 tertiary institutions teach some tourism and hospitality courses. The International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) is one of few providers specialising solely in airline, travel and tourism training.
If you live in regional New Zealand, you can gain a tourism qualification with ITC via distance learning. We currently offer four national qualifications; three at Level 3 and one at Level 4.
Tourism is one of few industries that has a strong presence in both large cities and small towns. There is a wide variety of tourist attractions throughout New Zealand, creating jobs in most regions – a topic we’ve been exploring in-depth in our Tourism Spotlight series.
Enrolling in a Study From Home course for 2016 could help you get your tourism career off to a flying start, no matter where in the country you live.
For more information about our 2016 courses, please get in touch today.
Posted in News | Tagged Tourism news | Leave a replyThree ways to maintain a social life when you study from home
Posted on 04/11/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Meeting a friend for coffee is a great way to keep up your social life when studying from home.
Distance learning is a great way to gain a qualification in airline, travel or tourism. It offers the flexibility to study in your own place, at your own pace, making it perfect for busy people juggling part-time jobs, children and other commitments.
That said, studying from home doesn’t come without its challenges. Although it’s great to be able to work on the couch in your slippers, some people miss the social interaction that comes with on-campus learning.
The good news is, there’s plenty of ways you can maintain a healthy social life and meet new friends – all it takes is a little motivation!
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Leave a replyTourism spotlight: Auckland region
Posted on 28/10/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Home to New Zealand’s largest city, the Auckland region has a diverse tourism industry.
Welcome to the second instalment of our Tourism Spotlight series. Every month we shine light on a different region of New Zealand tourism, giving you the lowdown on local jobs and attractions. Enjoy!
When most people think of Auckland, they think of the CBD – the Sky Tower, the Harbour Bridge, bustling Queen Street. But did you know the official Auckland region extends much further than this?
The Auckland region begins just north of Te Hana and extends south beyond the Bombay Hills, encompassing towns such as Mercer and Onewhero. What’s more, several islands are also part of the region, including Waiheke, Rangitoto and Great Barrier.
Posted in Tourism Spotlight | Tagged Auckland region | Leave a replyWhich Study From Home course is right for you?
Posted on 21/10/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Choosing the right course is the first step to success. Read on to learn all about our different qualifications.
Would you like an amazing career in airline, travel and tourism but feel unsure where to start? This is a large and exciting industry, so it’s important to carefully research your study options and choose a course that best aligns with your interests and career dreams.
We know this is a big decision, so we have put together a guide explaining the difference between our courses. Read on to find out which course is right for you!
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Tagged airline, Course Options, Travel and Tourism | Leave a replyStudy tips for busy parents
Posted on 14/10/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Studying with kids isn’t easy, but with the right support and techniques, it is definitely possible.
As anyone with children knows, being a parent is a full-time job in itself! Yet many of our students have kids and study part-time in between nappy changes, school runs and the odd tantrum. It’s not easy, but it is possible – and, with the right approach, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Every situation is different, but there are a few tried and tested techniques for juggling study and kids. We rounded up some of the best tips:
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Tagged study tips | Leave a replyGet a taste for the tourism industry with an ITC online short course
Posted on 07/10/2015 by Jess O'Connor
ITC Online Training is an affordable way to learn more about the tourism industry without committing to a full-time course.
Choosing what to study is a big decision. How do you know which industry is right for you? What if you’re torn between multiple subjects? If only there was a way to help you make up your mind…
Introducing ITC Online Training: a range of short, interactive online courses that you can take from home, at your own leisure.
These courses are the perfect opportunity to get a taste for the tourism industry without committing to full-time study.
Even better, there are courses to suit all budgets. ITC Online offers FREE taster courses and several introductory lessons for as little as $19. The most expensive online course is less than $250 – an affordable alternative to a six-month qualification.
Here are some of the topics you can learn more about with ITC Online Training:
- Ground Crew
- Cabin Crew
- Careers in Tourism and Travel
- Selling Skills
- Working on Cruise Ships
- Winning with Customers
- Tour Guiding
ITC launched these courses as a way to make education about the airline, travel and tourism industry more widely available to people all around New Zealand and the world.
“You can sign up for a short course from anywhere – so long as you have access to the internet and a computer or tablet,” says ITC Marketing Director Claire Huxley.
“This means people are no longer limited by their location or circumstance – everyone has the opportunity to learn more about this exciting industry. With several free taster courses to choose from, as well as a range of options available for less than $250, this is an affordable way to advance your education.”
The full list of online courses is available on the ITC Online Training website. If you have any questions about our courses, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.
Posted in News, Study From Home Tips | Tagged ITC online training short courses, travel and tourism industry | Leave a replyTourism spotlight: Northland New Zealand
Posted on 30/09/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Ocean Beach, Northland, New Zealand // Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The New Zealand tourism industry is thriving. Almost every news article that is published about the sector is brimming with positivity – tourism businesses across the country are enjoying high visitor rates and steady growth.
One thing that is especially great about this growing industry is that it impacts the whole country – not just Auckland and the main cities. People travel to the far corners of New Zealand, from the tip of the North Island to the bottom of the South and everywhere in between.
The tourism industry offers a wonderful opportunity for those living in regional New Zealand to become part of something special – to show both domestic and international travellers the wonders of our beautiful country.
We thought we’d celebrate our amazing tourism industry by putting the spotlight on different regions each month. As ITC’s distance learning branch, we are passionate about ensuring qualified, experienced tourism professionals are able to work in small towns and cities. And what better way to encourage people to go to these areas than by shining a light on what makes them great?
It makes sense to start at the top. Let’s take a look at what makes Northland Tourism in New Zealand so special.
Posted in Tourism Spotlight | Tagged Northland New Zealand, regional tourism, tourism, tourism education, understanding New Zealand | Leave a replyFive minutes with Study From Home student Drue Walker
Posted on 23/09/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Study From Home student Drue Walker shares some study tips and advice
What are some of the benefits and challenges about distance learning? We caught up with Study From Home student Drue Walker about her experience so far.
Why is Study From Home the best option for you?
Study From Home seemed like the best option for me as I have a full time job and want to keep earning while studying.
What are some highlights about distance learning?
I’m able to work my course around my day-to-day schedule, and if I have any questions I can easily access answers or information on the ITC website or contact a tutor.
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Study tips: three time management techniques for when stress hits
Posted on 16/09/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of study you need to do? We share some time management techniques to help you get back on track.
Sometimes stress can come out of nowhere. One day you’re feeling focused and in control, the next you feel overwhelmed by the mountain of work in front of you. When this happens, you have three choices:
- Crawl back under the covers and pretend your to-do list doesn’t exist (aka – procrastinate).
- Start working frantically, jumping from one task to the next, with barely a moment to stop and eat let alone check whether your work is up to standard (aka – take your stress levels and multiply them by 100).
- Reassess your priorities (aka – get back in control)
Can you guess which approach we support?
When stress hits, the first thing you need to do is get organised and reassess your priorities. If you have a short amount of time to achieve a certain number of goals, then you need to figure out which tasks need to be done immediately, and which tasks can wait.
Easier said than done, right? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are three time management techniques that will help you become more productive and less stressed.
(more…)
Highlights from Orientation Day
Posted on 09/09/2015 by Jess O'Connor
The Orientation Day includes fun group activities, including a short assessment – you’ll walk away from the day with your first credits
Did you know all of our courses include an Orientation Day in Auckland? Held at one of our fabulous campuses, this compulsory, full-day workshop is an excellent opportunity for you to get to know your tutors and fellow classmates.
The most recent Orientation Day was in August and held at the ITC City Campus. Our students travelled to Auckland from all around New Zealand to attend this valuable workshop. We promise it’s worth the journey – in fact, according to Study From Home Team Leader Carla Sutton, Orientation Day is often the key to ensuring every student gets off to a flying start.
Posted in News, Student Success | Tagged Auckland City, Face-to-Face Learning, Orientation Day, Study From Home Workshop, study tips |New Zealand’s tourism boom: it’s not just about Auckland!
Posted on 02/09/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Some of New Zealand’s most popular tourist activities are located outside the big cities, such as Kaitiaki White Water Rafting
When we say the New Zealand tourism industry is thriving, we really mean the New Zealand tourism industry is thriving – we’re not just referring to Auckland. Although our largest city may attract the lion’s share of media attention, tourism is also soaring in the regions. There are plenty of exciting career opportunities in NZ’s smaller towns, from the far north to the deep south.
This is why we launched our Study From Home programme; so we could deliver excellent airline, travel and tourism training to all New Zealanders, not just Aucklanders. If you live outside of Auckland, and are thinking about your future career, maybe it’s a good idea to consider tourism. This people-focused industry is expected to grow steadily over the next decade and beyond, setting you up for amazing career opportunities.
Posted in News | Tagged career advice, New Zealand tourism industry, study tourism, tourism careers |Motivated mum of 7 sets up home office in wardrobe
Posted on 26/08/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Now this is what we call Kiwi ingenuity! Michelle’s innovative home office is a shining example of ‘when there is a will, there is a way”.
Where do you go when you want some peace and quiet away from your children? Why, the wardrobe, of course!
When Michelle Laidlaw decided to study from home, she knew she would need a secluded place where she could concentrate on her work without distractions. So the motivated mother of seven got creative and converted her bedroom wardrobe into a cosy home office.
“With my course related costs I brought myself a new computer and measured up my wardrobe. I then drove to the Warehouse Stationery with my tape measure in order to find a desk that would fit into my wardrobe so I could close the doors when not in use,” Michelle explained.
Posted in News | Tagged home office, innovation, motivation, study tips |Three things successful people do every morning
Posted on 12/08/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Setting yourself up for a successful day can be as simple as writing a few pages in a journal every morning.
Picture this: it’s 6am. Your alarm clock is ringing. You hit the snooze button. Is it really time to get up? You begin to feel stressed, thinking about everything you need to achieve today. You hit the snooze button again. By the time you finally get out of bed, you’re running late. You quickly shower, get dressed and eat breakfast as you rush out the door. The day flies by, and you can’t quite shake the feeling that you’re ‘behind’. Before you know it, you’re back in bed, ready to fall asleep and do it all over again tomorrow. You set your alarm for 6am…
Does this sound familiar?
Most of us lead incredibly busy, fast-paced lives, and as a result everything feels rushed – even waking up and eating breakfast! Do you sometimes get to the end of the day and feel as though you’ve barely had a moment to yourself? If yes, it might be time to change your morning routine.
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Tagged Morning Routine, productivity |Strapped for cash? These three budgeting tips could save you money
Posted on 05/08/2015 by Jess O'Connor
The more money you save, the more you’ll be able to spend in the future; it’s a win-win situation!
Let’s be honest, student life is pretty sweet. Yes, there are exams and essays and deadlines, but most of the time you’re learning about something you love. There’s just one little thing that would make it better; more money!
One of the hardest things about being a student is managing your finances. It can be difficult to earn a regular income when you are studying, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! Just because it’s hard, doesn’t mean it’s an excuse to get into unnecessary debt, like these students who spent their course related costs on non-study items (this article is a great example of what not to do).
With a little bit of forward thinking and careful planning, you can save some money while you are studying. Feel like you need some help in this department? Here are three of our best budgeting tips.
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Tagged budgeting, saving tips, student life, study success, study tips | Leave a replyHow to juggle work and study (and not go crazy!)
Posted on 15/07/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Feeling overwhelmed by all of the work you have to do? Read on for advice on how to manage study, work and your social life!
Study From Home student Rebekah Linton is quite the superstar. She is currently studying, working and preparing for her wedding next year. Her grades are outstanding and she is even ahead on some of her courses! We asked her to share some of her study secrets.
How do I do it?
This is quite often the question I get asked when people hear that I am studying long distance while still working full time. And the answer to this question comes in two easy parts – 1. Plan and 2. Get ahead!
How to plan for success
Planning is the key to being successful in studying while working. And it doesn’t take much, just sitting down for a few minutes and writing down a study calendar is a great place to start.
You have to be realistic though! Yes you work many hours a week, and plan to study 15 hours, but don’t forget about meal times, socializing, personal errands and of course SLEEP! Just dot down all of your fixed hours each week, and slot in some hours for study.
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Tagged How To, Student Stories, study tips, Work-Life Balanced |How to beat procrastination in three simple steps
Posted on 08/07/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Feel like you’re constantly telling yourself you need to get more done? Read on to find out how you can beat procrastination in three simple steps.
It’s happened again. The clock has mysteriously jumped forward three hours and you’ve done ‘nothing’. You sat down to study and before you knew it you’d wasted precious hours on Buzzfeed, YouTube and even just gazing out of the window.
Procrastination. We all struggle with it from time to time, especially when it comes to studying. Do you regularly wonder where all the time goes? Do you find yourself racing to finish assignments mere hours before the deadline? Would you like to take back control over your study schedule and reduce stress?
If the answer is yes, then it’s time to put a plan into action to beat procrastination once and for all. Here’s how you can do this in three simple steps.
1. Find your WHY
The very first thing you should do, before you even pick up pen or turn on your computer, is remind yourself of WHY you decided to study. Often we get so bogged down in our daily to-do lists that we forget why we are doing everything in the first place.
Remember that feeling of elation, excitement and pride when you enrolled on your first course? You are doing this for you; for a better career, for a better life. Make a list of all the reasons why you are studying and hang them somewhere you’ll see them every day. Whenever you feel like giving up, read this list again and it will help you stay focused.
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Leave a replyFive minutes with Study From Home student Rebekah Linton
Posted on 11/06/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Study From Home student Rebekah Linton is studying towards becoming a travel agent. This is a picture of her from a recent trip to Disney World
What is it like to Study From Home? We caught up with current student Rebekah Linton to find out how her distance learning experience is going.
What sparked your interest in travel and tourism?
Travelling has always been something I have loved to do, as I like visiting new places and learning about new cultures. I’m also a real foodie and love to try out local dishes of the places I visit.
Ever since I was young I was lucky enough to be able to do a fair bit of travelling with my family. I would often go on trips around NZ with my grandparents during the school holidays, and I would usually go on some sort of overseas destination with my parents once a year such as Australia or Vanuatu. I’ve also done Camp America for two years – I spent 3 months at a time working in a summer camp in Maine and Connecticut.
Posted in Student Success, Study From Home Tips | Tagged study from home, study tips, travel, travel agent |The top three benefits of distance learning
Posted on 20/05/2015 by Jess O'Connor
One of the best things about distance learning is the ability to study from anywhere. Study from home one day, work in a cafe the next – the choice is yours.
What makes distance learning such a great choice? Here are the top three benefits of studying from home.
1. Flexibility
Don’t want to come to class every day? More of a night owl than a morning person? Wish you could just write your assignments at home in your pajamas? Distance learning offers this level of flexibility, allowing you to choose when you want to study, and where.
As long as you put in the required number of hours of study per week, you are free to manage your time as you see fit. And if that means working from the comfort of your couch next to your cat, who are we to judge?
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Tagged digital skills, Distance Learning, flexible learning, online learning, study from home | Leave a replyTravel Q&A with ITC Tutor Lynelle Panton
Posted on 07/05/2015 by Jess O'Connor
New York City is the next destination on Lynelle’s travel wishlist. Photo credit: Josh Liba // Flickr Creative Commons
Lynelle Panton is a Tutor on the ITC Study From Home team. She shares some of her favourite travel memories with us in today’s blog.
What sparked your interest in travel and tourism?
I did a lot of moving around when I was younger and always thought I am never going to move as an adult, but quickly realised that with all the moving I got to see some pretty amazing places and experience things I might never have had the chance to if I hadn’t. I think when I was at high school lots of my friends were talking about studying and going off to do big OE’s and live overseas, and I knew I didn’t want to live anywhere else but NZ but still wanted to travel. For me the most logical career was in the T and T industry.
What is your fondest travel memory?
When I was about 11 we had a 3 week holiday around the South Island. I loved every minute of it. We really do have a beautiful country with lots to see and do. It makes you realise how lucky we are.
Posted in News | Leave a replyFive myths about distance learning (and why you should ignore them)
Posted on 29/04/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Sorry to disappoint, but there’s more to distance learning than studying in your pajamas with your cat (although this is a great bonus!) Photo credit: Luke Redmond // Flickr Creative Commons
Thinking about studying from home? A quick Google search of ‘distance learning’ will provide you with plenty of information about this study option, but there may be a few myths lurking among the helpful advice.
We’re here to help clarify any confusion. Here are five common myths about distance learning (and why you should ignore them).
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Tagged Distance Learning, online learning, study tips | Leave a replyTravel Q&A with Study From Home Manager Carla Sutton
Posted on 15/04/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Study From Home Manager Carla Sutton knew she wanted to work in travel as soon as she stepped into a travel agency with her parents at age 13
Carla Sutton is the Manager of ITC’s Study From Home programme. Originally from the Netherlands, she has travelled extensively and has a passion for learning about different cultures. Here she shares her fondest travel memories.
What sparked your interest in travel and tourism?
When I was 13 years old, I went with my parents to book our trip to the USA. That’s when I realised I wanted to be a travel agent. I picked all the relevant subjects at school (geography, languages, economics), finished high school, and enrolled at one of only two private travel & tourism institutes in the Netherlands. It was difficult to get in, there was lots of competition!
Posted in News | Tagged Staff news, Tourism training, travel, travel careers | Leave a replyThree reasons why you should consider a career in travel and tourism
Posted on 09/04/2015 by Jess O'Connor
A career in the travel and tourism industry is full of fun, adventure and variety
Are you thinking about changing careers? Here are three reasons why you might want to consider working in the exciting travel and tourism industry.
1. The New Zealand tourism industry is booming
Did you know 1 in 11 people in New Zealand work in tourism? This number is only expected to grow as more and more international tourists travel to our beautiful country.
The government is investing heavily in marketing New Zealand to oversears visitors and these efforts seem to be paying off. According to an article published last week in the International Business Times, “New Zealand is in the international limelight”.
The article continues: “In 2015, it [New Zealand] is basking in the glory of having surpassed all records in terms of huge tourist arrivals.”
Posted in News | Tagged New Zealand, New Zealand tourism, tourism careers, travel careers | Leave a replyTravel Q&A with ITC Tutor Richard Euston
Posted on 01/04/2015 by Jess O'Connor
ITC Tutor Richard has been all around the world, but beautiful Rarotonga remains the favourite place he has visited. Photo Credit Robert Linsdell // Flickr Creative Commons
Richard Euston joined the International Travel College of New Zealand’s Study From Home team in January 2015. We asked him a few questions about his travel experiences so far.
What is your fondest travel memory?
There’s a lot to choose from but I would have to say our honeymoon. We stayed at the legendary Raffles Hotel in Singapore and also spent time in Bali in an amazing villa with it’s own pool.
Posted in News | Tagged Q&A, Staff news, travel | Leave a replyFrom Malta to Vietnam: ITC Graduate Gemma shares her travel stories
Posted on 25/03/2015 by Jess O'Connor
ITC Graduate Gemma Delia swimming with whale sharks in Indonesia – just one of the many exciting experiences she has had on her travels!
Gemma Delia graduated from the International Travel College in 2014. Her passion for travel and discovering new places motivated her to gain a qualification and she chose to Study From Home. Gemma is now working as a travel designer for Adventure World. In this role, she helps people achieve their travel dreams. We caught up with her to learn about her favourite travel memories and why she loves working in this exciting industry.
What sparked your interest in travel & tourism?
I have family in Malta (a small island in the Mediterranean Sea) and from a young age we would travel to visit family. Because it took 27 hours to fly there, my family would often stop in different countries along the way to break up the trip. These experiences sparked my interest in cultures and this grew into a passion to travel the world and experience all the world has to offer.
What is your fondest travel memory?
I have so many. But I think of the best moments was when I was diving with Manta Rays in the Galapagos Islands. They had 4 – 5 meter spans and were so close I could have touched them (but of course I didn’t). I just remember hanging in the water about at about 15m and thinking I am luckiest person on earth to be so close to such a beautiful, powerful but graceful creature.
How to create a dedicated study space at home
Posted on 05/03/2015 by Jess O'Connor
Does your home study space put you to sleep? Don’t worry, we’ve come up with some tips to create a study space that works for you. [Photo credit: CollegeDegrees 360, Flickr Creative Commons]
It’s far too tempting to juggle writing an essay with putting on a load of washing, watching the television or preparing a meal. Everywhere you look, you probably see chores waiting to be done!
The key to success is to set aside a dedicated study space. A space you can retreat to when you need some quiet time. This is especially important if you have a family or share a house with other people.
Posted in News | Tagged home office, productivity, study space, study tips | Leave a replyIs studying from home right for you?
Posted on 26/02/2015 by Jess O'Connor
ITC’s Study From Home option suits many people from different circumstances. Read on to find out if it could be an option for you
Studying from home, otherwise known as online learning or distance learning, is an excellent option for people who want a great qualification but cannot attend regular on-campus classes.
At the International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC), we offer the option to study four excellent courses from home. That means you can gain an airline, travel and tourism qualification from anywhere in New Zealand!
Are you thinking about studying from home, but are unsure if this is the right decision for you?
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Tagged Distance Learning, online learning, study from home, study tips | Leave a replyStudy From Home appears on Good Morning
Posted on 12/02/2015 by Jess O'Connor
From left to right: ITC Marketing Director Claire with Aria, Good Morning Advertorial Host Mel and Melissa
ITC Short Course Tutor Melissa Fey recently appeared on Good Morning to talk about the college’s exciting Study From Home programme.
Melissa appeared on camera alongside her six-year-old daughter Aria and answered questions about studying in the airline, travel and tourism industries.
In case you missed the show, here are some highlights.
So Melissa, tell us about the International Travel College. What qualifications do you provide?
ITC is an award-winning college that provides qualifications for people wanting to enter the airline, travel or tourism industries. We have a strong relationship with these industries and this helps us find great jobs for students after they finish studying.
So you actually help your students find work? What kind of jobs can they get after studying with the International Travel College?
Our graduates work as tour guides, travel agents, flight attendants, airport check-in agents, customs agents, bungy jump operators… the list goes on! Tourism is one of New Zealand’s largest industries and employs one in 10 people. We actually have employers asking us for applications for existing roles.
Posted in News | Tagged airline, aviation, education, Good Morning, New Zealand, television, tourism, travel | Leave a replyITC Launches Online
Posted on 14/01/2015 by Jess O'Connor
ITC now offers a range of online courses
On Thursday 7 August the International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) officially launched its new online learning programmes.
ITC staff and industry members gathered at ITC’s city campus for the event. Distance Learning Programme Manager Carla Sutton introduced the online courses, thanking the staff involved in creating the courses, and the industry contacts who had provided valuable feedback during their development. Carla gave special mention to Karen Houston of Training & People Development Specialists, who had written the course material.
The courses – which cover cabin crew, ground crew, tour guide, and cruise staff training, customer service, sales skills, and careers in travel and tourism – are wide-ranging in their application.
As well as providing a cost- and time-effective way for those in the industry wanting to upskill and employers wanting to provide professional development for their staff, Carla also spoke about the positive impact they will provide for secondary school students.
“Many students don’t know what they want to do when they leave school; and our school contacts have expressed concern about how to keep students at school in their final high school years. These programmes will give them a taste of the exciting travel and tourism industry and we aim to engage their interest in undertaking further study.”
The accessibility of the courses, which are available on any PC, Mac, tablet or smart phone, is one of their key benefits. Carla spoke about students being able to do lessons on the bus on the way home from school or work, undertaking stop-and-think exercises in their lunch time or connecting with their peers on the forums in the evenings.
Wendy Iceton showing on an ipad how flexible the courses are.
Each course has a Bronze, Silver and Gold level, with Bronze providing basic course lessons and the Silver and Gold levels offering more personalised study and assessment. Gold students will have access to tutors and other students through online forums. Students who complete the Silver and Gold levels will also receive a Certificate of Completion.
A fourth Platinum option is available for customers who want to tailor the online training to their own business. This option provides flexibility in terms of branding, reporting, additional workshops and one-on-one sessions and will allow travel and tourism operators to provide highly relevant professional development to their staff.
It was clear from the evening’s presentation that a great deal of time, care and consideration has gone into developing these new programmes to meet the needs of the wide range of people interested in travel and tourism. And there is plenty more to come. Guests were asked for ideas on what other courses would be valuable for the industry and course writer Karen Houston promised she had plenty of new ideas as well.
Watch this space: http://itconlinetraining.com
Posted in News | Tagged Distance Learning, ITC, ITC Award winning training, ITC Online training, ITC Staff, New Zealand Tourism Training, Online courses, Passion for travel, professional development, Tourism training | Leave a replyITC Graduate Fulfils a Dream
Posted on 24/07/2014 by Jess O'Connor
Crystal (far right) now working for an airline, thanks to ITC and the training she had via her Distance Learning course.
Crystal Coates completed ITC’s National Certificate in Tourism Core Skills (level 3) in 2013. Immediately afterwards, she enrolled in our level 3 Aviation course. Crystal decided to study through ITC’s Distance Learning, as she was employed full time as a retail store manager. She proved to be an outstanding student.
In March 2014, Crystal had the opportunity to join the training programme with Jetstar.
“Ground school was quite intense, so much to take in in such a short time. Exams… oh my goodness! But I passed them all and the practicals as well” says Crystal.
Being offered a job as a flight attendant with Jetstar was a dream come true.
“I’m loving it! The crew have all been welcoming and helpful. The hours at first were a little tough, but I’m getting used to them now; waking up at 3-4am is the norm. I’ve set an early preference so I can be home with my family in the afternoon and evening. It has definitely been very different to anything I’ve done but that has been great.”
Auckland-based crew at Jetstar fly domestically and trans-Tasman, which means Crystal has flown to Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, Dunedin, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
“I hope to be sent to Christchurch one day to work a Fiji flight,” she says.
Jetstar’s crew is made up people of all ages. “Many different cultures as well which is nice,” says Crystal.
Crystal is thrilled she started on this new career path with ITC and says she only wished she had given it a go earlier.
“I’m so glad I’ve finally fulfilled a dream to become a flight attendant. Thank you for the support and encouragement while I was studying with ITC!”
Posted in Student Success | Tagged Airline jobs, Airline training, Distance Learning, ITC Award winning training, ITCNZ, ITCNZ our Guest Blogger Curtis Palmer, Student success, Students in work, Tourism training | Leave a replyGetting career confidence back with ITC
Posted on 20/02/2014 by Jess O'Connor
Study From Home students participate in a face-to-face workshop
Every year many students complete one of ITC’s distance online learning (DOL) courses for the travel, tourism and aviation industries. Gaining the confidence to get out and apply for jobs can be tough, so we make career preparation an important focus of the course.
More than half of our DOL students study from home because they are looking after young children. After a few years staying at home, many lose confidence in their employment prospects.
DOL graduate Lynda says, “I felt like I had had so much time off that I had become a recluse and didn’t know how to be in the public eye anymore or approach customers with confidence. I even thought I would forget everything I had learnt in previous employment.”
Another graduate Margaret adds: “I didn’t apply for a job for months after completing my course, as I thought they would decline my application as I had not been in the work force for so long.”
Many parents want to take care of their child at home. But DOL graduate Hazel found that getting out there had a positive impact on both her and her child. “Getting a job meant I could earn much more money to support myself and my child, while also gaining a social life outside of our house. I think many single mothers don’t want to send their child to childcare so soon. It seems hard at first but you and your child will adapt,” she says.
Lynda says that the ITC course helped her a great deal. “Training with ITC contributed a lot to gaining my confidence back. Having the phone assessments and orientation, and even graduation, and being amongst other people was a boost. With anticipation I wanted to get back into the work force and show off some recapped skills,” she says.
Lynda is also an advocate of gaining work experience while you study and says that having a part-time, casual job gave her a big confidence boost.
Margaret found that getting out there and applying for jobs was a useful learning experience in itself. “I wasn’t successful in my first application. I didn’t let that get me down: I used it as a learning curve. I took out my ITC notes on career preparation to make sure I was ready. For my next application, I knew exactly what I was going to say to any question asked, and was able to reply back in full confidence.”
Margaret now works for the call centre at Qantas Airways, Lynda is working for Flight Centre in Perth (WA) and Hazel works at Auckland Airport for Menzies Aviation.
As Margaret says: “Don’t let fear get in the way of your dreams. If you prepare for your interview, all will fall into place and your dreams will come true!”
Posted in Study From Home Tips | Tagged Airline jobs, Airline training, Aviation Training, Distance Learning, Employment, ITC, ITC Award winning training, Passion for travel | Leave a replyITC Ready to Launch ITC Online Training
Posted on 26/01/2014 by Jess O'Connor
ITC offers short courses via ITC Online training site
International Travel College is set to launch its new online short courses in August.
The online courses will cover training for cabin crew, ground crew, tour guiding, cruises, and careers in travel and tourism. Two online soft skills courses on winning with customers and sales skills have also been developed.
ITC’s Distance Learning Programme Manager Carla Sutton says the courses have been created in direct response to the needs of industry.
“We have strong connections across New Zealand with airline, travel and tourism operators. We asked them what they wanted from us and we were prepared to do what it took to provide it.”
The clear indication from industry was that ITC should offer courses that would allow all those involved in travel and tourism to benefit – from those just starting to explore their interest to those already working in the industry.
“Developing these courses for online delivery was the best way to do that,” says Carla. “It makes them accessible and affordable to anyone without the constraints of time or money to do onsite training.”
“Because people can study from any PC, Mac, tablet or smart phone it’s perfect for those entering the industry, people wanting to update their skills, or employers wanting to help their staff update their skills.”
The courses ranges from Bronze to Silver and Gold, with Bronze providing basic course lessons and the Silver and Gold levels offering more personalised study and assessment. Students who complete the Silver and Gold levels will also receive a Certificate of Completion.
The courses have been extensively trialled with the help of ITC’s staff and on-campus students.
“As with all of our training, the online courses have been designed with real-world practical applications in mind,” says Carla. “They have been written and designed by authors with a huge range of industry experience, real work skills and great teaching experience.”
Feedback so far has been excellent and ITC is looking forward to launching its new courses in August 2014. ww.itconlinetraining.com
Posted in News | Tagged Airline training, Aviation Training, Cabin crew training, Employment, ITC Award winning training, ITC Online training, ITCNZ, Online courses, Online training, Short courses, Tourism training, Travel Training | Leave a reply
Are you ready to fly high?
Posted on 19/11/2013 by Jess O'Connor
ITC distance learning students attending workshops, helping them achieve their goals
The International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) offers travel, tourism, and airline courses, and we work hard to get our graduates jobs in those industries. We want them all to fly high with their career, life and goals!
ITC offers its courses on campus and by distance online learning. If you are at home with young children, live too far from a campus, or you work and cannot attend daily classes, then distance online learning would be an ideal option for you.
These courses include all the learning resources, tutorial support, online communication and assessments you will need. You will be part of a class with fellow distance learning students from all around the country.
There are only two workshops to attend: Orientation Day, where you will get to meet your classmates, and the Customer Service workshop later in the course. Both workshops are at our Auckland campuses. This is what one of our graduates has to say about studying with ITC: “I want to say thank you to ITC for helping me get to my dream job. Doing the ITC course has really paid off and now I wake up every morning excited about going to work. Words cannot express my gratitude.”
ITC has been a premium supplier in the airline, airport and travel and tourism industries for over 16 years. The college has strong connections in those industries and focuses on making its training relevant to employers. We also offer a job placement service to assist you in finding a job in travel, tourism or aviation!
Find out how you can launch your career by phoning the ITC team now on 0800 868 747, or check our website www.itc.co.nz and enquiry online.
Posted in Student Success | Tagged Airline training, Aviation Training, Distance Learning, ITC, New Zealand Tourism Training, Passion for travel, Tourism training, Workshops | Leave a replyITC to offer Aviation Course via Distance Learning
Posted on 20/05/2013 by Jess O'Connor
Aviation, one of the most popular ITC courses, is now available via distance learning
The level 3 course will be titled the National Certificate in Aviation Core Skills and will prepare students for entry level jobs in the aviation and travel industries. Its particular focus is on students who want to work for an airline or airport.
ITC has been a premium supplier of full-time and part-time training programmes for the airline, travel and tourism industries since 1996, and has campuses in Botany and central Auckland. Since 2006 the college has also offered a number of its courses via distance learning.
“There are many people in New Zealand who are unable to come to on-campus classes,” says Carla Sutton, ITC’s Distance Learning Programme Manager. “The reasons vary from having young children to other study or work to living far away from a campus.”
Students of the new aviation course will be able to choose between a 25-week full-time course and a 49-week part-time course.
“It’s not always easy for people to fit study into a life that is already busy with other commitments,” says Carla. “So we provide specific options and support wherever we can to help our distance students succeed.”
And ITC’s students agree that it all makes a difference.
“I thought it was going to be difficult, as I am also studying at university and looking after my son, but with the help and support from fellow students and ITC, I DID IT!” says graduate Caroline.
And Sarah says: “I have had so many changes and challenges over the last 6 months, and having study on top of it all seemed to be too much at times, but all your kind words and listening ears have made what seemed impossible very possible and easy.”
As with other ITC courses, students are given advice and help to create a CV that puts their best foot forward and highlights their particular strengths. And distance learning support staff put the students through a practice interview to help prepare them for real-world interviews and boost their confidence.
ITC graduate Carla recently got a job at Menzies Aviation: “This is exactly what I want to do and I cannot believe it,” she says. “It is really happening for me! Thank you so much for your wonderful teaching and the time and effort that you have invested in me. You have no idea how much it really means to me.” “That’s what it’s all about for us,” says Carla Sutton. “Knowing that we have made a genuine difference in helping someone to change their life and achieve their dreams. We are really looking forward to being able to offer the aviation course to people who want to work in this exciting field.”
For more information, please email carla@itc.co.nz or wendy@itc.co.nz or check www.itc.co.nz.
Posted in News | Tagged Aviation Training, Distance Learning, ITC, ITC Award winning training, Online training, Students in work, Tourism training | Leave a reply