Meet the super-mum who earned her qualification with kids at home and a full-time job!

Super-mum Hitty studied from home to earn her qualification from ITC.

At Study From Home and ITC, we often meet incredible, hard-working people. Recent graduate Hitty Sarpal is a great example.

Hitty chose Study From Home for the flexibility, as not only did she have young kids at home, she also worked a full-time job! Her hard work and dedication is proof that with motivation and will-power, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

We asked Hitty a few questions about her studies, how she managed it all, and what she wants to do next.

Did you enjoy learning with Study From Home?

I am very glad and Privileged that I pursued my Travel and Tourism study in International Travel College of New Zealand (Study From Home). I like that I am studying something that I am passionate about. I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying a Travel and Tourism course at ITC college.

How did you juggle study with being a mum?

The best thing about studying from home is that I could study at absolutely any time I wanted. I would put an hour or two aside, during kids nap time or sometimes my in-laws would look after them for an hour or two while I am studying, which allows for 100 percent ‘me’ time. But I always made sure to help in laws in the household chores to balance out the things and not to put all pressure on them.

My husband after work will take my kids out for a walk or park to support my learning. Learning online allowed me to keep up my professional skills, as I was super scared that I would lose touch base with them when I became a Mum.

What was your favourite thing about Study From Home?

I really think that the flexibility of studying from home is what allowed me to complete my Certificate! It’s hard to put aside time when there’s always so much to do, but it’s really worth it because it allows you to be ‘you’. Plus: You can totally study in your PJs on your sofa and no one will judge you!

Most importantly, it doesn’t sacrifice missing those moments that you want to be there for: your kids and husband (especially for the days he worked from home). To support my husband, I picked up a full-time job in the Ministry of Social Development in between my study and after that it was challenging to juggle between my job, kids, and study initially, but I managed to utilise my time management skills and made sure I gave sufficient time to my studies.

Was there anything you were nervous about when you started studying?

If I look back at the time when I started this journey with ITC, I was nervous and was not sure if I would be able to complete this course but I had great support from the tutors and they were always there to guide me, which made this journey so much easier.

My family has recently migrated to Australia, and I am looking for a job. I feel confident in my ability to find employment with one of the reputable companies and pursue my goal of becoming a ticketing agent.

I hope my story will motivate all the other moms and inspire them to pursue their goals in life. I am proud of what I have achieved over the last and this year. I really want to thank the manager and tutors at ITC for the support and guidance.

Looking to make a change?

Are you looking to make a change in your life, but unsure how when you’ve already got a full plate with work, family, or other commitments?

Study From Home allows you to earn a valuable qualification in travel and tourism, all without leaving the comfort of your home. You can start at any time and study at your own pace, all with the support of our wonderful tutors.

Sign up for a FREE trial to see what it would be like to study online, or get in touch with any questions today.

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

Meet Melissa Tanthadilok – the SFH graduate whose online studies led her to an incredible dream job!

Melissa chose Study From Home so she could continue to manage her work and family life while earning a qualification.

One of the best parts about earning a qualification with Study From Home is that our online portal makes it all incredibly flexible and convenient.

That’s exactly what drew graduate Melissa Tanthadilok to our courses. And now, she can look back and see exactly how what she learned has set her up for her fantastic position as a FIT Reservation Consultant.

Read on to see our full interview with Melissa and why Study From Home was the perfect choice for her.

Why did you choose ITC Study From Home?

One of the most significant reasons was flexibility, as I can create my schedules in order to balance my study with work, family and my other responsibilities.

Convenience is also an important reason for me. I didn’t have to commute to campus, saving my time and money on transportation. I was able to create my own learning environment.

What does your current study/work routine look like?

For the past 9 months, I have been working as a FIT Reservation Consultant at ATS Pacific NZ, a division of Helloworld Travel Service (NZ) Limited. Please see below the job description as FIT reservations consultant:

• Actioning quotes and bookings
• Performing administrative duties e.g., filing correspondence correctly
• Providing correct information to agents and offering alternative services and suggestions should any component be unavailable
• Accurate communication (written and verbal) with agents and suppliers
• Liaise with other team members and assist with workflows as required

Has any of the study content been valuable in your current role?

Absolutely! Enrolling in a tourism course at ITC really helped me land my job as a FIT Reservations Consultant. I learned all about taking care of customers, how the travel industry works, cool facts about different places, and even how to use specific reservation system like Amadeus. All of these skills and knowledge are perfect for what I am doing now.

ITC also helped me get better at talking to people, handling things when they don’t go as planned, and being a good problem solver – all super important for working with agents, suppliers and customers in order to make their travel plans in NZ smooth.

What are your highlights so far about your role?

I get to be a part of people’s exciting travel plans. Whether it’s a dream vacation or a business trip in New Zealand, I am here to make it happen.

Do you have any words of wisdom for others out there wondering if they should Study From Home?

Well, my favourite quote of all time is “The best way to achieve a goal is to devote 100 percent of your time and energy to it” – Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory.

What are your career aspirations or what are you excited about using these qualifications for in future?

With my tourism knowledge, I might consider starting my own travel-related business such as offering personalised travel consulting services.

Flexible and convenient online learning

Study From Home makes earning a valuable qualification incredibly convenient. Our flexibility means that you can fit your studies in around a busy lifestyle, whether that’s a job, childcare, or anything else.

Our focus throughout all our qualifications is to provide real-world knowledge and skills, so you can graduate and quickly find jobs in the travel and tourism industry. Like Melissa, many graduates find that what they learn with us applies directly to their new roles!

And the best part is – you can get started with Study From Home at any time.

Contact us today to learn more about our qualifications, or sign up for a free trial to see what it would be like to study with Study From Home!

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

Apply now for your chance to win an ITC Scholarship!

Apply for a 2023 Scholarship

ITC and Study From Home have just opened up applications for some amazing scholarship opportunities!

As the New Zealand tourism industry has got back into the swing of things, businesses are seeking new and qualified staff such as graduates from ITC and Study From Home.

“New Zealand continues to be one of the world’s top tourism destinations, and with the borders open, international visitors are returning. We need to support our sector to rebuild a more resilient future that leaves people, communities and the environment better off than before,” Peeni Henare said.

We are doing our bit to support our industry, ITC is helping people with a passion for joining the Travel & Tourism industry gain first-class skills and knowledge. We want to help even more by giving away multiple scholarships for full-time students, which are worth up to $5,600 per student. Not only that, it’s also on top of the Fees Free program, so you could have the first part of your study covered by Fees Free, and the second part partially paid for by a scholarship!

Here’s a little more about what an ITC Scholarship entails, who is eligible and how to apply.

What does the ITC Scholarship entail?

The ITC Scholarship will pay for up to $5,600 of your course fees if you win. It all depends on the courses you apply for, as the scholarship is for the value of 50% of one full course when you enrol in two or more courses at ITC.

The Scholarship is applicable for full-time study only, but it can be with either ITC or Study From Home. And importantly, it is awarded upon successful completion of the final course.

For ITC, the Scholarship is a way to support young learners into the industry we care about so much. Travel and tourism has rarely been in such dire need of new talent, and we know that right now, our graduates are walking straight into positions in the industry thanks to the qualifications they earn with us.

Who is eligible to apply?

We are looking for people passionate about joining the Travel, Tourism & Aviation industries who would love the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge to become future leaders.

If you enrol for full-time study with ITC or Study From Home right now, and are either a New Zealand citizen or have been a Permanent Resident for at least three years, you are probably eligible to apply for the Scholarship.

For further eligibility criteria, read our full terms and conditions.

However, if you were already enrolled prior to June 30 this year, you are unfortunately not eligible to apply at this time.

Please carefully read through our full terms and conditions to learn more about application eligibility, and other terms that come with being awarded this scholarship.

How do I apply for the ITC Scholarship?

To apply, simply fill out the ITC Scholarship application form here.

Be sure to fill out this form before August 26 2023, and if you are successful in getting to the second stage, we’ll let you know no later than Monday August 28. The second stage involves an information session and a chat with the team to discuss your study options.

If you have any questions at all about the scholarship or ITC courses, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

Campus Study – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/ 

7 ways to snap out of procrastination

Do you find yourself procrastinating when you should be studying? Here’s how to snap out of it!

Whether it’s study for school, work, tidying up the house, or even getting out of bed, we’re all guilty of procrastination from time to time.

We put off doing tasks even when we know we need to get started, or when we know that we will suffer later.

Procrastination is certainly normal and human, but when you’ve got coursework to do, you need to find ways to snap out of it so you can graduate with a qualification in travel and tourism.

Here are seven of the best ways to get back on track!

1. Do something that takes less than five minutes

 Take a look at your to-do list and pick something that only takes a few minutes.

It might be replying to an email, doing a quiz, or even simply making your bed.

Whatever it is, it can help you get into the groove of accomplishing tasks and getting things done. This can be a great way to start your day so you tick off a few quick and easy things before getting started on a bigger project.

2. Play a song that hypes you up

Is there a song that wakes you up, makes you feel energised, and gets you tapping your feet every time you play it?

Load it up and get it playing as you set up whatever work you need to get done. Enjoy the music and let it pick up your mood and energy levels, then as it ends, dive into your coursework.

3. Break down the task into doable pieces

Sometimes we procrastinate because the task at hand just feels too big, difficult, and scary. In these cases, it can help massively to break it down into smaller pieces that aren’t so scary.

For example, let’s say you have to write an essay. Essays can be tough and it’s always hard getting started when you’re staring at a blank page.

But instead of sitting down to write an essay, try sitting down and writing the title. Then, make bullet points of the main topics you want to cover. After that, you can brain dump some thoughts next to each bullet point (it doesn’t have to be tidy or well written, just pop down anything that comes to mind). Next, write the introduction.

At this point, you’ve completed several small and doable tasks. However, you’ve also created a detailed plan for your essay – all you need to do now is tidy up your notes and add a conclusion!

Whatever the task, it’s likely you can mentally break it down into smaller pieces to make it much more manageable.

4. Treat yourself

There’s nothing quite like a reward to convince yourself to get some study done.

Make a plan to treat yourself when you reach minor and major milestones in your work. For example, if you finish a section of your workbook, you might treat yourself to a coffee, snack, or five minutes snuggling a pet. If you finish an assessment, you might treat yourself to watching an episode of your favourite show, or meeting up with a friend.

Do the mahi, get the treats!

5. Get a study buddy and hold each other accountable

One of the awesome things about studying online with Study From Home is that you’re not alone. You’ll have fellow students and tutors to connect with throughout your course – and even after you graduate.

Get in touch with a course mate or even a tutor and make an agreement. Let them know what work you’re planning to get done by a certain day, and if you haven’t done it by then, you owe them!

For example, say you promise them you’ll finish making your way through a workbook by next Friday. If you haven’t done it, you could agree to a ‘penalty’. The penalty could be anything from buying them a coffee to sending them an embarrassing childhood photo – whatever will motivate you to get through the work!

6. Take a real break

Sometimes we procrastinate simply because we’re tired. So we sit down to get something done, then end up scrolling social media or wasting time instead. The result is not a real break that refreshes you, but not work either.

So give yourself permission to take a real break. Go outside for a walk, give a friend a call for a catch up, or simply relax and listen to some of your favourite music.

After 30 minutes, come back to your studies and get started right away. You’ll feel fresher and rested so you can dive right in.

7. Make a vision board

Anyone studying with Study From Home or ITC is likely doing it with a potential career in travel and tourism in mind.

Do you want to be a flight attendant? Work in a travel agency? Welcome guests on the front desk of a hotel? Be a tour guide somewhere amazing?

Whatever your dream career is, put together a vision board. Fill it with images of what your life and job could be like when you work in that role – photos of travel, adventure, meeting people, and all the excitement of a career in travel.

Every time you get stuck, check out your vision board and remind yourself why you’re doing this. Then use that excitement to keep going.

Stop procrastinating – enrol today!  

Have you been putting off enrolment with Study From Home? Snap out of your procrastination and enrol today to kick start an incredible career in travel and tourism.

Simply visit our Enrolment page and fill out the quick and easy Enrolment Form to get started.

Our friendly tutors will be with you every step of the way to help keep you going, so you’ll have plenty of support and guidelines as you earn an internationally recognised qualification that could get you a foot in the door in your dream career.

Contact us today to learn more.

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

Did you know you can start with Study From Home right now?

Ready to earn a qualification in 2023? You can enrol and get started with us today!

Study From Home is the online version of the International Travel College (ITC) of New Zealand.

ITC’s courses are currently getting started for the New Year, with classes beginning over the next month. But did you know, that thanks to Study From Home’s online learning programme, you can get started any time you like – even today.

If you enrol now, you could be doing the first steps in your coursework this week, and working your way towards a qualification that gives you a foot in the door in the travel and tourism industry here in New Zealand and around the world.

What you can start studying today

• The New Zealand Certificate in Tourism (level 3): This qualification provides an excellent foundation in tourism. You’ll learn about travel requirements and documentation, customer service, communication, and more. This is a great option if you know you want to work in travel and tourism, but aren’t sure which job just yet.
• The New Zealand Certificate in Tourism with a strand in Aviation (level 3): This qualification is the alternative level 3 option. It also provides a fantastic basic level of knowledge for a variety of tourism jobs, but has a specific focus on the aviation industry. This is a great choice for anyone looking to become a flight attendant or work in an airport.
• The New Zealand Certificate in Travel (level 4): This programme is a progression on our level 3 courses, and adds new skills and knowledge including online fare and ticketing systems, financial operations, teamwork, and more. You don’t need to have completed a level 3 course with use to enrol in this course, but you do need to have either achieved NCEA level 3 and/or have relevant work experience.
• The New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel (level 5): This high level course provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to prepare for high level roles in management. Skills offered include marketing, strategic planning, finance, human resources, and more. This is a fast-paced and challenging course, and to study it, you either need to have achieved NCEA level 4 or have appropriate work experience.

What’s it like to study from home?

Study From Home has been designed to support students as they work through the programmes, and to ensure that learning is as interactive and interesting as it is informative.

Therefore, you won’t spend the whole time reading pages and pages of information then doing exams. Instead, our programme material includes video lessons, short quizzes, online forums, research activities, real-world cases studies, and the support of dedicated tutors should you ever need advice or encouragement.

You can study in your own time, so you can easily fit a course around part-time work, or even full-time work if you’re extra dedicated.

If you’re unsure about what it would be like to study online, you can also sign up for a free trial where you get to see what the coursework looks like.

Enrol now

Ready to get started? You can enrol right now by filling out our enrolment form, and we’ll get back to you to confirm your spot as soon as possible.

Or if you have any questions at all, call or email us to learn more.

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

3 essential skills you’ll need to work in travel and tourism

Thinking of working in travel & tourism? Here are three essential skills you’ll need.

Working in travel and tourism offers a life of excitement, the chance to meet new people and explore the world, with no two days that are ever the same.

No matter whether you work on the front desk of a five-star hotel, or if you’re a travel agent or a flight attendant, all travel and tourism roles require many of the same essential skills.

So if you’re considering a career in travel and tourism, here are the key skills you’ll need no matter where you end up!

Communication skills

Communicating well is so important for so many jobs and careers, especially so in travel and tourism.

You’ll need to know how to handover key information clearly. This could be useful details about the hotel someone is checking into, or a well-written email that highlights the best attractions you’d recommend for someone visiting Auckland.

It will also be important to know about communicating across different cultures, as you’ll interact with people from all over the world when you work in travel and tourism. Something as simple as learning how to say ‘hello’ in a few languages can help make travellers feel welcomed anywhere in the world.

Communication and cross-cultural communication skills are both covered in our Study From Home level 3 courses, so even if it’s not a strong point for you right now, we can help you to improve these vital skills.

Customer service skills

The vast majority of travel and tourism jobs will involve some aspect of customer service skills.

You might be a tour guide who needs to know how to ensure your guests have a great time, or you could be car rental agent who needs to ensure your renters have everything they need for an incredible road trip.

Customer service is all about using your knowledge of the business and local knowledge to best meet the needs of your clients. You’ll need to be able to adapt your service according to the person, whether that’s a corporate businessman or a young couple on their honeymoon.

Of course, customer service is a focus point in our Study From Home courses!

Problem solving skills

A lot of the interest in working in travel and tourism is that no two days are the same. You’ll face all sorts of interesting dilemmas, and it will be beneficial to be able to problem solve to handle the situation quickly and carefully.

According to Andrew Houston, our Botany Campus Manager, problem solving is the most important skill in the industry.

“There are not many industries that I can think off that are more heavily impacted by factors beyond the business’ control. Bad weather, mechanical or technological failures, political changes and pandemics (Covid!) to name just a few. Any one of these factors (along with a million and one others) can pop up at any moment to create problems for businesses and its customers. What people who work and manage those businesses must do is find the best solutions possible to manage those tricky situations when they arise,” he explained.

Being able to identify and deal with problems as they arise can make a big difference in the industry. In many cases, you’ll have training from your employer on what to do when things go wrong, but there will be plenty of moments when you’ll need to make a quick decision that can improve the situation.

Our courses are loaded with real life case student scenarios that will give you plenty of opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills to try to solve the problem. In each case study, you’ll also learn what the businesses did in real life so you can compare your solution to theirs.

Get the skills and knowledge you need by studying online

Our online travel and tourism qualifications offer a variety of skills, such as communication and customer service. They also provide a wide range of key information that can help anyone looking to work in the industry, including travel requirements and documentation.

These courses have been designed to give anyone a solid introduction to all the skills and knowledge you’ll need to get a leg up in travel and tourism, making them the perfect online study option for advancing your career.

Get in touch with us today to learn more, or find out how you can enrol and get started right now!

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

Planning a trip over summer? You can study while you’re away!

Did you know that you can study while you’re on holiday this summer? Study From Home makes it possible!

Summer is almost here, and many Kiwis are looking forward to trips and holidays over the warmer months.

There’s no doubt that exploring and taking holidays is a fun way to spend the summer, but did you know you can earn a valuable qualification, even while you’re away?

Study From Home is an online learning platform, where you can earn level 3, 4 and 5 qualifications from anywhere in New Zealand. Here’s a little more about Study From Home.

Study online with Study From Home

Study From Home offers travel and tourism qualifications for learners in New Zealand, all of which you can complete from the comfort of your own home – or, from the comfort of a bach or holiday rental while you’re away.

There are two level three courses you can choose from to gain a foundation level of study to enter the industry. These are the New Zealand Certificate in Tourism with a strand in Tourism and Travel, and the New Zealand Certificate in Tourism with a strand in Aviation. These are both excellent options to take the first step in an exciting career in travel, tourism, or aviation.

If you’re already working in travel and tourism and are looking to improve your career prospects, or if you’ve already completed level 3, you can consider the New Zealand Certificate in Travel level 4, or even the New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel level 5.

Not sure if online learning would suit you, or prefer to see how it all works before committing to a course? Not a problem – simply sign up for a completely free trial, and we’ll give you a temporary log in so you can see what it’s all about.

Meet the graduate who made it happen

Study From Home offers so much flexibility that you can enrol and get started studying whenever it suits you (even today!). You can complete your course work on your schedule, and enjoy the benefit of having a dedicated team to support you through the process.

A couple of years ago, one Study From Home student jumped at the chance to earn a qualification while she travelled New Zealand. We interviewed Rhiannon Cribb at the time about her experiences.

“Because of ITC’s option to study online, I have been able to visit so many awesome, new places, that I would never have had the time or money to do, If I didn’t decide to study online,” she said.

We even caught up with her again this year, and learned that she had landed her dream role – and the ideal job for someone who loves to travel – as cabin crew for Air New Zealand.

Rhiannon’s story proves that anyone passionate about travel can both enjoy it and study it at the same time, so that you can turn your passion into a career.

If you’d like to study while you travel this summer, we’d love to have you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch to learn more about our distance learning qualifications.

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

Why now is the time to study travel and tourism

Now is the perfect time to study travel and tourism with Study From Home.

New Zealand has officially opened its borders to travellers from visa-waiver countries, signalling that we’re once again receiving tourists. And we’re not the only country to take this step back to normality – countless nations around the world have found ways to open up to tourists safely.

As a result, the travel and tourism sector is growing at an incredible pace, with operators around the world seeking to hire new talent.

As expected, there has rarely been such a good time to study travel and tourism, earn an internationally recognised qualification, and start on an exciting new career path.

Here are just some of the news stories coming out from around the world showing just how in-demand anyone with a tourism qualification is right now, and will be in the foreseeable future!

Global tourism to recover from pandemic by 2023, post 10-year growth spurt

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced that the tourism industry has been projected to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Not only that, but it will also grow at an incredible rate, and create a whopping 126 million new jobs around the globe.

Speaking about the Asia-Pacific region specifically, the WTTC said the hospitality industry is likely to outstrip its earnings from 2019 in 2023, showing that even though tourism will continue to build this year, it will reach new heights again next year.

This is fantastic news for anyone looking to study in 2022, as by the time they graduate later this year, they will likely have their pick of jobs. This is especially true as it will be the first summer that New Zealand is open to tourists.

Tourism has potential to play a major role in global pandemic recovery

The International Labour Organization (ILO) recently highlighted policies that could help tourism to play a major role in helping the world economy to recover from the pandemic.

These policies were decided by a group of tourism specialists, including representatives from 86 governments, and covered a range of guidelines such as finding ways to make tourism more sustainable, and investing in the development of a skilled tourism workforce.

The report mentioned that before the pandemic, tourism was responsible for one in 10 jobs worldwide, which is why it can be such a big part of the world’s recovery now that tourism and travel are back on the cards.

Cook Islands tourism industry desperate for workers

From the start of May, the Cook Islands removed more barriers to entry for tourists and travellers, signalling that more people are welcome to visit and enjoy what this beautiful place has to offer.

However, the tourism industry there is already desperately seeking workers to help manage the influx of visitors.

Business Director Steve Anderson said there are currently approximately 700 vacancies for jobs in the Cook Islands, and another expert said there are businesses that are operating with just skeleton staff for now.

For those who have always wanted to work in tourism in a beautiful island location, the Cook Islands could be a great option in the very near future!

Earn your tourism qualification from anywhere – starting today

Just because you can’t physically attend a campus to study, doesn’t mean you can’t get a qualification. Study From Home offers distance learning options for anyone in New Zealand to gain a recognised qualification online, some of which you could finish within just 20 weeks.

For example, you could enrol in the New Zealand Certificate in Travel Level 3, make a start today, and finish well before Christmas (if you study full time, which is 30 hours per week), all without ever setting foot on campus!

We truly believe now is the perfect time to start studying, and Study From Home can help you get a qualification in tourism that will give you a leg up in the industry.

Get in touch today to find out how you can enrol right now, and where a qualification might take you.

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

Student interview: Meet Desiree Paul, the student scoring record-high grades while studying from home

Desiree at the airport with her siblings before flying to Australia.

Desiree Paul is a level 5 Study From Home student who completed levels 3 and 4 with another provider, then switched to ITC (and loved it!).

Recently, Desiree completed an assessment as part of the level 5 diploma, and received the highest grade ever given for that assessment. Needless to say, her work ethic and enthusiasm have shone through and greatly impressed her tutors and everyone on the Study From Home team, so we decided to have a quick chat with this star student.

Here’s a quick interview with Desiree about her time with Study From Home, taking on level 5, her career goals, and more.

What made you decide to get your qualifications with Study From Home?

I chose to study from home because I like the idea of being able to study on my own time. I also focus and get work done better when I am in my own space. The other reason I chose to study from home is because it allows me to do house chores when I am having a break.

You’ve already completed levels 3 & 4, so why was level 5 important to you as well?

I have always been really passionate about all aspects tourism, so as soon as I started studying tourism I decided that I would go to the highest level of studying I can. I also would like build my skill set and information.

We heard you recently received the highest grade ever on a certain paper. Was it an area you’re particularly interested in?

Wow, I’m so happy to hear that. Yes, workplace management and human resources has always been an interest of mine. I first found an interest in Human Resources when I took tourism as a class at high school.

How have you found the experience of earning qualifications from home?

I absolutely love it, being able to study in my own space and in my own time is amazing. I also love ITC, the content of the study material is interesting and really informative. I love the activities as well I find them fun but at the same time helpful.

What are your career goals once you graduate?

Once I graduate I would like to go and work on Hamilton Island, either in human resources or as a conference and events manager. I became interested in Hamilton Island when I started level 4.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention or share?

I’d like to thank ITC for this amazing opportunity I have to study with them. I absolutely love studying with ITC.

Desiree shows just how much you can achieve while studying from home. Is that something you’d be interested in? Get in touch with our friendly Study From Home team to find out more about the qualifications you can earn online, and how you can get started as soon as you’re ready!

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

Study From Home’s updated free trial gives students the chance to experience a snapshot of what each level is like

Study From Home’s new trial update lets you see what the coursework is really like!

Earlier this year, Study From Home launched a platform where potential students could do a free trial of our online courses.

This was a great introduction into how things would work when studying online, but not an actual snippet of the courses themselves. That’s why this time, we have updated the trial platform so that those considering earning a qualification with Study From Home can see exactly what the coursework is like by completing a snippet of the course itself.

Here’s a little more information about the three courses you can trial right now with Study From Home.

Certificate in Tourism Level 3:

Always wanted to study the exciting world of Travel and Tourism? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to study from home and study at times that suit you? Dive into a taster for Travel and Tourism Level 3 to give you an understanding what it would be like.

The trial for the Certificate in Tourism at Level 3 gives you access to the Orientation page and the Travel Workplace Practices and Geography subject. This is a good example of what you would be studying in Level 3 Study From Home (minus the assessments!).

Certificate in Travel Level 4:

Ready to take the next step in your travel and tourism qualifications? If you have studied level 3 either in the classroom or through Study From Home, this is the taster for the next step, Level 4.

Level 4 dives deeper in the travel and tourism industry. Some of the subjects you will study and research include developing a group tour, cruises, and learning how to use the Amadeus airline reservation system. During this trial, you will explore the Cruise unit (again, without the assessments).

Diploma in Tourism Level 5:

Do you want to climb the career ladder? Earn more money? Be able to make a real difference in your workplace? Learning management skills with a Travel & Tourism focus could be right for you! If you have previously studied level 4 in the classroom or online then check out this free taster for the Level 5 Diploma in Travel & Tourism course.

Level 5 gives you the skills and knowledge you need to move into becoming a manager. Subjects such as Communication Skills, Management & Strategic Planning and Marketing are applicable to working in any industry. This complements the parts of the course which are more tourism specific such as Tourism Development and Tourism Research. This taster gives you access to the first four modules of the Workplace Management & Human Resources subject.

You also have amazing support and encouragement from the study from home team who are only an email, phone call or Zoom connection away! Explore, have a look at the resources and if you need any further information do not hesitate to get in touch.

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

Preparing for the post-lockdown boom

The Coromandel is one of many famous NZ places that will likely see a mini-boom post lockdown.

In March 2020, none of us really knew what was going to happen. We all locked down, worked hard at staying safe, and when our measures proved to be successful, we all celebrated by spending the rest of the year (and most of this year) travelling domestically and enjoying our own backyards more than ever before.

This time around, we’re a little wiser, a little more experienced, and a lot more hopeful about what the future holds.

This time, we know a post-lockdown travel boom is coming.

The travel and hospitality industries prepare for a boom

As a nation, we hate being cooped up, and the first thing on many people’s minds will be to get out and see family and friends, visit new places, and experience new things around Aotearoa.

Even if it takes more time than in 2020, New Zealand will eventually come out of lockdown and once again be able to enjoy travelling around the country.

That’s why the travel and hospitality industries are already preparing for increased activity in the coming months.

In a Tourism New Zealand release, the organisation stated that “there is a pent-up demand for domestic tourism post Covid-19 – travel will be local at first”, and, “despite economic conditions, consumers are still likely to want to treat themselves, especially, initially post lockdown.”

As New Zealand heads towards the warmer months and emerges from a second national lockdown, many businesses are looking forward to the mini-boom that is likely to occur, and preparing accordingly.

Using lockdown as a chance to prepare and upskill

This lockdown has felt different for everyone, and for many, it has felt different because it has been a time for preparation.

Rather than sitting at home and wondering what happens next, many are using the time to think about and prepare for what comes next.

That’s why it is the perfect time to upskill – which you can do at any time online with Study From Home. Our distance learning courses offer qualifications in travel, tourism, and aviation, all of which you can study from the comfort of your own home with little more than a laptop and an internet connection.

You can start whenever you like – you could start tomorrow if it suited you – and complete an industry-recognised qualification by the time New Zealand’s travel industry really kicks off again.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has already highlighted the value of studying from home as part of the industry’s move back to normalcy, saying that “85% of organisations indicate that online learning will play an important role in recovery plans.”

With New Zealand already making plans for how to open the border safely and allow the flow of international tourism to start again, there’s never been a better time to upskill and prepare to meet that worldwide pent-up demand for travel. It won’t be long before there are more jobs than people, and anyone with qualifications will be spoiled for choice.

Interested in using your lockdown time to upskill and prepare for the post-lockdown boom? Take a look at the Study From Home courses you can start today, or get in touch with us to find out more.

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

Meet your Study From Home team

Study From Home’s friendly team

When you earn your travel and tourism qualifications with Study From Home, you’ll spend your time in front of your laptop at home.

However, you’ll still enjoy the support and guidance of our Study From Home tutors, just like you would if you were studying in person. This close-knit team works hard to support our students as they move through their coursework, and will be there for advice, help, and motivation every step of the way.

Interested in learning more about your Study From Home tutors and team? Here’s a brief introduction!

Toni Young

Toni Young is the newest member of the Study From Home team, joining the crew in early 2021. Before that, she lived in Australia and the UK, and worked as a travel agent, a teacher, and for an airline and event management company.

No two days are the same for Toni. She might be working in Teams Assessment with a group of students, on a Zoom meeting with a student overseas, marking students’ work, or working on developing new course content. She sees her role as encouraging, motivating, facilitating, and counselling students.

“Their success is our success and we have lots of processes in place to help make this happen,” she explains.

Her favourite part of the job is seeing students achieve their qualifications and start their dream jobs in the industry, and her advice to students considering studying for a career in tourism and travel is to simply do it.

“There is no better time to be studying towards your travel and tourism qualifications. The industry needs qualified and motivated students and with this qualification you will be ideally placed to enter the exciting world of travel and tourism.”

When Toni isn’t helping and motivating students for Study From Home, she can often be found on the ski fields near her home town in Christchurch.

Joy Carter

Before becoming a Study From Home tutor, Joy spent almost 10 years teaching at the ITC Botany campus, so she has extensive experience with travel, tourism, and aviation courses. Prior to her work with ITC, she spent more than 10 years selling travel holidays.

Her days are always busy; doing roleplays with students, marking student coursework, responding to queries, and checking in on student progress. She helps to update and improve resources as well, but no matter how busy she is, “we are never too busy to have a chat with our students,” she says.

She knows that some students may need a hand with technical issues, and loves to help explain tricky terminology or clarify certain questions whenever students get stuck. But her favourite part of the job is getting to know the students, sharing their journeys, and celebrating their successes.

She says that for students considering studying online with SFH, the trick is to have plenty of support.

“Let family members and friends know that you are studying and the hours you have committed to. They probably don’t realise, and you may need them to help out if you encounter challenges along the way, such as a change of routine or sickness,” she said.

Joy’s no stranger to travel herself. She has been to many places over the years, but on one particularly memorable trip to Papua New Guinea, she and her husband and young daughter experienced a real culture shock. They were advised to lock themselves in at night, and on New Year’s Eve, the police came through their backyard chasing a “rascally”!

Lynelle Panton

Lynelle’s background is all about travel. She has worked in leisure travel, in hotels, for rental car companies, and even as a corporate travel consultant at American Express. That’s when she joined the ITC team as a campus tutor, before moving across to the Study From Home team where she is also a tutor.

As a part-timer, Lynelle juggles her work with SFH with her home life, where she’s full-on with three kids. She loves that she can spend time with her children after school and help with their activities, while still working in an industry she loves so much and knows so well.

When asked what she does to go the extra mile for her students, Lynelle explained that going the extra mile simply goes hand in hand with the travel and tourism industry, so it’s important to do that from the start. This can mean doing roleplays outside of normal hours, meeting students to help with assessments, and working with students one-on-one. She loves the work, and especially so when she sees the results and added confidence in the students.

“You can see them blossom after they have had that little bit of extra help,” she says.

For anyone considering signing up with Study From Home, she says that if it’s something you really want to do, then don’t let anything stop you. She recommends using the tutors who are there specifically to help – and they want to help.

Her favourite part of the job? Seeing students grow.

“A lot of students don’t realise how much they change from the start of the course to the end. It’s not just a knowledge thing – when you have learned something you gain confidence… and obviously I love to see them get their qualification and start working in the industry!”

And if you ever have a moment, be sure to ask Lynelle about her time working at a winery. She did the usual tasks such as wine tastings, but she would also occasionally jump in the ute with the dog in the back, then drive up and down the rows of vines banging the car door and getting the dog to bark like mad to scare away the birds.

Andrew Houston

Andrew began as a tutor for the Botany Campus five years ago, but he has since worked as the Tutorial Team Leader, and is now the Botany Campus Manager and Study From Home Manager. His work with Study From Home is backed by a long career in tourism and travel, where he worked in aviation security, and for Air New Zealand and Flight Centre.

His role is incredibly diverse. He supports the tutorial, recruitment, and student services teams for the Botany Campus, and the entire Study From Home Team. He even still teaches some diploma subjects and plays an important role in developing new course materials and resources.

Recently, he has been heavily involved with creating new interactive activities, video lessons, and enhanced subject guides for Study From Home students. Andrew, and the entire team, consistently work to make improvements for a better learning experience for everyone.

“I also empower the team to look for creative solutions to assist students who are facing personal challenges whilst studying,” he adds.

His favourite part of the job is seeing students start working in the world’s most exciting industry, and his advice for anyone considering study is to check out the Study From Home Free Trial, which gives you an idea of the style of learning you can expect as a student.

When he’s not busy with ITC and Study From Home work, Andrew is working on his fitness as he gets ready to run the Queenstown Marathon in November.

Ready to meet the team for real? Get in touch with us to hear more about our distance learning options, to enrol, and to meet your new Study From Home tutors!

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

You’ve studied from home – now how about working from home, too?

Study & work from home

Distance learning is a wonderful way to earn a valuable qualification, and we’re proud to offer level 3, 4, and 5 courses in the travel and tourism industry that anyone in New Zealand can complete online.

For those who have earned their certificates through Study From Home, they already know the multitude of benefits of working from the comfort of your own house (only one of which is being able to work in your pajamas if you want to).

So if you’ve studied from home and realised how much you love (or simply need) the freedom of working from home as well, here’s a little more on what’s available, and what it’s like to work from home.

Remote work positions in the travel and tourism industry

Remote work is highly sought after and there are not always a lot of positions available, but they do exist, and those with qualifications are better placed to apply than those without.

For example, you may be able to find one of these work from home positions:

• Travel agent
• Customer support for a travel, tourism, or aviation business
• Guest experience manager
• Customer service agent
• Reservations agent
• Travel writer/editor

Finding remote work is often a case of keeping an eye on available positions, and making the most of resources available to you such as ITC’s dedicated employment consultants, who work to help ITC and Study From Home graduates find roles in the industry.

In some cases, you may need to gain experience in an in-person job before moving into a remote position.

What is it actually like to work from home?

Studying from home is a good introduction to working from home, but not necessarily the same.

Working from home has countless upsides. Not only do you not have to get dressed up for work, you don’t even have to spend money on work outfits.

There is no commute, meaning that you both get a little bit more time in the morning and evening, and you don’t have to deal with the stress of traffic, or the cost of transport and parking.

There are no distracting coworkers, typically less office politics, and it’s much easier to whip up lunch when you have an entire kitchen at your disposal. You can also keep an eye on kids home from school while continuing your work day, without having to take time off.

That said, there are a few things you will need to be prepared for if you’re planning on working from home:

• Distractions such as kids, pets, housework, and even hobbies
• Separating work-life from home-life
• Working without colleagues around you (although this can be a bonus for introverts!)

Working from home is extremely popular for a reason, so once you’ve adjusted to these common challenges, you’ll be ready for a career that’s as comfortable and convenient as your studies were!

Do you love the idea of distance learning, and perhaps of working from home for your job as well? Get in touch with us at Study From Home to learn more about our courses and the careers they can lead to.

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

How to set up a productive study space

A great study space will help you stay focused when studying from home.

If you’re about to start studying from home, one of the best ways to prepare is to set up a productive study space before you begin.

This will be your go-to spot for all of your coursework and study, so it needs to be comfortable and offer a supportive learning environment.

Not sure where to start? Here’s how to set up a productive study space in your home.

A quiet spot

One of the hardest parts of study is keeping your focus on the task at hand, which is why it’s important to try to find a quiet area where you can study.

Ideally, this would be away from the television or living area where family members or flatmates spend time hanging out – it can be far too tempting to join in their conversations or watch whatever’s on TV instead of studying!

Clear lighting

As you will be looking at a screen and reading for a lot of your study, you will need to have good lighting to ensure you can see well without harming your eyes.

Natural light is great, but a desk lamp or well-lit room as just as beneficial for helping you see clearly.

Keep in mind, you also don’t want to be squinting into bright light. This can happen if you’re facing a window, so consider either facing away or turning your desk and chair sideways to the window.

A good desk and chair

Your goal for a study space is to be comfortable – but not too comfortable.

You want to be able to sit down for a couple of hours at a time without getting uncomfortable enough that you have to move, but you also don’t want to feel like you’re lounging. If you are too comfy, you might struggle to focus.

Similarly, be sure to get out of your pajamas when you study! You don’t need to be in formal office attire, but the act of getting dressed can help you to get in the right mindset for study.

Study supplies

All we ask of our students is that they have a personal laptop or computer to work from. This is technically all you need, but you may wish to stock up on other items if it helps your study style.

This might include:

• A notepad or book
• Pens in different colours
• Highlighters
• A ruler
• Post-It notes

Snacks and drinks

Study is hard work, and while it’s best to get up and leave your desk for actual meals, you should also have something on hand at your desk.

A full drink bottle of water is a must, and a couple of pieces of fruit will help to keep you alert. Fruits like grapes or berries are great to nibble on throughout the day.

Of course, less healthy snacks like lollies and chips are always delicious, but keep them to a minimum!

Remove distractions

Remove any distractions from your study area to help you keep your focus where it needs to be.

This means everything from closing non-study tabs on your laptop such as Facebook or YouTube, turning your phone off or leaving it in another room, and even locking the cat out if you have to.

Even music can be a distraction, so switch it off or opt for calming background noise rather than music with lyrics.

Only use it for study

Finally – and importantly – only use your new study space to actually study.

If you start sitting there to watch Netflix, cut your nails, or chat to friends, you’ll quickly start blurring the lines between study and normal life. By only sitting there when you intend to study, you’ll help to get into the right mindset to focus on your course as soon as you sit down.

Do you have a study space ready? Are you looking to try distance learning with Study From Home? Get in touch to learn more about our courses and the qualifications you can earn from the comfort of your own home.

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

Study From Home makes distance learning more engaging and supportive than ever before

Study From Home has made a number of upgrades to make online learning my accessible and enjoyable than ever before.

Study From Home is one of New Zealand’s leading providers of distance learning options. And we’ve just got even better.

We have recently made a range of updates and changes to our study platform, each designed to improve the learning experience for our students. We started by asking students what they would like to see more of, and went from there.

Read on to find out just what’s changed.

Study From Home platform updates

Lynelle Panton is one of the Study From Home distance learning tutors. When speaking about the changes, she explained that the goal was to make the courses more engaging and more interactive.

This included adding a range of eBooks, activities, informative videos, and forums to start discussions.

“We have also introduced assessment guides to ensure students have more understanding of what they can expect in the assessment and hopefully ensure a more successful outcome,” she said.

“We are also wanting to make sure that we use the improvement in online learning tools to further cover all learning styles with the new improvements as everyone learns in different ways,” Lynelle added.

Additionally, the Study From Home team has been busy creating interactive video lessons for each topic. These have been created to give students an understanding of what they will learn, why they are learning it, and how it will relate to working in the industry.

Added one-on-one support

As well as changes and updates to the platform itself, the tutorial team at Study From Home have been providing a lot more one-on-one support for students.

“We have recognised that each student is different and so that sometimes there does need to be some more ‘tailored support’ for some students, while others may be happy to just get on with it. So what we have done is engage in more conversations with the students to ensure they are supported every step of the way. From this we have had good results coming through and good feedback,” explains Lynelle.

The Study From Home platform is definitely “not a box of books in the mail”, or a case of reading through a dull website and answering questions.

“I think this is what makes us different from the other course providers, and the students really appreciate it,” says Lynelle.

The result of the recent platform updates

Lynelle goes on to explain exactly what kind of an impact these changes have had on students.

“We can definitely see them engaging more with the course work and the tutors. And as a result we have gotten to know our students more. This is really important to us as we can then recognise any challenges they may have and work with them to ensure they achieve their goals. This again is where ITC stands out from others as we are flexible.”

With the challenges of the past year, Study From Home has been able to be flexible with students and courses to ensure the best results. That might mean doing courses slightly out of order, doing them at different times, or moving between full and part time – whatever the case, Study From Home can help.

Get in touch today to find out more about distance learning with Study From Home.

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

10 resources to help you stay up to date on the latest travel and tourism news

Stay up to date on the latest travel and tourism news with these great resources.

The travel and tourism industry is incredibly fast moving and always evolving, especially in recent times. From new trends to new travel opportunities, there’s always something happening within the industry.

For those looking to work in travel and tourism, staying on top of the latest will help you keep informed about what’s going on around you. It might help you discover where you’d like your career to go next, or simply help you stay up to date for your current role.

Here are 10 fantastic resources you can bookmark to stay up to date with all things travel, tourism, and aviation.

1. Tourism New Zealand News

Tourism New Zealand is one of the biggest and most well-known industry authorities in the country, and their news section is updated regularly with surveys, research announcements, updates, and more.

2. Tourism Industry Association News and Updates

The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) is a large independent group that represents all sectors of the industry in New Zealand. Their news section is split into three categories: Spotlight, for updates about members; TIA Media, for updates from TIA; and Industry News, for updates about the industry at large.

3. Air New Zealand Media Releases

As Aotearoa’s main airline, Air New Zealand offers an important insight into travel trends. Their regular Media Releases offer interesting updates about all things air travel, as well as industry news.

4. Stuff’s Travel Section

Stuff is one of New Zealand’s major online news sources, and their Travel Section offers a good mix of industry updates, as well as fun travel and tourism news, photos, and inspiration.

5. The NZ Herald Travel Section

Another of the country’s top online news sources, the NZ Herald offers a dedicated Travel Section. This source offers a range of travel news and updates as well as travel inspiration and lighter stories.

6. The ITC Tourism Update

Did you know that ITC offers our own tourism update webpage? We regularly update this page with recent news covering the tourism, travel, and aviation industries here in New Zealand.

7. World Tourism Organisation News

For international insights, the World Tourism Organisation offers a News section that’s updated almost every day with news, surveys, research, and stories from all over the world. This is a fantastic resource to get an overview of the industry at large, which isn’t always the same as New Zealand’s travel news.

8. Skift News

Skift is one of the largest and most trustworthy websites dedicated to travel and tourism news in the world. It is updated multiple times per day with research, studies, and news from around the world.

9. Phocuswire

Phocuswire is a dedicated travel and tourism news website, with the interesting angle of largely focussing on technology’s role in the sector. This can help you stay up to date with the latest technology changes and how they will impact the industry in the coming years.

10. Travel Memo

 Travel Memo is a New Zealand-based weekly digital publication that’s targeted at travel agents. It offers updates, commentary, and tips for those working in the industry, making for an insightful read whether you’re already working in travel and tourism or on your way there.

Spending a little time keeping yourself up to date on what’s happening in the industry will set you apart from other potential hires. Even better, a qualification in tourism and travel will give you a foot in the door at countless businesses around New Zealand and the world.

Take a look at our course options to see what you can learn with us by studying from home.

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

Meet the newest member of the Study From Home team: Toni Young

Toni Young is the newest member of the SFH team, and is excited to share her knowledge and experience!

Study From Home is a fantastic learning option for students looking to take online courses to earn a qualification in travel, tourism, and aviation. These courses are interesting, informative, and fun, but one of the best things about them is the tutors.

Our team of Study From Home tutors make all the difference, helping our students work through their online courses and get set up for an exciting career in the industry.

That’s why we’re so excited to introduce the newest member of the Study From Home team, Toni Young. Toni is experienced and talented, and we couldn’t be happier that she will be helping Study From Home learners.

Learn more about Toni and her role with Study From Home with our latest interview:

Can you give us a quick background of your career so far?

I started in the Travel and Tourism industry in the 1990s after completing my Travel and Tourism qualifications. I have been lucky enough to have worked in New Zealand, the UK and Australia in roles within Airlines, Travel Agents and Event Management.

Working within the Travel and Tourism industry has enabled me to travel to lots of different countries and have some amazing experiences while doing my dream job. Upon my return back to New Zealand I did my teaching qualifications and now love passing on my experience and teaching skills to students and helping and watching them enter the exciting world of Travel and Tourism.

What will your role be with SFH? 

I’m excited about my role with SFH, I will be here to assist, encourage and facilitate learners from Study From Home studying towards their Level 3, 4 and 5 qualifications.

What do you hope to offer the SFH students? 

I am looking forward to sharing all my knowledge with them and making their Study From Home journey as informative and fun as I can. You might be studying for the first time or haven’t studied for a long time – the Study From Home team are here to assist as you take the first step towards a career in Travel and Tourism.

Do you have any advice for SFH students this year? 

2021 is a great year for studying towards your travel and tourism qualifications. The industry is going to need qualified and motivated students moving forward and they will be skilled up and ready to go. I believe also New Zealand is the most amazing destination in the world and everyone will want to visit us as soon as they are able to!

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

My favourite holiday destination is Fiji and love enjoying the fabulous beaches and islands and of course their wonderful culture. Domestically I love the Tasman area, it is just paradise!

Would you like to earn travel and tourism qualifications this year from the comfort of your own home? Get in touch with the team at Study From Home to find out more!

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

The most frequently asked questions about Study From Home

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Study From Home – and the answers!

Study From Home is a wonderful option for distance learning in New Zealand. We offer courses on travel, tourism, and aviation that provide the skills, knowledge, and qualifications you’ll need to work in the industry both here in New Zealand and around the world.

Our course options cover levels 3, 4, and 5, and all of them can be completed online, allowing students to sign up no matter where they are located in the country.

Naturally, if you’re considering signing up with Study From Home, you might have questions about the courses, the commitment, the work, and everything in between. That’s why we’ve collated a list of our most frequently asked questions and have answered them for you here.

If you can’t find your question below, don’t hesitate to get in touch via our contact page, or send us a message via Facebook. There are no stupid questions, so get in touch!

Can I enrol with Study From Home if I have a full-time job?

Yes! You can choose to study part-time or full-time with Study From Home, so if you already have a full-time job, you can study with us part-time as well. You will be expected to commit to 15 hours per week of study, which you can do during the evenings and weekends whenever suits you.

Do I have to log on at a particular time?

No. SFH is completely flexible in the fact that you set your own timetable for when you want to study. It is a course that is completely tailored to the individual student around their study times.

Are all my assessments essays?

No. Study From Home incorporates many assessment styles to ensure students are tested in ways that actually relate to the jobs in the industry. There is a mixture of written assessments, roleplays both via phone and video, online quiz assessments, and group Zoom assessments.

Is there any tutor help?

Definitely. There is a team of dedicated tutors available online, via email and phone Monday to Friday. All have industry experience and can draw upon their own work and knowledge.

How many hours a week do I need to study?

Study hours are based on your type of enrolment. Study From Home offers both part time and full time study options, and hours will range from 15-25 hours a week.

What happens if I don’t have a computer?

You absolutely must have your own personal laptop or computer before you enrol. If you currently share one with the family, you will need to ensure you obtain a laptop or computer of your own. This is because you will need to use it regularly for your studies.

I am worried I will fail.

The tutor team is here to help. You won’t fail – you will be given an opportunity to gain further understanding with tutorial explanations and guidance.

I have fallen behind.

The tutors will work with you to catch you up and get you back on track.

Can I do more studies than required and set out each week?

Yes. Once you are enrolled, you will have full access to the course page so you can move through quicker than is set out in your individualised study plan if you prefer.

I can’t start yet as I am going on holiday for a week.

Awesome news you are going away! We can get you a little ahead of schedule before you go away so you don’t fall behind when you return.

I know I love travel and tourism but don’t know what job I want to do. Can I still do the course?

Definitely! Lots of people are not 100% certain of what they want to do in the industry but know that this is an industry that excites them. While on the course you will find yourself exposed to the many different jobs in the industry, which will help you decide along the way. You will also realise that your qualification means you won’t only have a qualification for one job, but for the whole industry. Your skills will be able to be transferred to other areas of the industry.

The industry is non-existent at the moment so I probably won’t get a job.

Not true. While our borders remain closed into New Zealand, New Zealand’s domestic tourism market has never been busier! ITC has two career consultants that work with you to help you gain employment in the industry. We are also very lucky to have such close relationships within the industry, so tourism providers often come to us directly looking for graduates from ITC to join their teams.

I never studied travel or tourism at school, does this mean I can’t study it now?

You most definitely can. It is not a pre-requisite to have studied it before.

On what dates do Study From Home courses start throughout the year?

Study From Home offers ‘rolling start dates’ for maximum student flexibility and convenience. This means that students can begin their course on any Monday throughout the year.

Where are you located?

Study From Home is online, but our sister company, the International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) has locations in centres throughout the country, so you can visit a campus at any time if you wish to speak to a tutor in person. You’ll find our campus locations here.

How do I enrol?

Enrolment with Study From Home is a straight-forward process. Start by getting in touch with us to let us know you’re interested, then fill out the entry profile we send you. We’ll set up an information session where you can ask any questions and we’ll talk you through our course options and how it all works, then we’ll confirm your place. You can read more about the full Study From Home enrolment process here.

 How much does Study From Home cost?

Different Study From Home courses have different fees. You can find the costs for each one by visiting our Course Overview page, then clicking the ‘Find out more’ button for each page. The costs are at the bottom right of the page under ‘course fees’.

 How do I find my NSN number?

Study From Home is an affiliated Fees Free provider, which means that our courses are covered by the Fees Free initiative. To find out if you are eligible for the Fees Free initiative, you will need to enter your National Student Number (NSN) into the Fees Free website. If you are unsure about your NSN number, you can either ask your current school, or contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to track it down.

If you’re ready to enrol or have any further questions for us, use the details below to get in touch.

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/

Study From Home success: We speak to one of the first students completing the level 5 Diploma in Tourism & Travel online

Marise Barrett is one of the first students to complete the level 5 Diploma in Tourism & Travel online.

Study From Home recently started offering the New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel at level 5 on our popular Study From Home platform. It is an intensive one-year diploma that offers students the skills and knowledge they need for a general management career in the industry.

While students of ITC have been able to study this diploma for more than 15 years, it is new to Study From Home, and we have been keeping a close eye on the first group of students to work their way through this fast-paced and challenging course.

One of those students is Marise Barrett, who is currently working her way through the diploma. She has already completed the New Zealand Certificate in Tourism (Level 3) and the New Zealand Certificate in Travel (Level 4), and already has experience working in the industry.

We recently spoke to her to see how she was finding the diploma and the experience of studying from home. (more…)

Online communication tips for distance learners

When you study from home, most of your communication with classmates and tutors will be done online. Read on for some tips on how to communicate effectively via email and forums.

What do long distance relationships and studying from home have in common? The importance of communication.

Anyone who’s in a long distance relationship will know that communication is key. It’s hard to keep the love alive if you’re not regularly communicating with your partner.

The same ‘rule’ applies to distance learning. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to communicate with others, no matter how many miles keep you apart (thank you internet).

When you study from home, you’ll spend a lot of time chatting with tutors and classmates via email and online forums. Below we’ve outlined a few tips to help you navigate the world of online communication with ease.

1. Keep it real

The first thing to remember when communicating online is that you’re chatting to real people with real feelings! Your online classmates are just like you. Make sure you communicate with the same level of respect and compassion as you would in a classroom environment.

2. Keep it clean

Take care not to swear, make insensitive jokes, or use too much slang. You don’t have to be completely formal – the use of some ‘text language’ is okay within reason – but try to remember that not everyone will understand what you mean. Where possible, use polite and friendly language, and avoid making jokes that some people could find offensive.

3. Keep it concise

Try to communicate in a clear, concise manner so you don’t overwhelm your classmates with long messages. If your note is more than a few sentences, use paragraphs and subheadings to break up the text for easy reading.

4.Keep it appropriate

Online forums are for study purposes, so don’t use this tool to have private conversations or share inappropriate content. We understand that some conversations will naturally veer away from study, but try to stick to the topic at-hand where possible.

5. Keep it friendly

If you take one thing away from this article, make it this. As long as you communicate in a nice, friendly manner you can’t go too far wrong! Treat other people as you would like to be treated, and you’ll find that the world of online communication can be a warm and welcoming place.

How to make studying from home fun

Struggling to find the motivation to study from home? Read our three tips to help find the fun in learning.

We share a lot of study tips on this blog. From the best snacks to eat to stay focused, to how to study in summer when the beach is calling your name, we’re dedicated to helping you ace your travel and tourism assignments.

But all of our tips might be worthless if you don’t find any enjoyment in studying. Sure, there’s no avoiding some tedious tasks, but there are ways you can learn to love learning – you just need to think outside of the box.

Here are three tips to help make studying from home fun, so that it becomes less of a chore and more of a passion.

1. Invest in fun stationery

Studying is the perfect excuse to buy cute stationery (as if you needed another one!). Swap boring plain lined paper for a sketch pad, journal or even a whiteboard – whatever works for you. Also, try to use plenty of colour. Think bright felt tip pens and post-it notes. The aim of this is to help get your creative juices flowing. Not only will this make studying more fun, it’ll also encourage you to think creatively about what you’re learning.

2. Find real-world examples

Many people find study boring because they can’t connect what they’re learning on paper to what happens in the real world. Where possible, look for ways to experience what you’re learning first-hand. For example, if you are learning about what it’s like to work at the airport, why not visit your nearest airport for lunch and observe your surroundings? Or if you are learning about customer service, see if you can do some work experience at a local tourism operator.

3. Create a study playlist

Some people find music distracting when studying – if this is you, move right along to the next tip. But if you love bopping along to the beat while you learn, turn up the tunes and enjoy! Create a new study playlist every week as motivation to hit the books. Songs without words are best as they aren’t so distracting, but listen to whatever works for you.

The top three benefits of distance learning

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?

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Five myths about distance learning (and why you should ignore them)

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).

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Is studying from home right for you?

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?

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