SA field guide training an ideal fit for international students

Source: Biz Community, 25/07/2018

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the South African
tourism industry will continue to contribute positively to the economy
year-on-year. As such, programmes targeted at young, international
students making their way to the country for upskilling has become
renowned.

Field guide training, which has become a forerunner in the tourism
industry job market is one such programme which exposes students to
the wild and enables them to learn about guide principles, animal
behaviour, biomes, climate, as well as hospitality in the game lodge
industry. Bushwise Recruitment, a post-matric training academy
provides students with the opportunity to explore the best that South
Africa has to offer.

Academy founder, Sophie Niemann says it`s their international student
in-take that has remained steady since 2012 �` and through its vast
industry network, assists with securing employment for its graduates
at some of the country’s most prestigious lodges.

`The fact that students from outside SA are coming here to further
their education in this niche industry is wonderful. It bodes so well
for tourism in our country and places South Africa on an international
stage. Further, it demonstrates that Bushwise is recognised as leaders
in this industry as well,` says Niemann.
Developing SA ambassadors

Although securing employment for South African students remain the
academy’s first priority, Niemann says international graduates make an
equally positive contribution to the industry outside of the country,
despite not being employed here. `The knowledge that international
student’s gain during the programme develops them into South African
ambassadors who would easily be able to articulate the beauty of our
natural resources and the enriching experiences tourists can have
here. It’s also the stepping stone for their careers in international
conservation.`

Niemann adds that many of Bushwise’s international students also go
back home and engage in public discussions on their experiences in
South Africa and the value of studying towards this qualification in a
country well-known around the world for its wildlife.

`The fact that we have these men and women from all over the world are
coming here for a purpose, achieving that and going back home and
promoting not only the programme but the country as a whole is
wonderful, and continues to build SA’s reputation globally, which is
exactly what we need as a nation needs.`