“I’m only this age once!” - student all set for Asian Adventure
A fourth year student is being given the opportunity to build experience in the tourism industry by spending three months in Vietnam.
BA (Hons) International Tourism and Events Management student James Prentice will spend 12 weeks working at one of Vietnam’s most historical sites: the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi.
His role as Tour Guide Intern is part of the British University Vietnam’s 2024 Work Experience Programme, which gives Undergraduate students from around the world the chance to gain cultural knowledge, while also enhancing their employability skills.
James jumped at the chance to get involved after recognising it as the perfect way to conclude his degree.
“My lecturer Nick Davies got in touch with the whole course about the opportunity,” explained James.
“I had a think about it for a few days because it’s obviously quite far away. I then thought about how I’m only this age once and might not get the opportunity again, so I decided to go for it.
“I also recognised this was such a good thing to add to my CV. I see myself working in the tourism sector in future, so this is the ideal way to start.”
Despite the prospect of three months away from home, James is excited to make the most of the experience.
He said: “I think my mum nearly had a heart attack when I first told her I was going away for that length of time! I’m actually going to miss graduation which is really sad but this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
“My role as Tour Guide Intern will basically involve me leading on-site English speaking tours with tourists, delegates, students and locals. I’m still waiting to find out more about it but I’ll be giving them lots of information on the different historic buildings within the Imperial Citadel and also providing them with an overview to the history of Vietnam. I’m going to be trying my best to learn as much as possible over the next few months.”
James is also looking to take full advantage of his weekends and experience all that Asia has to offer.
“I’ve never been to Asia before so it would be amazing to go to some other nearby countries. I’ll be working 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, so I’m looking to do a bit of travelling on my days off - hopefully with lots of new friends. I’m well aware it’s going to be very warm though - I’ll need to make sure I’ve got my factor 50 sun cream with me!”
James added: “I never thought when I applied that I would actually get accepted. It’ll be good to just go over and try something outside of my comfort zone. I’m definitely just going to try and make the most of it.”
Find out more about the BA (Hons) International Tourism and Events programme here
By Ross Clark
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