The day after completing her last semester in the Hotel and Restaurant Operations program, Dealya Coon departed with the Be World Ready program’s International Field Studies group to Ireland, April 28 to May 6.
“The trip was better than anything I could have imagined,” said Coon. “The history we learned about was incredible, not only from our tour guide, but just from talking to the locals; I learned there are thousands of perspectives and versions of each story.”
As Niagara College celebrates the beginning of another term, students of the Be World Ready program’s IFS trip to Ireland celebrate the beginning of a fresh outlook on cultural engagement. Coon shared that the people of Ireland were so warm and welcoming that the country felt like a home away from home.
More than 20 students from the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport traveled to Ireland to learn first-hand Irish culture and history of its beverage industry.
“The International Field Studies are a key example of how Niagara College is globally and culturally engaged,” said Maxine Semple, cultural and global engagement manager. “It allows the opportunity to strengthen and cultivate culturally intelligent students through their immersion in a new culture as well as prepare our students for the workplace by showcasing their industry from a different perspective while abroad.”
Led by Brian and Mary Beccario, professors in the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport, the IFS group visited iconic destinations in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
“Each experience can be categorized and expanded upon into lesson that I teach at NC and every experience can be shared back in the classroom,” said Mary. “Whether it’s describing the airplane check-in, descriptions of the castles and towns visited, general transportation, or food and beverage, there are endless stories to share.
“These experiences can be applied to all of my classes: marketing, tourism technology, sales, group travel, introduction to hospitality and tourism etc.”
Students also had the opportunity to attend seminars hosted by NC’s international academic partners, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), and delivered by their professors.
“My International Field Studies trip to Ireland was one of the most remarkable trips of my life and has had a great impact on my career path,” said Lokesh Khismatrao, Hotel and Restaurant Operations student.
Khismatrao explained that the seminars at NC’s academic partner institutes in Ireland inspired him to consider continuing his studies at CIT in their beverage revenue management program after graduating from Niagara College. In addition, Khismatrao commented on the enhancements he will be able to make on his resume due to the academic activities he participated in while in Ireland. He encourages all students to take part in an IFS trip if they have the opportunity.
Another IFS group will visit Ireland October 20 to October 28, 2018, and will engage students in the Business Management program. In addition to exploring Irish culture, students will also have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals. Participants in this IFS trip will engage in a learning opportunity with Cork Institute of Technology students, on campus, while participating in workshops on, “Leadership” each morning, followed by cultural excursions in the afternoon. This trip will be led by NC professor and Human Resources program coordinator Holly Catalfamo, PhD.
The Be World Ready program continuously strives to create world-ready and work-ready graduates. Offering culturally diverse learning environments, the program aims to give NC students the competitive edge to launch their careers and also develop global competencies through an international experience.
For more information on upcoming IFS trips and the Be World Ready program, please visit beworldready.ca.
