Our Tourism Studies Students Are Going Places!

….and here is what they have to say about their experiences at Brock!

Anthony Hunter

Bachelor of Tourism Studies

Niagara College Transfer Student

“After receiving my diploma in Tourism in the year 2000 from Niagara College , I knew I wanted to continue my education specializing in the tourism industry. By exploring my degree completion opportunities I quickly came to realize the advantages of attending Brock University in St. Catharines . At Brock a portion of my degree was transferred to me due to Brock’s articulation agreement with Niagara College . The process quickly led me into Brock University ’s Bachelor of Tourism Studies honours program where I specialized in the planning and development aspects of tourism. At Brock I found a wonderful learning environment and a great variety of didactic resources available to me right on campus. The student body and professors that I have come into contact with in the Tourism Studies program have truly helped me to create an educationally enriching and memorable experience.”

Tony Xu Xhen

China

Graduate Studies, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

“As a Chinese international student in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, I enjoy a wide range of up-to-date research achievements in this field. The professors’ attention and expertise have guided me in exploring new directions in my research. The Brock graduate program offers me a practical research philosophy and methodology as well as academic theories. This new knowledge gives me a much deeper and more direct cognition of the differences and gaps in the travel industry between China and the western world. Abundant and accessible resources, intensive and substantial research, varied extracurricular activities, beautiful and friendly campus. All of these have helped build for me a great place to learn and a home away from home.”

Amy Skelton

Bachelor of Tourism Studies

Winner of the TTRA Student Essay Award

“I can honestly say that winning the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Student Competition Award was the highlight of my university career. I am very proud of myself, knowing how much work I had put into my report and having it pay off. I was very excited to learn that my creativity and writing skills were recognized by the industry!

I was flown to the annual TTRA conference in Edmonton , Alberta . All expenses were paid for and I received a cash award. I was also given the opportunity to present my paper during a luncheon. Attending this conference was an excellent opportunity to liaise with professionals in various sectors of the tourism industry. I actually made contacts for prospective job opportunities for when I graduate. During this experience I had a feeling of success and self-confidence knowing that my written work was selected nation-wide and recognized amongst professionals within the industry. Best of all, my essay was published in the organization’s annual proceedings.

It just goes to show that when you really do love the program that you’re in and you’re given the opportunity to be creative, greater opportunities present themselves that could ultimately change your future! You just have to work for them!

Brock really is a phenomenal school. Since I am one of the first graduates from the Tourism Studies program, many changes have occurred within the degree program since the day I began it. These changes look so exciting! I am envious of the students coming to Brock in the future; not only because they are coming to Brock, but also for the many opportunities that the Tourism Studies program will bring. It took me a year at another university (which I will not mention here) previous to my studies at Brock to realize that you really do need to follow your interests and do what makes you happy. Choosing Brock and the Tourism Studies program was the best decision I ever made. Although I’ve had a ton of fun, I also worked very hard in my four years here at Brock! But it has also been the most rewarding and has taught me a lot about myself. Each professor that I had was extremely helpful in making my university career a more enjoyable experience. Just be sure to balance your school life, AND your social life to get the most out of your university experience.”

Rachel Gibson

Bachelor of Tourism Studies

Member of Recreation & Tourism Student Society

“I was involved with the tourism program as a representative and a member of the Recreation & Tourism Student Society and held the position as Co-Vice President. The Recreation & Tourism Student Society consists of members of the student body and faculty advisors who plan events to engage the student population. This council holds movie nights, socials, Christmas parties and formals throughout the year. Our tourism program gathered for fun events such as bowling, mini-golf, dinner outings, and many other events put on by the Recreation & Tourism Student Society. For incoming students who like to be involved and organize events - this is the student council that you have been looking for! There will be positions open every year for first year representatives. Other executive positions open annually as some of our upper year students graduate.”

Karla Boluk

Brock Bachelor of Tourism Studies Student

Went on International Exchange from Brock to at Karlstad University , Sweden

“I was given the opportunity to study abroad at Karlstad University in Sweden .  Many positive experiences contributed to my overall impression but there were confidence-building challenges as well.  Arriving in a different culture was at first overwhelming.  I felt a rush of energy to eagerly pursue the experience.  This one was to be the most rewarding while the most personally demanding.

University classes in Sweden are different from those at Brock. There, one takes one subject at a time.  Classes were instructed in English and included a mosaic of students from all over the world.  It was an excellent opportunity to share and compare perspectives on a variety of subjects.

My excursions took me around Sweden , Finland , Denmark and Greece where I cruised, swam, dogsled, skied, sampled the local cuisine and visited landmarks such as museums, churches and castles.  The sights were breathtaking and I forged new friendships and continually corresponded.  It was an awesome experience, broadening my horizons and teaching me lessons beyond learning form books.  Besides learning some of the Swedish language, I learned to be independent, responsible and resourceful as well as further appreciate my Canadian identity.  Thank you Brock for this outstanding opportunity!”

Jacqui Petro

Tourism Studies Student On International Exchange at Brock

From Canberra University, Australia , Winter 2002

“I wanted to participate in the international exchange program as I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself in a new and exciting environment and also continue my degree at the same time. An exchange would provide the chance to see and live in another culture. I study at University of Canberra in Australia and selected Brock as I liked the idea of living in snow and a ‘winter wonderland’. Due to the nature of my course in tourism, an exchange would broaden the scope of my study and allow me to understand the broadness of this industry within another country. I have found my exchange a great experience and have enjoyed making friends who I hope to keep for many years to come. One day I would like to show them the sights of my country!.”  

Li Ji

International Student From China Has an Excellent Placement Experience While Earning a

Bachelor of Tourism Studies Degree at Brock!

Li Ji graduated in 2003. She had a placement opportunity with St Catharines Tourism Office where she created a package tour route for St Catharines.  Her plan was so good that it was implemented!