Development of international relations and connected realistic projects to begin next semester
The tourism department of KJU is involving students in more and more business and entrepreneurial projects, the purpose of which being to help students internalize the curriculum. The activity of tourism is nowadays best served by a global mindset. Furthermore, in parallel with the advancement of international tourism, the local industry will also develop significantly. In line with the student focused education at Kodolányiand in order for students to acquire a know ledge competitive with market demands, head of department Dr. Tamara Rátz and project manager Dr. Martin Zsarnóczky are planning to open a major international tourism project.
It has been about a year ago that talks have begun to base the possibility of taking part in an international project. It can be really beneficial in the field of tourism to collaborate, think together and solve assignments and problematic cases by integrating educational processes. To take part in such a large scale project next year is a real success story to Kodolányi University. A couple of years ago, Suzanne Markham-Bagnera Ph.D, educator at Boston University’s Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, has started building a system of international relations and has now been joined by KJU’s tourism department. At present, KJU, as sole partner from Hungary, is joined globally by the most successful universities from New Zealand, Hong Kong, France, Germany and England – coordinator of the project is Boston University.
Before each semester, the world’s top leading touristic companies send their most up-to-date and specific questions to Boston University. The specialty dealing with the questions changes each semester. In the last semester, HR questions regarding generation Y have been dealt with. Next semester will be focusing on housing/lodging and hotel administration. The questions are processed by student groups and evaluated. During the work, the emphasis is rather on the active participation of the students in international groups than on the outcome. Dr. Martin Zsarnóczky has told KV the following about the way universities on different continents can collaborate:
“Very simply, with the exception of the New Zealand university. The different student groups can interactively solve their part of the assignment with the help of Skype for Business in timeframes discussed in advance. The schedule is managed by appointed assistants. Due to the big time difference, the university in New Zealand has agreed to take its part out from the work in a time slot before and after the others, in a tight timeframe.” He added: “We highly recommend this fantastic opportunity to the Kodolányi students who want to get into international tourism and want to gain personal international contacts. Taking part in this project can be a highly positive influence on their carriers. High level English language skills, fast problem solving and previous experience in team work will be key in the execution of assignments.”
Lastly, a few important information to those interested in this opportunity: you can apply to the Class 2 Class project by sending your EUROPASS CV via email to martin@kodolanyi.hu . Hungarian and international students can apply until February. Taking part in the project does not guarantee university credits, however it can have a positive effect on your personal professional advancement.
