Emily on Studying Tourism at TAFE

Why I chose to study TAFE

Chasing travel

At the moment I’m doing a tourism course at a local TAFE, I’m working part-time at a restaurant and doing some volunteer work at the local RSPCA.  When I was going through year 12 last year, all I wanted to do was to get out and travel and see different places. I’ve always considered it a passion of mine. Because of this I’ve decided to study tourism.

Being at TAFE

I never thought I’d be good enough for uni. I was more of a social person and wasn’t too worried about my academic results. I thought that, out of uni and TAFE, the latter would suit me better. And I’m so glad I made that decision. 

It has helped me financially because the course is quite short. My course is only 12 months, and then I’ll do another diploma on top of that for six months, and then I’m qualified. The staff are really supportive people, and it’s a really open environment. It feels welcoming and it was never confronting, even at the start when I was nervous about it. I know everyone is there to support me and help me improve. 

Plus the TAFE is really good at putting on social events where students can gather all together. It feels really connected, like all the students are part of a community. There are only 10 people in my tourism course, so it’s a really good class size and we get a lot of time with the teachers. 

Travelling and working

There are a lot of jobs in Queensland and other holiday destinations in Australia. Once I’m qualified I’m hoping to go up to Hamilton Island or somewhere similar. I want to work where the sun is. My plan is to travel and work at the same time. Meet new people, not just be in the one spot all the time. I want to see more of what’s out there. 

My advice for others

Whatever opportunities come up grab them with both hands. I know with year 12, going through online learning it doesn’t feel like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. But if there is something you’re interested in doing, seek it out. It might not seem like much at the beginning but you’ll never know where it leads.That’s what has happened with my tourism course, I thought it was just something that leads to being a flight attendant, but it’s so much more. It leads to jobs in resorts, hospitality, and even information centres. I’ve realised that the tourism industry is really broad.