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Subject Focus Week – Travel and Tourism: Students’ dream destinations
As part of subject focus week, we asked travel students to share their dream holiday destinations with us.
The travel and tourism industry has taken a big hit during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s clear people are itching to travel again and as soon as restrictions allow, the travel industry will be booming. Hopefully it will be back on its feet and more popular than ever!
Inesa Bucyte – Los Angeles, California, USA
One of my top dream holiday destinations has to be Los Angeles. The city of LA is full of bright lights at night, there’s never a dull moment there.
LA is one of the most diverse cities in America incorporating one of the largest Hispanic populations in the United States. It’s a centre of international trade, banking and tourism. Los Angeles is known for its Mediterranean climate and of course, the Hollywood entertainment industry.
One of the main reasons I would like to go to LA is due to their cuisine, their food looks absolutely amazing although I’m sure it consists of lots of calories. I would love to go to the Cheesecake Factory and try out their legendary desserts. I would also like to visit Universal Studios to go on the rides and explore the theme park.
The best hotels for a luxurious stay in the city are Hotel Bel-Air, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hill and The Ritz-Carlton. While on the more expensive side, all of them include either an outdoor or indoor pool plus spa for ultimate relaxation.
The greatest airlines to travel from London to Los Angeles direct are British Airways, Virgin and Emirates.
Some amazing places to visit in Los Angeles would be the Santa Monica pier & beach, the Hollywood walk of fame, Sunset Boulevard and The Grove shopping centre.
Jack Poole – Dubai, UAE
I would love to visit Dubai because it has some great scenery and fantastic shopping opportunities. Four decades ago there were no buildings in Dubai but now it is known for it’s amazing hotels and architecture.
The main attractions are the Burj Al Arab, a hotel shaped like a boats’ sail, Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world and the Dubai Mall which has shopping, an underwater zoo, aquarium and ice rink. You can also visit water parks and go sky diving in Dubai.
Dubai has a hot climate most of the year and is four hours ahead of the UK. It can be reached by London, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow airports. The currency there is the United Arab Emirates dirham.
Ellie May Rossiter – Flamingo Land, Yorkshire, England
If I could go anywhere in the world right now, I would love to go to my favourite staycation spot - Flamingo Land. As much as I love going abroad to a sunny and hot country, nothing beats a family holiday that is full of memories and laughter. Not only is this resort amazing, fun and adventurous, I know it like the back of my hand as I have been going there since the age of 6!
Flamingo Land is a zoo, theme park and holiday park all in one big resort and as for accommodation, you can stay in a holiday home, cottage, tree lodge, caravan or even go camping. There is also a splash park and an indoor pool that everyone can use if they are staying at the resort.
My top tip would be to stay in the resort. You can go to Flamingo Land just for a day, the park opens at 10am but if you are staying there, the park opens at 9am for the residents. This gives the customers an advantage because it means they can go on all the rides before the daytime visitors arrive.
For more information about Travel and Tourism courses at the college, visit https://www.southessex.ac.uk/travel-tourism
Success stories
My confidence has boosted massively and my work is recognised here. Last year I won who wants to be an entrepreneur and student of the year in business and logistics
South Essex College Group student, Chloe Wade, has been accepted as an Apprentice Marketing Executive for the BBC in White City.
Chloe is currently studying Level 3 Interactive Digital Media. She previously studied business at the college before swapping over to the Digital Media course. Other colleges didn’t supply the course she was looking for, and she felt that South Essex College Group provided the perfect environment and location to suit her needs.
Chloe applied for the apprentice position on Boxing day in December 2022 after finding the advert on Indeed. The interview process took six months and there were six different stages of the interview. Originally, there was supposed to be only five stages, however towards the end on the interview process it was whittled down to Chloe and another candidate so the BBC added an extra interview on top. The role is for a Marketing Executive Level 4 for 18 months, as well as being full-time with one day-a-week apprentice study through the online external provider.
When asked about the support from tutors, Chloe said: “They were all so encouraging, as each stage went on I informed my tutors. Darren who teachers audience theory, was so interested and excited, he was helping me prepare for everything and teaching me certain areas such as core values to put me ahead of everyone. They were so supportive, and I don’t think I would of got this far without their help.”
Chloe enjoys the flexibility at the college and secured work experience at which she created content for a zen and holistic company. She said: “The college offers such a variety of courses and freedom.
“The courses are structured, but you get freedom as well, for example for my final project I chose to rebrand a cosmetic palette, where as another student created a music video. You all have the same criteria but freedom too. If you are worried, try it and give it a shot, the opportunities here are so wide.”
She added: “My confidence has boosted massively and my work is recognised here. Last year I won who wants to be an entrepreneur and student of the year in business and logistics. My work recognised given me a boost. I work really hard and I’m so proud of how far I have come. The college appreciates you as an individual and gives you praise when you do work really hard.”
Chloe hopes to have her own business one day, in marketing, doing social media and content creating. As well as hoping to study Level 5 and 6 at the BBC.
Ethan hopes to produce music in games production as a career and performs rap and hip hop as well as his studio work. His final message to anyone struggling with autism or any mental health issue is: “Remember it’s okay to be not okay.”
South Essex College student Ethan Khumalo, 20, from Southend on Sea has taken part in a BBC documentary series ‘Inside Our Autistic Minds’, which is presented by wildlife expert Chris Packham who himself lives with autism.
Ethan studies Games Design at the college’s Centre for Digital technologies in Basildon and has progressed from a Level 2 course through to currently studying for a degree. Ethan was asked to participate through his involvement in the Anna Kennedy Online charity which aims to raise autism awareness.
Ethan said that he enjoyed the whole filming process and that Chris Packham was really down-to-earth. He commented: “I learned a lot about how TV crews work and really got along with Chris. I am really excited about the show.”
Talking of his autism, Ethan explained that he prepared in advance before attempting his studies. He said: “With autism and other mental health issues preparation makes you feel more comfortable and you have to make the best of your abilities. You have good days and bad days the same as anyone but personally, If I have moments where it doesn’t go so well, music helps me.”
Ethan’s tutor, Rama Maccha said: Ethan is a dedicated and committed student who never misses a deadline. He is wonderful with sound and has helped younger students with their projects.”
Rathi Raman, the Head Basildon Town Centre Campus (BTC) would like to thank all the staff and students who volunteered to take part in this filming, and to the Estates team at Basildon Campus for providing hospitality to Chris Peckham and the BBC crew on the day of filming.
Ethan hopes to produce music in games production as a career and performs rap and hip hop as well as his studio work. His final message to anyone struggling with autism or any mental health issue is: “Remember it’s okay to be not okay.”
To watch the episode, follow the below link:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001jgbw/inside-our-autistic-minds-series-1-episode-2
For more information on the Anna Kennedy charity, visit the below:
Celebrating Success 2022: Maison Lundrigan
Course studied
It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.
Maison Lundrigan was named Motor Vehicle Student of the Year for his dedication and the consistent hard work he put into his studies.
The 18-year-old was praised for the high quality of his work and the fact that he was the first to pass his online exams.
He has excelled during his time at the college, so much so, he is now embarking on a three-year apprenticeship programme at the college.
Maison has achieved all this despite living with additional needs.
He said it felt ‘brilliant’ to win the award and ‘it’s made me realise that I can achieve even with my disability.’
He added: “I chose the college because it offered the right course for me.
“It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.”
Maison is now looking forward to his apprenticeship so he can pursue his dream of becoming a car mechanic.
His tutor said: “He is a pleasant and well-mannered young man that any college or employer would be pleased to have. Maison has a very bright future ahead of him.”
